Back to the 2020 FX4 Salvage Rebuild

[XionUAV]

For what it's worth in your troubleshooting; I personally never launch the Android Auto app on my phone. I plug my phone in - I actually am running the Dock Tailors phone dock (site vendor,) for about a year now and just drop my phone in and the unit does the rest for me. I personally find the Ford unit to be plenty snappy and responsive. "Perfect?" Well, I'm not a tech guy. Not laggy to me.

Perhaps a head unit update? That's risky with Sync3... definitely freshen up on the procedure beforehand.

For devices running the Android 10 OS and up, you don't launch the Android Auto app anyway. It just runs in the background and starts when it detects a compatible connection.

I like the dock idea. Problem is I use a full covered case and it would be a hassle to remove it then install it again every time I got in and out.

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[shovelhd]

You guys aren't going to believe this.

First though, the new body shop got the frame rail angle corrected. There went another $547. When first looking at it, they mentioned that the rubber cushion between the frame and body mount looked stretched. After they adjusted the rail to its correct position, they said the cushion settled correctly on the mount. Nothing else moved and everything else looks good.

The guy also said he thought I did a great job selecting the shocks, flares, tires and wheels and so forth. He was especially interested in the shocks since the Eibachs are twist-collar adjustable. He also said he might want to purchase the other flares I have that are like the ones on the Ranger now but smooth and can be painted.

Second, I got Android Auto to work. Believe it or not it was the cable. Was it a charge-only cable? No, it isn't. I probably have 8 or so USB-C cables for various applications - drones, tablets, cameras, phones... They all transfer data fine. I immediately took the suspect cable into the house, plugged it into my desktop with my phone and it's connected and transferring data fine. Why it wasn't working in the Ranger is a total mystery.

Bottom line, no need for an upgrade. I'm good, for now.

If you want to add wireless AA, there are a number of aftermarket adapters available. I use the AAwireless Android Auto wireless adapter in both my 2021 Ranger and my wife's 2022 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited. This one is the original. Others are cheaper, or offer multiple phone support and other advanced features, but I've stuck with this one because it just works.

 

[Chris M]

OK, please forgive my ignorance but what does Android Auto do for the truck that the truck doesn't already do?

 

[db_tanker]

For us, provides a few apps like mixcloud, waze and Sirius (can play back shows like Darkwave). And we don't have to worry about paying extra for the nav option.

 

[shovelhd]

OK, please forgive my ignorance but what does Android Auto do for the truck that the truck doesn't already do?

Very simply, it connects a number of applications on your Android phone to your vehicle's in-car entertainment system. Instead of using them on your phone, you operate them through your vehicle's touchscreen interface, steering wheel controls, or voice. There is a similar system for iPhone called CarPlay.

The three apps that I use constantly in my truck are:

Waze
iHeart Radio
Hey Google (as in, "Hey Google, what are the hours for the Home Depot in Hyannis?"

Until there's something better, I won't drive without it.

 

[XionUAV]

If you want to add wireless AA, there are a number of aftermarket adapters available. I use the AAwireless Android Auto wireless adapter in both my 2021 Ranger and my wife's 2022 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited. This one is the original. Others are cheaper, or offer multiple phone support and other advanced features, but I've stuck with this one because it just works.

I'll look into it. Thank you.

 

[XionUAV]

OK, please forgive my ignorance but what does Android Auto do for the truck that the truck doesn't already do?

For me it adds navigation, which my Ranger does not have. I've found navigation very useful in my other vehicles.

Many carmakers no longer include maps and navigation in their vehicles unless it's a requested option because Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are popular and include navigation along with other features mentioned. Waze, for example, is quite useful and popular.

 

[XionUAV]

Edit: there is a Auto window reset procedure that needs to be done anytime the battery is disconnected.

The owner's manual has the procedure for the window reset.

Not sure what the manual says but basically window down and hold switch for 5 seconds, window up and hold for 5 seconds and there you go, auto works. Thanks for mentioning the info.

 

[XionUAV]

One more small step. Got the bumper adjusted decently and the fancy red tow loops mounted.

Next will be to try and see if the OEM lower air deflector can be mangled to work with the Rough Country bumper. The bottom front of the opening aligns at about the middle of the grill I made in the bumper. Might be able to make it work. Might not. We'll see.

Skid plate after that.

The driver side suspension is about 3/8" lower than the passenger side. I read somewhere that the Ranger has a slight tilt to one side. Is that what it's about? I'll crank the driver side Eibach collar back up two turns, which should level it out. Even the guys at the new body shop noticed the slight tilt.

 

[airline tech]

Side to Side (Variation) Specs are 8mm or 5/16. (Both Ft & Rear), so at 3/8 you are just a smidge over specs by about 1 mm.
The tilt is due to the weight of the gas tank which is about 124 lbs fuel weight. (Full)

 

[shovelhd]

One more small step. Got the bumper adjusted decently and the fancy red tow loops mounted.

Next will be to try and see if the OEM lower air deflector can be mangled to work with the Rough Country bumper. The bottom front of the opening aligns at about the middle of the grill I made in the bumper. Might be able to make it work. Might not. We'll see.

Skid plate after that.

The driver side suspension is about 3/8" lower than the passenger side. I read somewhere that the Ranger has a slight tilt to one side. Is that what it's about? I'll crank the driver side Eibach collar back up two turns, which should level it out. Even the guys at the new body shop noticed the slight tilt.

What are the holes in the bumper for?

 

[airline tech]

What are the holes in the bumper for?

The front parking sensors

 

[XionUAV]

What are the holes in the bumper for?

The front parking sensors

The bumper comes with a bunch of parts including plugs for the sensor holes. My XLT has rear sensors but not front so they'll get plugs.

 

[XionUAV]

Side to Side (Variation) Specs are 8mm or 5/16. (Both Ft & Rear), so at 3/8 you are just a smidge over specs by about 1 mm.
The tilt is due to the weight of the gas tank which is about 124 lbs fuel weight. (Full)

In that case you would think the sag would be on the passenger side. My measurement is with a quarter tank of fuel and no driver. So with an additional approximate 90 lbs of fuel, there will be additional sag. Then add a 200 lb driver to the same side (obviously a passenger would help balance that but I drive alone 90% of the time).

I usually keep my vehicles at least half and usually closer to full so definitely need to level up the driver side. Fuel will be run down close to empty because it's at least 1 1/2 years old.

 

[SDXLT]

My Eibach have me at 3/8 low on the drivers side. Your rear height might be different as well. I put tremor springs in mine and I am low in the back drivers side as well.

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