TSB 20-2277 2019-2020 Ranger - Shudder/Vibration When Accelerating From A Stop

[landiscarrier]

Reading through the TSB procedure I noticed they are wanting the techs to inspect for any aftermarket changes to the suspension and verify that the front and rear ride height is within specification before proceeding with installing the shims. See section 204-00. So I wonder how many of us who have installed leveling kits either ourselves or performed by Ford would be excluded from having the TSB performed with Ford claiming the vibration is due to the modification so they won't install the kit. I suspect this will come up despite the issue is present in both stock as well as leveled trucks.

Plus it’s a TSB not a recall so (if I’m correct) technically they don’t have to do it for free if they don’t feel it’s an issue with your particular vehicle.

Sponsored

 

[landiscarrier]

they arent excluding you, theyre just saying that the TSB as written wont apply and they need to use different data.

but i bet you, if you do have a lift, this wont be a free warranty fix if you need yours adjusted.

I agree!

 

[Porpoise Hork]

they arent excluding you, theyre just saying that the TSB as written wont apply and they need to use different data.

but i bet you, if you do have a lift, this wont be a free warranty fix if you need yours adjusted.

Very true.

It may come down to individual dealerships, with some being more lenient than others on getting this done.

 

[ChiefQM]

I am happy to see this TSB. Both the dealerships in Clearwater were adamant the vehicle was performing properly. I have scheduled the Ranger in for 9/11 for the work and will report back.

As a side note, I drove to the north GA mountains 2 weeks ago. I have started accelerating to highway speeds (onramps) using the sport mode and winding up near redline, and did not experience much of the shudder as if I had left it in drive. I did notice it at highway speeds in the background, though. The shudder, bucking etc seemed worse after I had stopped for a few minutes to take a break. In the mountains, I drove on US-129 and used the sport mode on the winding roads. For the first time, I really enjoyed driving the truck. Here's hoping this TSB addresses the issue.

 

[BowWow]

So instead of shimming the center bearing. A much easier solution and all but proves my theory that they lifted the rear suspension but didn't account for this in the drive line angle. They decided to go with rotating the rear axle instead on the left side.

Interesting.

I'm definitely curious to hear from people who have had this done if it solves the issue or not. Until then I will wait, but if/when I do take it in to have this done, I will remove the shims I installed over the center bearing first.

Hey Hork, did your shim fix the problem? Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[ChiefQM]

I am happy to see this TSB. Both the dealerships in Clearwater were adamant the vehicle was performing properly. I have scheduled the Ranger in for 9/11 for the work and will report back.

As a side note, I drove to the north GA mountains 2 weeks ago. I have started accelerating to highway speeds (onramps) using the sport mode and winding up near redline, and did not experience much of the shudder as if I had left it in drive. I did notice it at highway speeds in the background, though. The shudder, bucking etc seemed worse after I had stopped for a few minutes to take a break. In the mountains, I drove on US-129 and used the sport mode on the winding roads. For the first time, I really enjoyed driving the truck. Here's hoping this TSB addresses the issue.

I have already had resistance from the dealer. They apparently don't feel the need to order the shim kit noted in the TSB for stock until they have looked at each individual whiner's (that would be me, apparently) vehicle to see if the TSB applies. Good Lord. Forty three years ago, I was a service writer for Chevrolet trained by General Motors Institute in Chicago, a parts man for VW before that and have sold Chryslers and Fords since. Never have I seen a corporate attitude so resistant to working with customers to resolve problems. Back in the day, we may have silently thought the owner was nuts, but we always worked with them to resolve the problem. Today, nothing. It is truly aggravating.

