Tech Thread - Ford Ranger

[Mr. Red Sleeper]

The cross going bad is a common occurrence in these vans.
I was told with the previous one, that mc earneny doesn't grease this as they should every 15000 kms or so.
You then have to go to the firm to get it replaced at an exorbitant cost if not under warranty.

get it greased from time to time to avoid this.ESP with the 4x4 models.

[vharripersad]

What the the cross do though? What is its purpose? Could u use ur vehicle without a cross?

[Strugglerzinc]

Its a universal joint between the sections of the driveshaft. No you can't drive without it

[vharripersad]

people, dad got the cross replaced today on the Ranger. Firm said its a wear and tear part and that warranty does not cover such. Dad pay 250 to have it replaced, labor free.

Mum is upset about this, she said its pure BS and she is going to return the van to them and have them give her a new one. Situation bad, a couple of managers are currently trying to calm her down since she threaten to call up Mr Sabga lol

[Jeremy Mohd]

250!?? or 2500?

[Jeremy Mohd]

Wait a min - 20k and you need to change disc brakes?

just got back mine from 10000 service.
Went in complaining about a serious vibration on steering wheel when slowing down.
They said the rotors were warped due to probably heating and cooling.
Service cost $1339.00.
No charge for polishing of rotors(warranty).

Happy again with van.
Apparently , going thru water after long driving and associated braking, can cause your discs to warp and in some cases crack. So be careful driving thru water,, puddles etc.

Yes CM, 20,000Km, and I'm told the front discs have about 1/4 left. The mileage is not a true reflection of the use of the van; I prob spend 3 - 4 hours everyday in slow moving traffic.
Ford also do not have any disc pads for the Ranger in stock (FRIGGING RETARDED!!)

I am looking for another brand to buy outside the firm, and will change it elsewhere. (Open to recommendations)
I wait too long I will damage the rotors, and will probably have to kidnap someone to get that changed under warranty. (even though it's their fault I can't get the disc pads)

My 20,000KM service cost $1089 after discount. Thats just oil/diesel filter/fuel filter/labour.

[V2NR 3.0]

Where can i get the gauge cluster to purchase ? - That sheit looks real good

[civic minded]

firm have it - you have to pay throu your nose for it

[vharripersad]

Civic minded, r u sure, i enquired and they said they dont have it? If u r sure, what to ask for and who to speak with?

Also guys, the cross cost 250 not 2500

[civic minded]

well they used to have it - when i bought my ranger - i inquired and told the price.

[Jeremy Mohd]

I asked as well about it; the salesman said even though I have the barebone 3.0, it wasnt wired for it, and it's not simple to install.
Think he said it cost about $8,000, but they dont stock it.

I don't believe any of that though

[V2NR 3.0]

I asked as well about it; the salesman said even though I have the barebone 3.0, it wasnt wired for it, and it's not simple to install.
Think he said it cost about $8,000, but they dont stock it.

I don't believe any of that though

8000tt for a 3 gauge instrument cluster set up ? - Thats insane.
Regarding it not being simple or easy to install - oh please, we getting that to work like factory install anywhere any day

[V2NR 3.0]

Hi,Guys very nice pics some of them are look like an adventure.

Get best acessories for your vehicle like shift knobs, racing pedals, license frames, hitch covers and a whole lot more.
Cheers!!!
RBP Truck Accessories

Nice site but limited....nothing for the BT50

[Jeremy Mohd]

Nice site if I had an F250

[civic minded]

Hi,Guys very nice pics some of them are look like an adventure.

Get best acessories for your vehicle like shift knobs, racing pedals, license frames, hitch covers and a whole lot more.
Cheers!!!
RBP Truck Accessories

WTF - iz spam he spam we dey? LOL

[Sabot]

Wait a min - 20k and you need to change disc brakes?

just got back mine from 10000 service.
Went in complaining about a serious vibration on steering wheel when slowing down.
They said the rotors were warped due to probably heating and cooling.
Service cost $1339.00.
No charge for polishing of rotors(warranty).

Happy again with van.
Apparently , going thru water after long driving and associated braking, can cause your discs to warp and in some cases crack. So be careful driving thru water,, puddles etc.

Yes CM, 20,000Km, and I'm told the front discs have about 1/4 left. The mileage is not a true reflection of the use of the van; I prob spend 3 - 4 hours everyday in slow moving traffic.
Ford also do not have any disc pads for the Ranger in stock (FRIGGING RETARDED!!)

I am looking for another brand to buy outside the firm, and will change it elsewhere. (Open to recommendations)
I wait too long I will damage the rotors, and will probably have to kidnap someone to get that changed under warranty. (even though it's their fault I can't get the disc pads)

My 20,000KM service cost $1089 after discount. Thats just oil/diesel filter/fuel filter/labour.

Sold my last ranger with the original brake pads and rotors doing 120,000km. Cross was changed at about 80,000km and cost 2200 from the stealership

[Jeremy Mohd]

Manual or auto?

[Sabot]

Manual or auto?

Manual...

