Bought a '98 Ford Ranger XLT with under 50k miles. Well maintained with records. I am looking for tips and info about it.

Issues I have:
Major shaking when going 60+. It evens out in between 60-65 but decreasing or increasing speed resumes the shakes.

I know it needs right side ball joint from a severe pot hole hit recently - but the shaking issue was there prior to that incident.

The rear end seems to sway when turning corners or hitting bumps sometimes - again there from start.

Also, the Overdrive, is that supposed to always be on while not hauling/towing?

Any pointers or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome to the site!


The ball joint could have been warn out before the pot hole. And most likely it was.

 

Thank you!

 

The major shaking issue could be a wheel balance issue. The ball joint replacement isn't too difficult. The rear end swaying could be because of a sway bar bushing,sway bay end. And if those are worn out that probably means the rear shocks are worn out too.

 

welcome. jack up the front and use a bar to try to pry your wheel up and try to move it side to side to check for play. if there is play then your ball joints are beat. as for your back swaying that may be a broken shackle, look under your bed in both back corners and look for any mounts that are rotted out. broken shackles are very common on 98-00 rangers.

 

Wow. Thank you all for the quick replies!

I just replaced tires and had them balanced, but will have that checked again.

Thank you for the tip about how to check the play of the ball joint!

 

Welcome To RF

 

Pot hole might of bent or warped that wheel too.