 

[landiscarrier]

I have already had resistance from the dealer. They apparently don't feel the need to order the shim kit noted in the TSB for stock until they have looked at each individual whiner's (that would be me, apparently) vehicle to see if the TSB applies. Good Lord. Forty three years ago, I was a service writer for Chevrolet trained by General Motors Institute in Chicago, a parts man for VW before that and have sold Chryslers and Fords since. Never have I seen a corporate attitude so resistant to working with customers to resolve problems. Back in the day, we may have silently thought the owner was nuts, but we always worked with them to resolve the problem. Today, nothing. It is truly aggravating.

GM is ALWAYS better and more accommodating about doing TSB’s and warranty work. My son is a GM tech and if there’s a TSB they just do it. Ford always seems to fight it

 

[Techcargt]

Not a cheap fix , https://parts.tedbritt.com/oem-part...line-re-kb3z4c088b?c=az0xJnE9S0IzWi00QzA4OC1B

 

[quangdog]

I just went out and followed the first part of the TSB to do the measurements to see how much mine is off. I've noticed a slight flutter on light acceleration from a stop up to 12-15 mph since the truck was brand new. I did install a Rough Country 2.5" leveling kit at around 2000 miles, but didn't notice it make the flutter any better or worse.

Here are some pictures of my exact measurements. First, zero my inclinometer on a flat edge of the frame:

Then measure the flange yoke on the rear diff with it rotated to be parallel to the ground:

Subtract the rear diff measurement from 5.25, and I get -1.05º. So it's basically 1 degree off.

Has anyone taken a leveled truck to the dealer to have them apply this fix? Did they balk at the front end ride height?

 

[Andy Miller]

My truck is at the dealer waiting on the shim kit right now. I have a vibration at higher speeds (80mph+). I couldn’t convince ether of the dealerships to look into my problem because they “couldn’t duplicate my problem at 70mph.” Once you guys posted the TSB, I called them up and and asked them to try it. I will definitely report back to let y’all know what happens.

 

[Ogden Dan]

I'm just glad to see a TSB released for this. The original "fix" posted several months ago was to lower the tire pressures. One of the dumbest things I've read.

I'm scheduled to go in next week. We'll see how the fix eliminates the shudder.

I'm curious what everyone else's truck is showing as far as driveline angle before the fix.

 

[landiscarrier]

I'm just glad to see a TSB released for this. The original "fix" posted several months ago was to lower the tire pressures. One of the dumbest things I've read.

I'm scheduled to go in next week. We'll see how the fix eliminates the shudder.

I'm curious what everyone else's truck is showing as far as driveline angle before the fix.

Let us know if they actually do it and do it at no charge. Is your truck lifted at all?

 

[Ogden Dan]

Let us know if they actually do it and do it at no charge. Is your truck lifted at all?

They ordered the shim kit sight unseen when I showed them a copy of the TSB. I had brought the truck in several months earlier complaining of the vibration so they had it on record.

I am not lifted.

I'll let you know the results once completed.

 

[Andy Miller]

I just picked my truck up after having the TSB accomplished. No change. My truck has a vibration at high speeds (80+), not “accelerating from a stop” like the TSB is supposed to address. The dealer didn’t hassle me at all about doing this under warranty. They also said one of my tires was slightly out of round but still within limits and balanced. I’m going out of town for the next few weeks but I’m going to have them revisit that tire when I get back. Sorry guys, I wish I had better news. Maybe this TSB will help you guys which the lower speed driveline vibrations.

 

[Ogden Dan]

I just picked my truck up after having the TSB accomplished. No change. My truck has a vibration at high speeds (80+), not “accelerating from a stop” like the TSB is supposed to address. The dealer didn’t hassle me at all about doing this under warranty. They also said one of my tires was slightly out of round but still within limits and balanced. I’m going out of town for the next few weeks but I’m going to have them revisit that tire when I get back. Sorry guys, I wish I had better news. Maybe this TSB will help you guys which the lower speed driveline vibrations.

Most of the low speed shudder issues occur when passing through 10 mph or so. Your conditions seems to be much different.

Do you still get the vibration when shifting into neutral?

Dan

Sponsored