Center of Gravity

[Jerry Caldwell]

Does anyone know where we can find the center of gravity for a FX4 Crew Cab Ranger? I have a full car lift and perform my own maintenance so the CG is important to know when putting it on a lift.

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[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Jerry,

A very good question...I have no idea for the 5G Ranger and do not think this data is readily available...it used to be in the Body Builder book and this is info for aftermarket, like work truck bodies etc. Check with the Dealer to see if the have access to this data...I would suspect the Body Builders Book is on line now... When I needed to know this info, I had to go to the Vehicle Dynamics engineers. I have no contacts in that area anymore, so cannot help directly.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[DrRoger]

Does anyone know where we can find the center of gravity for a FX4 Crew Cab Ranger? I have a full car lift and perform my own maintenance so the CG is important to know when putting it on a lift.

Go to a scale and weigh the steer and drive. The CG will be proportionally between the two as per the weights.

 

[Jerry Caldwell]

Go to a scale and weigh the steer and drive. The CG will be proportionally between the two as per the weights.

That would defiantly be a way to get it done, but I was looking for information without going to that trouble and potential expense.

 

[Sandman Ranger]

Does gas load impact it?

 

[fast40s]

That would defiantly be a way to get it done, but I was looking for information without going to that trouble and potential expense.

Page 2 of the Body Builder’s book includes axle curb weights for the various cab configurations and 4x2/4x4.

With a WB of 126.8 inches, the center of mass (gravity) measured from the centerline of the front axle would be as follows: x = RACW / CW * 126.8

where RACW is the curb weight of the rear axle and CW is the truck’s total curb weight.

 

[Jerry Caldwell]

Here it is for those who want to know.

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

You might be over-thinking this a little bit... haha

 

[Jerry Caldwell]

Not when it is on a lift and you are standing under it to change the oil, etc. I have a full car lift so balance points are critical.

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

I've seen a lot of vehicles put on lifts and I've never seen anybody stop to figure out the precise center of gravity before doing so. Lift it a couple inches and push on the truck a little to see what it does?

 

[Jerry Caldwell]

It would take quite a bit to have it tilt off the lift, but why not start in the right spot and limit the risk. It is a two post lift so center of gravity matters.

 

[MSG W]

It would take quite a bit to have it tilt off the lift, but why not start in the right spot and limit the risk. It is a two post lift so center of gravity matters.

When I work changing oil and tires, with a two arm lift with swing arms, I was taught to place them on the lift points you would use for a car jack. Normally they were behind each wheel. never had an issue with a car / truck shaking.

 

[Jerry Caldwell]

Does gas load impact it?

Fuel tank is just behind the cab and would have an insignificant effect.

When I work changing oil and tires, with a two arm lift with swing arms, I was taught to place them on the lift points you would use for a car jack. Normally they were behind each wheel. never had an issue with a car / truck shaking.

To each his own. I do what works for me.

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