My 1996 Ford Ranger 4x4 (TRS-2) Re-Build

[85_Ranger4x4]

Buy a trailer they said. It would be fun they said...

 

[racsan]

my little 4-lug tandem needs replaced, the box-beam frame is badly rusted inside. Brought home a 3,000# tractor 75 miles but seeing afterwards the shape of it I wouldnt do it again. Love the size of it for my useage though.

 

[Jim Oaks]

If the axle was bent wouldn't the gap between the front and rear tire on one side of the trailer be different than the gap on the other side of the trailer?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I think it is one of those "a little bit goes a long ways" things.

Either your tire is bad or your axle is bad. If the axle wasn't aligned correctly you would have smoked two tires.

 

[racsan]

If the axle was bent wouldn't the gap between the front and rear tire on one side of the trailer be different than the gap on the other side of the trailer?

Im thinking its bent straight up, enough that the load is on the inside edge of the tire ((think extreme camber)) the centerline (hub) distance would (could) be the same on both sides then. If you have a level concrete pad you can park it on, pull all 4 tires & hubs, level trailer and measure end of spindle to ground distance. (all 4 spindles) That tire wear seems to say to me the spindle isnt straight on that corner.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Im thinking its bent straight up, enough that the load is on the inside edge of the tire ((think extreme camber)) the centerline (hub) distance would (could) be the same on both sides then. If you have a level concrete pad you can park it on, pull all 4 tires & hubs, level trailer and measure end of spindle to ground distance. (all 4 spindles) That tire wear seems to say to me the spindle isnt straight on that corner.

Makes sense.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I went back to the dealer. He swapped out my wheels and tires with new wheels and radial tires. All of the tires were starting to show some wear on the inside. Not sure if it was improper inflation or what. I don't think my Ranger exceeds the trailers weight.

 

[bobbywalter]

Inside. All similar. Definitely load it and check the toe and camber relationships from unladen.

 

[Jim Oaks]

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The Ranger has some issues. I jacked up the front and the drivers side front wheel has a little play that makes me think it's loose bearings. The passenger side has a little ply but it's in the upper ballpoint.

This is how it sits after I let it off the jack.

 

[deathbypsi]

Did you roll it back and forth a few times to let the beams settle?

 

[Jim Oaks]

If I roll it back and forth it's going to bow out again. I need to fix it. If I try to drive it in pavement it sounds like I'm skidding going down the road.

 

[Bill4]

If it sounds like you're skidding the toe is probably way out of alignment.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If it sounds like you're skidding the toe is probably way out of alignment.

With a TTB other things being off can effect the toe too.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sure looks like you bent something... in fact I thought I remember you saying you did at the last trail ride.

Possibly a tie rod... beam... drop bracket... all of the above?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Sure looks like you bent something... in fact I thought I remember you saying you did at the last trail ride.

Possibly a tie rod... beam... drop bracket... all of the above?

My vote is a loose nut on the steering wheel...