2002 ford ranger box

[Edgefevah]

Hey all I will be posting pics later but as of now I just bought a 2002 ford ranger edge and I noticed that the bed of the truck sits 1/2 an inch out on the passenger side. not sure what might have caused this but would like some opinions on where to start, thinking that the previous owner just put too much weight unevenly on the truck causing the body mounts to shift or something. thanks.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'd loosen the six bolts with a t-55 [maybe t-50] and shift the box. Using wd-40 or equivalent for a few days ahead will make things a lot easier.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[4x4junkie]

It's possible the cab itself may need to be moved as well (maybe get under there with a tape measure and see what's up).

As for the bed bolts, I suggest heating them. Ford puts Loctite on them at the factory which makes them difficult to remove otherwise. Some of the bolts you can get at from underneath with a propane torch, however others (the ones above the gas tank in particular) you'll have to sit there and carefully hold a torch to the bolt head for some time (being careful not to blister the bed paint lol). Once warm enough, they should come right out (provided they aren't rusted solid).

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I wish I'd known about the locktight sooner. I thought it was the rust causing all the problems.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[Edgefevah]

OK, thanks fellas, I'll defeinitely be trying that when some warmer weather comes around.

 

[4x4junkie]

I wish I'd known about the locktight sooner. I thought it was the rust causing all the problems.
Thanks,

Richard

Yeah I struggled hardcore with the ones on mine, not realizing, and of course if there's any one good thing about Cali, you can be rest assured it's not rust causing your problems lol.

Some years later (after the realization about the Loctite) we pulled the bed off a buddy's truck. I heated up the bolts and wala! out they came. No loud cranking/chattering, no busted tinnerman nuts underneath (I think that's what their called, the little clip-nuts on the frame).


If they ARE rusted however, then I would 2nd the WD-40 or even better, something like Kroil or PB Blaster penetrant. Then apply heat the same. Prepare for lots of cussing. lol