SOLVED: Driver Side Frame 1/2 Lower, Shim Added to Rear Leaf Spring

[DHMag]

It would be interesting to know if the spacers are least consistent - at least on Lariats. We've got at least 3 Lariats that have the driver side spacer.

I have the same shims on my XLT built in April.

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[P. A. Schilke]

If that's their fix, they should at least go with longer u bolts. Those are barely in safety with 2 or less threads showing.
Good luck to the first guy who's nuts come loose

Hi Folks,

I just looked at my Ranger 4x4 and it too has the left side spacer and my build date was 1/22/2019. I counted the threads and there are two and half plus threads exposed, so that meets Ford requirement. Please do not worry about loosing torque retention on torque prevailing nuts like this. Maybe aviation requirements are different, but they do not apply here.

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

 

[User79]

Sorry you guys have the shims too. What is going on here? Mine is a 2wd XLT.

Look at the pics from Gavin Stevens on post #43.....he already had a shim on the driver's side & also note where the 9" mark on the tape is in the 1st 2 pics.
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...ed-to-rear-leaf-spring.2504/page-3#post-33481

Post #68 after the 1st attempt to fix it
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...ed-to-rear-leaf-spring.2504/page-5#post-35901

Post #144 after 2nd attempt to fix....also scroll to #146 to see shim pic
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...d-to-rear-leaf-spring.2504/page-10#post-52624

Is it just me or do they all look to be the same shim?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Post #68 after the 1st attempt to fix it
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...ed-to-rear-leaf-spring.2504/page-5#post-35901

Post #144 after 2nd attempt to fix....also scroll to #146 to see shim pic
https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/thre...d-to-rear-leaf-spring.2504/page-10#post-52624

Is it just me or do they all look to be the same shim?

Hi,

If OEM...they will all be the same thickness shim, which they appear to be. I think Gavin had a defective left rear spring to boot!

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

 

[User79]

Hi,

If OEM...they will all be the same thickness shim, which they appear to be. I think Gavin had a defective left rear spring to boot!

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

If they did replace a leaf it wasn't listed on that paper in the pic on post #144. It just says they added a shim but if he already had a shim (post 43) did they just add a thicker shim? It looks the same to me in post 43 & 68

 

[P. A. Schilke]

"Please do not worry about loosing torque retention on torque prevailing nuts like this."

Pretty bold statement.

Hi Jeff,

Not really as if OEM, it was tested to ensure joint integrity. Our tests are run at the minimum spec torque and post test the breakaway torques are measured to ensure joint integrity. I cannot say the same for dealership fixes. nor if they have or use a torque wrench... I understand from where you are coming, but there is no evidence or data to show there is a torque retention problem on the rear suspension of the 2019 Ranger that I can find. I will agree it is "boarderline" but I am sure this has been tested thoroughly and signed off by Engineering. We just do not do things arbitrarily without testing...Way too much at risk to to this by whim.

The deal is that the first 1½ threads may be imperfectly formed so for total nut engagement you want 2½ to 3 threads exposed...UBS nuts have a champfer, so you have to count the half thread up into the champfer.

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

 

[P. A. Schilke]

If they did replace a leaf it wasn't listed on that paper in the pic on post #144. It just says they added a shim but if he already had a shim (post 43) did they just add a thicker shim? It looks the same to me in post 43 & 68

Hi Justin,

Really can't answer this..no idea specifically what the repair was other than a shim was added... I think there is much more to this story as a few of us have this left side shim...hopefully it will come out soon but for now I am as mystified as other owners are.

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

 

[Cape Cruiser]

I dont think a 1/4" shim or even 1/2" shim is a big issue. My 17 Taco has a lean and Jeeps do also. Some lift and level kits address lean in their lift kits. If it where more than 1/2 inch I would be looking further into it,like bent frame or suspension component.

 

[joeb427]

My 2/19 build.

 

[tgRanger]

Mine was built 7/9. I too have 2 spacers on the drivers side and 1 on the passenger.

 

[RedlandRanger]

I wonder if it is an FX4 vs non FX4 thing?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I wonder if it is an FX4 vs non FX4 thing?

Hi Rob,

A very good question!

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

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I'm thinking that one "spacer" is part of the spring package and you only have one shim.
If I'm mistaken, you have a 1/4" lift kit.

Hi Jeff,

You are correct....one spacer and one half leaf that are on top of the full leaves.

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

 

[Geoff]

I have a Non-FX4 SC Lariat and it has two spacers on the Drives side and one on the passenger side...just like the pictures above show.

 

[Johnpenn]

My FX4 Lariat also has a spacer on the driver's side spring only. Same as the posted photos.

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