2021 Ford Ranger FX4 TRS-3 Project Build

[Jim Oaks]

I guess this generation of Ranger has had a long history overseas of a rear driveline vibration, and a common remedy seems to be shiming the center carrier bearing and lowering it.

I guess some things never change.

When I built TRS-2 back in 2004 one of the first things I did was replace the two-piece rear driveshaft with a 1-piece shaft from a 1998+ Ford Ranger extended cab.

Ford got rid of the 2-piece shafts for 1998. I guess they forgot why.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

This was the pinion yesterday after I degreesed and hosed the area off:

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Here it is this evening a day later:

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You can definitely see the gear oil collecting at the bottom of the seal.

I'm taking it to the dealer Minday morning and letting them have it for a few days. If I wait until after Kentucky, the warranty will be up.

I wouldn't sweat it, it will quit leaking on its own.

 

[ericbphoto]

I wouldn't sweat it, it will quit leaking on its own.

Well, yeah. When it's empty.

 

[racsan]

Well, yeah. When it's empty.

If theres no oil under it, theres no oil in it!

 

[Jim Oaks]

I dropped the Ranger off at the dealer at 7:30 this morning. The guy that started the process told me they didn't have any loaners. I told him it was my only means of transportation. I had a fear I was going to have to have Enterprise bring me a rental. The guy who actually handled my service said he had a loaner left. I was expecting some economy car. They gave me a new F-150.

They said it would probably be 48 hours before they looked at it. That's fine as long as they get it back to me by the end of the week. Until then, I have a new truck to drive.

 

[Jim Oaks]

This is shocking. The dealership told me they wouldn't be able to look at it for 48 hours, and 33 hours later they just called me and told me that it's done and ready to be picked up.

 

[ericbphoto]

I interpret that as "I'm really enjoying the loaner. Give me a little more time."

 

[Jim Oaks]

I always worry that people didn't do what they were supposed to do when they finish the job a lot quicker than expected.

I was about to go outside and weld in the 100+ degree heat. I've been doing other things trying to put it off. I had just thought that I need to get the truck back so I can finish this project, and they called.

I haven't had the chance to drive the F150 besides coming home.

My neighbor asked me if I got a new truck. Yep. I got tired of building something awesome and traded it in on a plain white 2wd F150.

 

[sgtsandman]

I always worry that people didn't do what they were supposed to do when they finish the job a lot quicker than expected.

I was about to go outside and weld in the 100+ degree heat. I've been doing other things trying to put it off. I had just thought that I need to get the truck back so I can finish this project, and they called.

I haven't had the chance to drive the F150 besides coming home.

My neighbor asked me if I got a new truck. Yep. I got tired of building something awesome and traded it in on a plain white 2wd F150.

 

[Jim Oaks]

A suspension company that I really like posted a picture of a moose head hanging on the wall with a caption stating "You know you're in the south when..."

Part of me really wanted to reply that there aren't any moose anywhere near the southern states, and the other part told myself that I probably need to keep my mouth shut. That part won.

Oh wait, here's a South Carolina moose:

 

[ericbphoto]

A suspension company that I really like posted a picture of a moose head hanging on the wall with a caption stating "You know you're in the south when..."

Part of me really wanted to reply that there aren't any moose anywhere near the southern states, and the other part told myself that I probably need to keep my mouth shut. That part won.

Oh wait, here's a South Carolina moose:

We do have Elk nearby in North Carolina. They have been working on restoring the herds.

 

[Jim Oaks]

TRS-3 is back. They replaced the seal. I wasn't expecting them to get to it until tomorrow. They said my Ranger is famous, so they put it ahead of all of the other vehicles.

Ok, in my mind I wish that was true, but they didn't really say that. I don't know how I got so lucky to have it fixed and returned the next day, but I'm glad to have it back.

 

[sgtsandman]

Even just name recognition can go along way. Whether it's because of a good relationship with the service department or that you have a forum promoting the product, it does help get things done faster. Of course, it could have just been that the other work before yours got done faster than expected as well.

Call it a win, regardless.

 

[ericbphoto]

Of course, it could have just been that the other work before yours

Or everyone else is still waiting for parts.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I called the alignment shop this morning and have an appointment for them to re-check the alignment on the 20th.