HELP! Cracked frame - no help from Ford
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HELP! Cracked frame - no help from Ford
2001 Ford Ranger Edge OffRoad 4x4, 45k miles. During routine service discovered a small crack on the right rear above the axle. Took it to the dealer and had it inspected, photo'd and checked by the Service Manager. He submited the paperwork to Ford. In the paperwork and subsequent phone calls confirmed to Ford that the truck did NOT appear to have been misused or abused and was in good condition. FORD replied back that the cause of the crack was undetermined but they would not offer to repair since the truck was out of warranty.
I was surprised to find out that the frame has a shorter warranty (3yr/36k miles) than the Corrosion/Body Panels (5yr/Unlimited). I was definitely surprised, as was the service mgr, that Ford would not offer anything. They could not explain it, could not find a cause but would not back up their product. This is a FRAME, it should stand up to 3 years of reasonable driving and not crack.
Anyone have any ideas as to how I should proceed next?
I was surprised to find out that the frame has a shorter warranty (3yr/36k miles) than the Corrosion/Body Panels (5yr/Unlimited). I was definitely surprised, as was the service mgr, that Ford would not offer anything. They could not explain it, could not find a cause but would not back up their product. This is a FRAME, it should stand up to 3 years of reasonable driving and not crack.
Anyone have any ideas as to how I should proceed next?
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Welcome to FTE!Your original post has been moved to its proper forum. that being the Ranger forum.
It can be found by scrolling down the main forum page where the tech forums are.
Maybe have a look at this thread that is just above this one
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=212967
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: formerly Brooklyn NY now
id start by trying to find out if this is a rare occurance or if its something that is common and ford is sweeping under the rug, try to get the press involved take a poll of all your other ranger owners. See other rangers on the lot and see if they have this crack take a poll here if its common consult a lawyer for a lawsuit
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Montana Territory
you're not going to get anywhere by hasseling FoMoCo...they will claim all day that it was abused, and they will win. Save yourself the grief, take it to a shop, have them weld it for $50, problem solved, least amount of stress, on you.
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by Mattsbox99
you're not going to get anywhere by hasseling FoMoCo...they will claim all day that it was abused, and they will win. Save yourself the grief, take it to a shop, have them weld it for $50, problem solved, least amount of stress, on you.
Agreed.
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i agree with ranger bob........for the fix i would v-groove the crack, drill a hole on both ends and weld,,,, then finish by welding a 3/16ths "fish plate" over the area (overlapping 3" on both sides,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ps u might want to consider fish plating the other side b4 it cracks too
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It appears that welding it is the easiest way to go. But I need more stress in my life!! yeah right.
Actually I double checked and the lease is up in July. I was going to keep the truck, now I am not. So Ford will get it back.
Thanks for the suggestions.
BTW the crack is at the top of the bend as the frame curves over the rear axle. The crack starts at the bottom edge of the frame and extends upward about 2.5 inches.
Actually I double checked and the lease is up in July. I was going to keep the truck, now I am not. So Ford will get it back.
Thanks for the suggestions.
BTW the crack is at the top of the bend as the frame curves over the rear axle. The crack starts at the bottom edge of the frame and extends upward about 2.5 inches.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,773
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From: On the road in Ohio
since this has been documented by a dealer. there might be discloser issue's when you turn it in, in ohio only a certified welder may weld on a car/truck frame, becareful when you trade / turn in this truck that inform you the dealer/buyer about this defect. since there is a paper trail on this problem, it could come back to haunt you, if you don't cover your 6. just a word of caution....
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It has been documented by the Dealer where I will return it. In fact the Service Manager who sent in the paperwork claim to Ford is where I will turn it in.
I was going to take it in to a repair shop 1st. Wasn't planning on doing it myself. Thanks for the tip tho.
L.
I was going to take it in to a repair shop 1st. Wasn't planning on doing it myself. Thanks for the tip tho.
L.
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Well one more question: I took it to a repair shop. The frame specialist said that the frame would need to be replaced because of the frame metal has a problem with the welding/heat. The the Ranger frame is such that welding the frame will not be a permanent fix. Huh? Can anyone explain this one?
I can't believe the frame has been special magic heat-treated or that it is some exotic alloy. What is that story?
I am taking it to a off-road shop the specializes in Prerunners (as in long-travel suspension desert trucks). If anyone can fix it I would imagine they can since they cut and beef up frames all the time.
Larry
I can't believe the frame has been special magic heat-treated or that it is some exotic alloy. What is that story?
I am taking it to a off-road shop the specializes in Prerunners (as in long-travel suspension desert trucks). If anyone can fix it I would imagine they can since they cut and beef up frames all the time.
Larry
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Repair complete. $120 versus the $4200 to replace the frame. I was able to check out the frame of a NEW Ranger (not even plates!) that they were customizing to have 42" of rear travel. Anyway the frames are real shaky. The Ranger frames appear to be pressed/formed with riveted versus welded cross members. You can twist the frame beam with your hands! It is not the typical box frame we have all come to know and love. I was able to compare it with a Tacoma frame. A big difference.
They suspect the damage was caused by going over a bump with a load in the rear of the bed. Too far back.
They suspect the damage was caused by going over a bump with a load in the rear of the bed. Too far back.