Well after maybe too much looking I finally bought a truck. It is an 02 Ranger FX4 with Level II options. It is silver, auto trans, with 50K. This truck looks like brand new, not even any scratches in the bed. Looks like this truck was used as a car.

This is the problem. Above 70 mph it shakes and buzzes like it's going to fall apart. The local tire shop said it is not the tires. So I took it to the local Ford dealer. They claim the rear axle pinion bearing is going out.

The dealer I bought it from is 150 miles away. Too far to bring back to wait for parts, fix ect. They will pay for the repairs at the local Ford store.

I am not too happy but what can one do? During the test drive I never got it up over 60 mph as was the speed limit on the road I was on. I did do a small burnout in a large parking lot to test the limted slip....works great!!

I guess if they are going to pay for the repairs I should be happy right? Other then the vibration the truck is mint and runs great. Anyone out there ever had or heard of this problem? Thanks.

02 Ranger FX4 L2
stone stock and in the shop.

 

I had a twin truck, but mine was blue. Never had a problem with it.

I always mandate that I want to get to expressway speeds on ANY vehicle I am buying. Something you will most likely do from now on.

Usually, I at least try to hit 80-90, or more depending on the car and if they'll let me, lol.

 

the 02's did have a recall on the limited slip mechanism, im not sure but it could be related to your problem

 

Try another tire place to get your tires all balanced. Well, it should only be an after noon for the ford store to get the problem fixed....a day and a half max you'll be out. If the dealer where you bought it is paying for the fix, it's free to you, less the day that it'll take to fix.

 

if they're paying for it you lucked out. take it and run brother!

 

tires and wheels need to be balanced i think...

 

I've noted problems that several people have had with the pinion on their rears, from leaking seals to bearing problems. I think it's a manufacturing defect of the type where they don't properly torque the pinion nut, and so the crush sleeve isn't properly loaded and neither are the bearings. This can allow the whole assembly to "wiggle" a bit in the housing and that's not good.

But I have no proof of that. I only know that the assembly of that pinion to the axle is a bit pain in the tookus and if there was anyplace in the assembly for someone to get lazy or whatever, it's there.

 

Well as long as they are paying to fix it its not bad.

 

Next time make sure to get it up as fast as you will drive it most dealers don't care as long as your really looking to buy it. I hit the speed limiter on mine during the test drive.

 

When I bought my 2002 FX4 I noticed it had a very mild vibration (hardly noticeable) when going a little over 80 mph. I always thought it was from the front drive train turning all the time. Now that it has over 50,000 miles on it, I don't notice that vibration unless I get close to 90 mph. I don't know why it would go away but breaking it in must have done something. I doubt that is related to the vibration you are experiencing.

Hopefully replacing that bearing will solve your problem. I doubt your vibration is related to the Torsen differential recall. My rear axle was replaced under the recall and it had nothing to do with a vibration. It is my understanding that the rear differential would break or lock up and the recall was only for early 2002 FX4s with the manual transmission.

 

Yes....I am glad they are paying the bill. I would crap my pants if it was the tires, but thats the first thing I thought of. But when it does start to vibrate it almost has a machanical feel to it, like something is not right somewhere in the driveline.

Anyway, the dealer gave me a 3,000 mile warranty so I can't complain too much as of right now. I WILL be happier when it is fixed.

I must admit, this 02 is alot nicer then my 97 was. Not saying my 97 was bad. I put on 125K on her and had very few problems.

I love the 4.0 SOHC 5-speed auto and the limited slip 4.10 rear end. I have not checked gas mileage yet, I will after it's fixed. Thank you all the support everyone. Adam

02 Ranger FX4 L2

 

if it was the tires on his truck u would feel the shaking at 45 mph. that is when most unbalanced tires begin to feel wobbling

 

UPDATE:

Well, took it in the shop for the tear down. They called me at work and told me that the axle is OK, the driveshaft is bent. That would do it!

From what they can tell, at some point a U-joint was replaced and they somehow bent the driveshaft. In their own words "they didn't know what they were doing".

Whatever.....a new driveshaft is around $600. Due to the Holiday it wont get fixed until next week sometime. Thats OK....I can still drive it my .5 mile trip to work. This should fix it. Adam

02 Ranger FX4 L2

 

I can't imagine how someone could bend a driveshaft while replacing a u-joint unless they were totally incompetent. My guess is the drive shaft was bent at the factory. If the u-joint was replaced, it was probably done to try to eliminate the vibration you are experiencing.

 

All I can say is...I will be damn glad when it's fixed. I have parked the truck to help prevent any further damage.

My X-Mas present this year....getting my truck fixed.


02 Ranger FX4 L2

 

UPDATE II

The local Ford dealership replaced the driveshaft and all is well. Total bill was like around $700.00, the driveshaft alone was almost $600.00.

Lesson learned.....when test driving a rig go real darn fast to see if it has problems. At least the dealer is standing behind it.


02 Ranger FX4 L2

 

Glad ya got it fixed man. So you did have to pay for it after all? Bummer if ya did...

 

Not necessarily. I recently replaced my tires and the Goodyear shop had to road force balance them to find the issues. They were smooth as silk up to 65mph then whoa buddy!

 

i just had that same problem with the vibrating. my driveshaft was not balanced or something like that