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

[Cape Cruiser]

Usually a dealer will measure from the center of a wheel hub to the top of the fender well or on a frame table where many measurements can be taken. This takes tire diameter and pressure out of the equation. Measurements from floor to frame can be sketchy cause of tires and floor level. Good luck

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[Gavin stevens]

It’s the same thing, center wheel to top of wheel well, 1/2 different

 

[Cape Cruiser]

It’s the same thing, center wheel to top of wheel well, 1/2 different

Sure seems to be out of spec (+- 8mm) to me. Maybe try a different dealer or call Ford,good luck with it im sure there is a solution.

 

[DHMag]

I'd check that the front springs are oriented correctly in the buckets. Something else to look at is the leaf spring bracket locations. No need to measure, just visually compare left to right.

 

[Gavin stevens]

I'd check that the front springs are oriented correctly in the buckets. Something else to look at is the leaf spring bracket locations. No need to measure, just visually compare left to right.

You would think the dealership could fix it... They've had it since Monday now, no word.. Honestly, I'm tired of measuring it 10 ways to Sunday.. No matter how I measure it, its off. I feel like I have to convince people that it leans.. At the end of the day, its completely obvious, yet hard to see unless you are at the right angle or are looking for it.

Its one of those subtle things.. It may be hard to notice unless you really focus in on it. Then it really becomes obvious with the measurements to back it.. It doesnt matter what I measure.. To the tailgate, the bumper, the reflectors, the mirrors, the frame, whatever.. Its 1/2 different side/side in all cases...

 

[DBRanger]

Usually a dealer will measure from the center of a wheel hub to the top of the fender well or on a frame table where many measurements can be taken. This takes tire diameter and pressure out of the equation. Measurements from floor to frame can be sketchy cause of tires and floor level. Good luck

Good advice. Finally measured mine in that manner, driver side about 3/8 inch lower. Not enough to concern me.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Gavin,

This truck needs to be checked by another dealer...something is not right. Was it like this when you picked it up?

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

 

[Gavin stevens]

Hi Gavin,

This truck needs to be checked by another dealer...something is not right. Was it like this when you picked it up?

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

Phil,

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, it's been this way since it was delivered.. It was pre-ordered so the first time I saw it was on delivery to my house.. I immediately noticed this and addressed it with the dealer.

Its at a different dealership now (has been since Monday) This is the 4th time I've had it at a dealership to look at this. The first time they had it 10 days and said they wouldn't fix it.. New dealer, said they won't fix it, "Its within spec". Same dealer now has it at their body shop to measure the frame. What do you tell the dealership when they say the "won't fix it" it's within spec. I'm not happy with that answer..

Ford customer care is also involved in the case. They are speaking with the dealership, so we'll see what happens this time. If they come back again and say they won't fix it, I'll probably have to contact an attorney. I just want the truck I paid for!! They already denied my buyback request...!

Mine wasn't cheap!!

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Phil,

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, it's been this way since it was delivered.. It was pre-ordered so the first time I saw it was on delivery to my house.. I immediately noticed this and addressed it with the dealer.

Its at a different dealership now (has been since Monday) This is the 4th time I've had it at a dealership to look at this. The first time they had it 10 days and said they wouldn't fix it.. New dealer, said they won't fix it, "Its within spec". Same dealer now has it at their body shop to measure the frame. What do you tell the dealership when they say the "won't fix it" it's within spec. I'm not happy with that answer..

Ford customer care is also involved in the case. They are speaking with the dealership, so we'll see what happens this time. If they come back again and say they won't fix it, I'll probably have to contact an attorney. I just want the truck I paid for!! They already denied my buyback request...!

Mine wasn't cheap!!

HI Gavin,

Your vehicle needs the attention of a Field Service Engineer if the dealer won't fix it. I do not have specifications for the Ranger, but feel 0.5" is out of spec. Don't give up....keep being forceful with Ford...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

 

[Gavin stevens]

I simply refuse to admire my truck in the driveway now. Out of fear I'll notice mine out of level.
I look at the ground, I stare into the sky, I walk sideways...whatever it takes. I simply cant bear to see my truck with this same issue.

heheh, yeah denial works pretty well for awhile, but if its blatantly obvious..

 

[Gavin stevens]

HI Gavin,

Your vehicle needs the attention of a Field Service Engineer if the dealer won't fix it. I do not have specifications for the Ranger, but feel 0.5" is out of spec. Don't give up....keep being forceful with Ford...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

Here is the spec...

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Here is the spec...

Hi Gavin,

Thanks, however these have a specific procedures to measure. Sounds like the dealer is in process of measuring to this process... to me it looks like the right side is +12mm and left is -12mm, or almost an inch difference. This really stinks if Ford will not fix. Hopefully the measurements per process will provide som answers. I still think a Ford Field Service Engineer needs to look at this vehicle.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

 

[Gavin stevens]

Where can you find a Ford Field Service Engineer? I'd assume the dealership has access to one?

I don't know what to do other than talk to Ford Customer care or a Dealership.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Where can you find a Ford Field Service Engineer? I'd assume the dealership has access to one?

I don't know what to do other than talk to Ford Customer care or a Dealership.

Hi Gavin,

No...these engineers are directed by both the dealer and Ford.. keep making noise to get Ford to send one to your dealer.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hi Gavin,

No...these engineers are directed by both the dealer and Ford.. keep making noise to get Ford to send one to your dealer.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

Hi Gavin,

The Field Service Engineer is a Ford employee. He is not going to be your friend, but a person who should be objective about the problem, and has the power to authorize warranty work the dealer would not otherwise perform. In rare cases, I, from Truck Engineering was sent to a dealer to crack a really tough nut. I did not want to talk to the customer until I had resolved the problem or determined it was not a problem. Facing irate customers is not fun... In the few cases in which I was involved, I fixed the problem. That said the customer was so mad at Ford, they spewed venom anyway.

BTW, A problem with the right rear being too high will force a lower left front in some cases.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Company Retired

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