[homeboy]

Friend of mine change his brake pads on his 4x4 manual TBU series last month for the first time since he bought the van from the firm.......i think that was really good service.

Van now doing 110,000kms....

[civic minded]

the WLT i have reached 107K and the brake pads did'nt need changing yet!

[Jeremy Mohd]

Well I took mine down today, and the original pads were almost to the metal. At 20,000KM.

Ford doesnt have the original in stock, had to settle for Bosch. Really not great at all.
I am trying really had to find a better disc, and possible a slotted and driller rotor to replace the original. The Bosch has already scrathed the rotors, and I will have to get them machined and polished before putting back the original Tokico pads when I get them.

[civic minded]

what the hell- i am doing 30+ on my tdci right now - i better have the pads check to see if they need changing. How come the new ones going so quickly? it doesn't make sense

[Jeremy Mohd]

I really dont know.
Spoke to a mech I know in ford, and he says he saw a few where the pads were gone by 20k.

It really could be my driving, (which is what I want to believe). I am always in stop n go traffic.

But have it checked, would like to see if it happened to someone else..

Any idea's where I can get the original pads? Or of a better brand to use? All I can get is the Bosch or Mintex; both of which are CRAP.

[civic minded]

will the firm allow you to install another brakepads other than what they have??

[Jeremy Mohd]

Yes.

I asked if it would affect the warranty. They said no.

[civic minded]

good- let me know where you went so i will go as well.

[Cooper]

got a question.... technically speaking there are actually three crosses on the prop shaft from the transmission to the rear differential, which one is the most common to go bad?.... front, center or rear?

(note to self, repack the grease gun)

[vharripersad]

Went Mileage Mack today and learn a couple of things:
1) I am doing 38K and my brakes life is down to quarter. Mileage Mack Technician said I will need to change in a couple of months time. I read my Ford Manual, it said that the brakes will screech when it needs changing, this is a built in feature in the brakes pad itself to make it screech when it is due for change out. QUESTION-- What brand should I go with? Certainly I don't want to go back to the original since it last a very short time. (My driving pattern is NOT sudden braking)
2) I saw a AT Toyo 265/70/R16 at Mileage Mack today and the bead is nice, not like the regular tyres but more like square slanted if u know what I mean. I also read a chart at Mileage Mack (Source is Tyre review 2009 I think) and Toyo rated best than all other tyres except for quality- Michelin rated best in Quality then Toyo. All other brands like Pireli Kumho etc were below in the list. Also advise that the Toyo 265/70R16 will work in the Ford Ranger without touching as Toyo specs are slightly smaller than the other tyres. For example, a Toyo 265/70R16 is slighly narrower than that of a Kumho. Also advise that the ride comfort in Toyo is much better than Kumho and the price is slightly cheaper than the Kumho. So I think I will settle for the Toyo now unless otherwise advised from you guys.
3) My van real dirty underneath, how much times for the year is wise to underwash, I don't drive in mud or dirt, only paved roads.
4) I raise this issue on the forum and was told it's mind over matter, but SERIOUSLY, my van real powerful, more acceleration, less engine noise since I started fueling at UNIPET. Anyone have similar experience?
5) Are we suppose to use fuel treatment? Cause the Ford Manual book clearly said not to use any

6) Many questions posted here, will appreciate all feedback. Thanks

[homeboy]

^ 38k should be good for your brakes to still have 1/4 life left....from some posts above some tuners get less than that, i recommend to go back with the original b-pads to avoid any future issues. The screeching noise is standard with most new vehicles but don't wait to hear it...

Did you price the Toyo? 265/70/16 will work as i am using 275/70/16 on my Ranger with little touching only when turning.

I underwash once every 3 months as i only do on road driving and not to often also, but i like to see below my van clean so once it starting to buildup dirt time to clean.

Fuel treatment i use but not often, once my van not smoking more than normal i not using any treatment......my 3 cents......lol....

[Jeremy Mohd]

Brakes:
38K is great. Dont wait for the last 1/4 change it now.
Do not buy bosch/mintex/wagner. The GIC is working ok now for me, it's available at Bobbys for $260.
The original replacement in the firm for the 4x4 is 1300+Vat a set; they have a few in stock now.

Unipet:
I dont know if its mind over matter, but I dont care. I only ever full up at the unipet it St. Augustine. Might be biased though, as I know both the night and day shift managers.
With the piss poor diesel we get in TT, why take the chance at fueling in any ole station.

Toyo's;
I have the 265/70/R16; I've said it many times, it wont touch unless your braking hard, taking a corner, and the van is loaded.
Excellent tyre on and off road. Guys here have said it wears kinda fast, but I have 15,000K on them, and they look brand new.

Underwash;
After every rally/run/mud/trail etc. Underwash and a double dose of shock oil and gease between the leafs and torsion bar contact points.

Fuel Treatment;
With proper oil/oil filter/fuel filter changes, you van should not smoke. But I use the Amsoil Diesel Treatment (One that seriously smells like a dead bushbug), and I havent had any problems since.