So, I decided it was time to move up the front tie downs, which are the only ones for which that is possible, and which obviously have the option. (threads same, pattern of spot welds for the "weld nuts" same, etc).

What did I find?

The spacing of the holes is fractionally different for the top position. Not far enough different to indicate that the holes are not for tie downs, just a mm / 1/32" or so different, enough not to quite fit. The holes are oversized in the tie down loops, but again, not quite enough to fit. One side was super close, the other just a bit farther apart. All it would have taken is an "obround" hole for one of the bolts, but they did not think to do that.

I used a rat tail file and took out the tiny amount of metal at the holes so as to allow the loops to be bolted in position.

Add that to the original mounting of them low, and the inability to move the back ones, and it seems that Ford does employ some idiot children in their engineering/design department. Or, possibly among the bean counters, the use of obround punches is probably a tiny bit more expensive, and weld nuts cost a few pennies.

 

Design teams are mad up of collage and university graduates with absolutely no practical experience in the real world.

 

Not every one.... the ones I worked with have been pretty reasonable. Perhaps not true of the ones at Ford.

 

Ford has been failing at things like this for years. And it's not just their engineers. Their assembly workers leave a lot to be desired as well. My old 1980 F150 had a partial vin stamped on the right frame rail just like any other vehicle of that time. The truck was 100% original when I bought it and yet the frame vin had one digit that was different than the truck's actual vin. So instead of RHD0580, it said something like RHG0580. So either they stamped the frame wrong, or they put the wrong frame under the truck when it was assembled.

 

Hi,

The tie downs on the 2019 Ranger at the center position were deleted for a Material Cost Reduction. The hole spacing above tie downs were not designed for tie downs but they are M8 x 1.25 and I use forged stainless eyelets in these holes...

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

 

"Material cost reduction".... they made the tie-downs virtually useless to save maybe one dollar in cost. I;'e specified weld nuts and Pem nuts in products, and they just are not that expensive. Especially when the alternative is worthless positioning of the tie-downs. Yes, that sounds like Ford. The truck is still better than that total failure known as a Chevy Colorado, but Ford isn't winning any prizes.

Yes, they managed to get the camber on the front wheels off by SEVERAL DEGREES to a large negative camber. Unbelievable they could screw up that badly. But they did

That cost me a set of tires, as I discovered it by tire wear just after the alignment warranty (16.000 miles) was up. Wore the tires down to the cords, because of the delay before the dealer could take it in. And the dealer argued that it was fine, until they actually checked the alignment. I thought the truck was really really good at cornering, and now I know why. it's much worse at cornering now that the camber has been corrected.

Idiot children all around at Ford.