Jeez, my Ranger is "leaning"
#1
Jeez, my Ranger is "leaning"
Hi Folks, this is something that annoys me to no end: My little 2.5 4-banger is leaning towards to driver side. When I measured the distance from the wheel wells to the ground, the left side is a full 1.5 inches lower than the right side. Now I weigh about 245 lbs and drove most of its 52k miles alone, never a really heavy load in the back. Is it possible just because of my weight that the left coil springs have weakened and cause the "lean"? Gee I would think a pick-up would have adequate springs to support the imbalance in the cab for a bit longer than 4 yrs / 52k miles on ONLY paved road.
IF you find this must be the cause, do you know if there are heavy-duty springs that would prevent this from happening down the road? I find the whole issue quite disappointing and voiced my opinion to Ford, who acknowledged it but wasn't willing to make further comments.
Thanks,
Carsten / CT
IF you find this must be the cause, do you know if there are heavy-duty springs that would prevent this from happening down the road? I find the whole issue quite disappointing and voiced my opinion to Ford, who acknowledged it but wasn't willing to make further comments.
Thanks,
Carsten / CT
Last edited by moenko; 08-08-2005 at 08:32 AM. Reason: Font Color didn't work well :(
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#7
I've definitely noticed it on my truck, that it leans a little to the drivers side, but never actually measured. I've only ever really paid attention to it in my parking lot outside my apartment and have just attributed it to an un-level parking space because I usually park in the same spot. Maybe i'll go out and measure today just to see.
#11
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Originally Posted by gvranger
I've definitely noticed it on my truck, that it leans a little to the drivers side, but never actually measured. I've only ever really paid attention to it in my parking lot outside my apartment and have just attributed it to an un-level parking space because I usually park in the same spot. Maybe i'll go out and measure today just to see.
All the others, thanks for your comments!
#16
well i just got home from school and checked... both sides of the front suspension are equal heights, but from the top of the tire to the wheel well directly above it, (and also from the ground to the bottom of the bumper) the left side is approximately 1/2" lower than the right side... I wonder if when I crank my torsion bars I can just crank the right side a little more until it evens out?
note: heights on the back are equal from right to left side - both from the top of the wheel to the wheel well above it, and several places on the ground to the body and suspension (leaf springs): all equal on the back.
note: heights on the back are equal from right to left side - both from the top of the wheel to the wheel well above it, and several places on the ground to the body and suspension (leaf springs): all equal on the back.
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Originally Posted by moenko
Kevin, would be interested in the results... I have consciously looked at other (driving or parked) small trucks and never noticed the "tilt" as obvious as in mine. Maybe I fill a blow-up doll with concrete and sit it in the passenger seat HAHAH...
All the others, thanks for your comments!
All the others, thanks for your comments!
Aaron
#20
Well, with all the posts I guess it's safe to assume that my "tilt" is a natural setting process. Since I am (probably) heavier than most other Ranger drivers here, I can see that my difference of 1.5" in ground-to-wheel well lips is well within "normal" limits. The idea of swapping coils springs left to right as suggested by Leo in post#14 seems to make sense to equal the setting process on both coils. Guess at 6'4" I should be looking into a F-150 eventually anyway, although I love the litte Ranger. Thanks again folks!
#23
Hmm i wondered what caused the lean myself. I have a 98 ranger and it doesnt lean (if it does its a tiny bit) i checked the distances and all of them were right the same.And im a BIG dude.6'0 375lbs and i was totally surpised that my ranger doesnt have a lean.BTW i have had it for 2 years and almost 50K miles
#24
Found this an interesting topic, as I, too have been bothered with the driver's side sag. My car, though, is over 35 years old. Your (then) four year old truck should not have this problem. The fix, in my case, was the torsion bar. The attached link might be of interest, even if your Ranger is much bigger than my Karmann Ghia!
TheSamba.com :: View topic - My ghia leans on one side.....???? is there a FIX?
TheSamba.com :: View topic - My ghia leans on one side.....???? is there a FIX?
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