20lariat4x4
Active Member
Story time.
Bought new 2020 Ranger Lariat 4x4 Supercrew on 3/13/2021. Mentioned the vibration at 8-15 mph to the salesman, he assured me it was normal. Drove another Ranger, it did it too.
After purchasing, noticed the vibration was worse as I drove up my inclined driveway from stopping at mailbox. Researched, found the TSB, discussed with master tech. He seemed knowledgeable enough of driveline angles and agreed the shudder was present in my truck and had noticed it in other Rangers. Willingly performed TSB with 0.5 shims positioned thick side to rear to decrease pinion driveline angle. Pinion angle measures at 6 after TSB. (He said he tried all 4 shims, the 0.5 decrease was smoothest). Master tech noted vibration still present, slightly better. He notified Ford of the issue & returned truck to me for re-assessment.
I returned, spoke to master tech, he gave me the shims to experiment with it myself because it was “something that would take a lot of time” in trial and error to figure out. Sounded good at the time, so I agreed and left with shims. (In retrospect... decided this is Ford’s responsibility -regardless of labor time- not mine)
On my own- Experimented with center bearing drop. Achieved perfectly smooth takeoff on level ground with 10mm center bearing drop. Was very pleased and relieved, until the vibration occurred (again, 8-15mph) as I drove back up my inclined driveway. Did not attempt shim change.
Researched two piece drivelines. Conveniently lost my inclinometer when I went out to calculate my operating angles, compound angles, and determine a properly calculated setting for center bearing drop and rear pinion angle (instead of blind trial and error with shims, spacers, test driving).
Got pissed, gave up, back to dealer it went on Tuesday, 3/29/21. Discussed the concept of operating angles, etc, with master tech. It was hard to tell, but it didn’t seem he was familiar with such concepts. He again said it would be a long process of basically the same blind trial and error.
I now wonder (especially due to the smoothness I achieved on level ground but return of shudder driving uphill) if axle wrap is occurring enough to push driveline angles out of adjustment under the higher torque required to drive uphill. Maybe the engine/trans mounts are insufficient, allowing too much movement?
I filed a formal complaint with Ford Customer Service for documentation purposes. I want the truck to go 200k+. This will effect longevity as premature wear of multiple driveline parts has likely already occurred to some extent with 2000 miles of shuddering, and will surely continue. I’ll update with...updates.
-Cameron
Bought new 2020 Ranger Lariat 4x4 Supercrew on 3/13/2021. Mentioned the vibration at 8-15 mph to the salesman, he assured me it was normal. Drove another Ranger, it did it too.
After purchasing, noticed the vibration was worse as I drove up my inclined driveway from stopping at mailbox. Researched, found the TSB, discussed with master tech. He seemed knowledgeable enough of driveline angles and agreed the shudder was present in my truck and had noticed it in other Rangers. Willingly performed TSB with 0.5 shims positioned thick side to rear to decrease pinion driveline angle. Pinion angle measures at 6 after TSB. (He said he tried all 4 shims, the 0.5 decrease was smoothest). Master tech noted vibration still present, slightly better. He notified Ford of the issue & returned truck to me for re-assessment.
I returned, spoke to master tech, he gave me the shims to experiment with it myself because it was “something that would take a lot of time” in trial and error to figure out. Sounded good at the time, so I agreed and left with shims. (In retrospect... decided this is Ford’s responsibility -regardless of labor time- not mine)
On my own- Experimented with center bearing drop. Achieved perfectly smooth takeoff on level ground with 10mm center bearing drop. Was very pleased and relieved, until the vibration occurred (again, 8-15mph) as I drove back up my inclined driveway. Did not attempt shim change.
Researched two piece drivelines. Conveniently lost my inclinometer when I went out to calculate my operating angles, compound angles, and determine a properly calculated setting for center bearing drop and rear pinion angle (instead of blind trial and error with shims, spacers, test driving).
Got pissed, gave up, back to dealer it went on Tuesday, 3/29/21. Discussed the concept of operating angles, etc, with master tech. It was hard to tell, but it didn’t seem he was familiar with such concepts. He again said it would be a long process of basically the same blind trial and error.
I now wonder (especially due to the smoothness I achieved on level ground but return of shudder driving uphill) if axle wrap is occurring enough to push driveline angles out of adjustment under the higher torque required to drive uphill. Maybe the engine/trans mounts are insufficient, allowing too much movement?
I filed a formal complaint with Ford Customer Service for documentation purposes. I want the truck to go 200k+. This will effect longevity as premature wear of multiple driveline parts has likely already occurred to some extent with 2000 miles of shuddering, and will surely continue. I’ll update with...updates.
-Cameron
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