Hello everyone, I'm chuck maiz, This is what i have:

The love of my life:
2006 Ford Ranger FX4 Level II
4.0 L SOHC
35,025 miles
Only "modifications": step bars undercover tonneau. Everything else is stock

Ok, so, I bought this truck used at 29,000 miles, still under factory warranty...

However, there seems to be some problems I am not sure of...

1) 4X4: I don't even know if it even STARTS, when i flip it into 4x4 high, the light comes on, however i don't even know if anything actually happens, and when i flip it into 4x4 low, the "4x4 low" light doesn't even come on. It has the electronic-shift-on-the-fly 4x4 and I just want to know is it possible that it is an electrical problem?

2) Front end squeaks when i go over bumps or come to a full stop, what can i do?

3) This has started to happen lately: When i'm in the upper ranges: 45+ mph and take my foot off the gas, there is this low constant "groan", it is somewhat quiet, but as an oversensitive driver, i can feel it through the steering wheel (if that makes any sense) Could this be related to the squeaky front end and questionable 4x4? or is this something else? is it my transmission? cuz, lately, since this whole "groaning" started my fuel economy is SO BAD, i can just watch the fuel gauge drop when i go for short trips. What is going on?

4) Squeaky door: yea, door squeaks whenever you hit a bump or something, it ain't that serious, but if anyone knows anything, let me know

I'm carrying it into the shop soon, is any of this still under warranty? everything is stock and I just love this truck so much, I just don't want to get rid of it and make it proper, so any help would be nice.

I would like to go into the shop with a good idea of what i should want to get fixed and how. HELP PLEASE, I'M DYING OF WORRY!!!!

 

I believe your bumper-to-bumper is out at 30,000... reminds me I need to buy an extended warranty before I get to 30K

 

welcome to R-F, Chuck! after switching from 2wd to 4x4 hi, while driving, your front end should feel "heavier" and to switch into 4x4 LO, you have to be stopped, with the brakes applied THEN switch into 4LO. (you cannot be moving to go into 4LO)

 

Chuck,

You have a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. As long as the truck was first sold in the last 36 months then you are fine.

1.) To shift from 2wd to 4x4 all you need to do is flp the switch and wait until the light comes on solid. To go from 4x4hi to 4x4lo you will need to put the truck into neutral and wait about 5 - 10 seconds. Then go into drive.

2.) does the front end squeek if you rock the truck back and forth or hop on the bumper? If so it may be the Torsion bars or shocks. If not then it may be with the cv's. best to just take it to the dealerhsip and have it checked under warranty

DO NOT use 4x4lo on pavement. You really shouldn't even use 4x4hi on pavement.

3.) Yeah take it to a dealership.

4.) this is quite comon. You will first want to make sure that the door is secured both top and bottom. If it is then take a look at the inside top of the rear door. You will see a little foam pad about 3/4 of an inch by a 1/4 of an inch. If half of it is pinch and the other half not then move it so it will all get pinched. it is best to do this when it is warm so the glue will reset.

 

Welcome Chuck!

 

welcome to RF

 

welcome...a good way to find out if your 4x4 is working is to shift into 4h or 4lo(on dirt of course) and turn the truck at full lock and you should feel the front tires pulling.

 

Welcome to the site neighbor! I'm from Durham lol. Good luck on getting the truck workin right.

 

welcome to rf good to see another nc guy, if your into wheeling that truck were gonna be making a couple of runs down to uwharrie national forrest, and there is an upcomming meet at jordan lake.

 

As far as #3 goes, if your driving 45+ in 4wd and its making the groan, it's prolly cuz your going to fast to be in 4wd, if it's in 2wd, then i have no clue.

 

Daniel there is no speed limit on 4wd high on 01+ models.

 

Ah, didn't know that

 

Howdy & welcome. You're good on a full warranty until 3yr. or 36k miles.

 

welcome to the site.

 

For your door I woud just white lithe grease the door latch and hinges. My friends truck did the same thing and a little grease fixed the problem.

 

My front squeak was the anti-sway bar bushings. I took the bar off and never looked back, lol. Now I no longer have the IFS front end, and still no sway bar. But driving without one is not for most folks. You can take off the end links, slide it down, lube it and slide it back into place and that might end your squeaking.

 

it groans in 2wd, i think it may be trans fluid cuz, it hasn't been serviced yet...

 

Ok, thanks to all of you. Here is a little more info on the problem at hand:
(note: the owner's manual was missing when i bought the truck)

1) 4x4 problem has been addressed thanks to all of you. now i know how to use it. thank goodness

2)the squeak in the front suspension: it squeaks when you turn the wheels as well and when i step into the truck. (it could be that i need to lose some weight lol) Basically: Squeak occurs whenever in motion.

Ok, so the truck was scheduled to have servicing at 35000 and i guess i'll have it serviced. AND MAYBE the guys at the ford place will address the squeaky front end and cruising-groan (could this be a trans fluid thing?) and i do have the 36000 36month warranty.

As for the door, it sounds sort of like a plastic kind of thing or rubbery kind of sound, but then again it could be the hinges, they do squeak when moved...

and two questions:

1)4H or 4L: so now i know you can use it on the fly, but what are the limits?(distance, weather/road/terrain conditions, etc) I know this: no dry pavement.

2)So i'm thinking of buying a brushguard or bullguard, black powdercoat if you would like to know, what i'm looking for is something that is VERY STURDY and i've heard about people having to remove tow hooks to put these on, however i like my tow hooks, so does anyone know where i can get a guard that is sturdy, no tow hook removal, and basically easy enough to put on a caveman could do it?

 

When ever u go into your dealership make sure u tell them exactly whats wrong or they won't do anything about it. Unless something is broke or something. Get your warrenty parts while u still can.

 

first off welcome chuck. i wouldnt push it past 40 in 4hi and in 4lo shoot you wont catch me doin over 15 in 5th gear but you shouldnt ever need to go even 15 in hi gear. as dan said before we are havin a lil get together on the 12th in uwharrie your more then welcome to park and ride or if you wanna try some trails with your truck you can do that too

 

I drive mine at highway speeds in 4HI if the roads are slick. Someone already mentioned that there really isn't a speed limit on the newer trucks if you're using 4HI. I lived in Alaska for many years and I always drove my 4WD vehicles at highway speeds in 4HI. I don't know where you got 40 mph from? I wouldn't drive around doin' 90 everywhere, but I never worry about limiting my speed 'cause I'm in 4HI.