Hi guys smile:

I have an 09' Ranger 2wd 6cyl which is still under warranty. Just installed new wheels (15x8 -19 offset) when I noticed that the rear passenger side stuck out more by 1/2". I had the wheels checked to make sure offset/backspace etc.. was correct. No problems with wheels. I was told that it is normal for the rear end to be offset. Is this true? Am I missing something? because if you look at it it's noticeable.

James.

 

measure the distance from the frame rail to the drum backing plate on either side to see if the axle is off center or the bed is off center

 

I was just going to say the same - I bet it's just the bed, not the axle.

 

I measured from the rail to the tread on the tire on both sides exactly the same. the wheel on the passenger rear was 1/2" further out.

 

then the bed is offset, does the bed line up to the cab?

 

Yes. In fact, measuring from the rail to a point under the bed it measures the same on both sides. Again, measuring from rail to tire tread on both sides - passenger side sticks out farthur. Sounds like axle.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

if the axle is straight to the frame and the bes is straight to the frame you could have a defective rim still...double check the backspacing of the wheels and make sure they are both the same width...swap them from side to side and see if it still sticks out on the same side

 

justin, no disrespect but i think you need to read his answers alittle closer! his axle is offset

 

dont get me wrong i agree with justin, its unlikly that the axle is off, but without having looked at the truck in person and checking it out all we can go by is what james has checked, and assume that what he has checked is correct. if your bed is square and you say the wheels were checked and correct, then the only other thing left is the axle, but you havent actually measured the axle correctly! do what justin stated earlier and measure from frame rail to brake drum on both sides and use a straight edge, that will eliminate the wheels and tires.

 

i guess i read a little too fast. i was on the phone and eatin lunch...but this response says "both sides were exactly the same" and "the passenger rear was 1/2" further out" int he same sentence...measure it like we both said and let us know

 

hes saying he measured them the same way and the passenger side was 1/2" further out.

James, swap wheels and try it again

 

How was it with the stock wheels on it? Put them back on and check it to rule out the wheels.

 

The wheels were swapped and it still measured the same. I since sold the stock wheels. Here's the interesting part - the wheels, leaf springs, shackles, etc. all measure equally when measured to tire tread. The only two things that measure differently are: rail to tire tread and bed to tire tread - both show a 1/2'' favor on passenger side. I'm thinking that the rail (not sure which side) may be designed differently (maybe the way it's bent) in order to accommodate assembly. And maybe Ford compensated with other parts (leaf spring mount maybe) to align the rear end. So then, measuring from the rail may not be the accurate way of doing it. I did notice that the bed is off a little - so with a few adjustments I maybe able to close that 1/2" off set. I'm still going to the dealer to measure some new rangers (rail to tire tread and see what happens).

James.

 

It was recommended that I put a straight edge on the rail and measure from straight edge to drum. I'll measure both sides and see what i come up with.