I have a 2005 Ranger FX4 -- when turning at low speeds there is a lurching/shudder/binding sensation -- it is more noticable when applying power in a slow speed turn (uphill turn) -- is continuous when turning at slow speed in a parking lot -- have been to a Ford dealer and told it is normal -- found a TSB in the FTE TSB list summarized as "LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS" -- does anyone know what this TSB says -- Thanks , Gary

 

I checked my 2002 list as well as alldata.com and didn't see anything on this topic, whats the TSB number, they are formatted like this 020401.

 

I initially found the TSB summary under the 2005 Ford Explorer list -- Bulletin number 042420 (Seq No 10014100, Dated 20041213) -- then found it for the Ranger with some service that charged for the TSB's -- as 05-10-1 (dated 2005-03-30) -- the description was identical (Limited Slip Axle Chatter, shudder, binding sensation or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers) -- I appreciate your help -- Gary

 

Paid Infotraxx $15 to view TSB's for my vehicle (not a bad deal) -- problem is that the wrong amount of friction modifier was put in the fluid -- fluid must be drained and replaced -- my problem now is that I drove the truck from Florida to Alaska -- the Anchorage dealer wants me to leave the vehicle for undetermined time to change the fluid -- I am wondering if it would do any damage to drive it back to Florida --

 

Is this an FX4 or a FX4 Level II? Level II's use a Torsen rear end and have no clutch pack for the posi. In fact, it's not even called a posi; it's a Torsen. Just curious is all.

 

Just a regular FX4 (not level II)

 

That's not a very understanding dealer up there (undetermined time = unreasonable and rediculous); is there another dealer that you can visit? The job should take maybe just one hour and even less if it's just a matter of adding the modifier rather than pulling the cover. If you must leave without getting it corrected, call Bickford Ford in Snohomish, WA (NE of Seattle about 30 miles) and make an appointment before you arrive. Explain the deal and tell them that you'e not exactly certain of your arrival. They should work with you. Good people there .

 

Sorry, my TBS's end at 04-21-07.

 

Got my truck back from the Anchorage dealer this morning -- I may have been too harsh on that dealer -- appears they knew more about the problem than I did -- the fix also required replacing the rear differential clutch packs and necessitated leaving it there for a day -- the service department was very cordial (especially asst. serv. mgr. Stan Watts) and gave me a ride back to my son's house about 30 miles away -- the truck drives like a different truck -- much quieter and smoother than it has ever been (I bought it with less than 100 miles on it and it now has 7200 miles on it) -- that differential must have been in very bad shape -- apparently the TSB is several pages long with much more information than I got on the one page I got from Infotraxx -- apparently this a serious problem and anyone with a 2004 or 2005 (built before 4/1/2005) limited-slip Ranger or Explorer should be concerned -- hopefully the life of my differential has not been shortened by this abuse -- happy overall with Ford and the Anchorage dealer but not so happy with the Ford dealers who blew me off and said it was normal -- also think that Ford should put these TSB's online for owners to see (or maybe FTE)

 

The Ford dealers around here will print the TSB if you have the number. Or they will look for one if you describe the symptoms.