New to the Forum and need some advice.

[decape]

Two things:
1) My 2000 Ranger 4x4 Speedo is about 20-30% off (fast). So when I am actually running about 65 on the interstate, it shows 90+ on the Speedo. Not only is it aggravating, it is racking up miles on the odometer that I am not putting on the truck. It is a std cab, 3.0 flex fuel. VIN 1FTYR11V9YPB52905. Current Tire size P215/75R15. Online search also lists P235/75R15 tires for the 2000 Ranger 4x4. Are my current tires the wrong size, or is there some other component that needs to be replaced (ie speed sensor or PCM recalibration) I bought it used about a year ago and need to replace tires soon.

2) This is the first 4x4 I have owned (or driven) and I notice if I hit a bump/manhole/pothole with only one side (either left or right) the rear end jumps around (left to right) vs just bumping up/down, making it hard to handle. Is this normal for a 4x4, otherwise the truck rides fine.

 

[Mac]

A quick check shows that is the correct tire size for a std. cab 4x4. My 2000 ex cab came with 245-75/16". My '05' came with 255-70/16". I would find a tire you like that fits your needs and have your local Ford dealer recalibrate the speedo. Have no idea of why your's is off so much.
Dave

 

[TMarsh04]

Like Mac said, get the new tires and take that sucker in to get calibrated.

As far as the rear end jumping around, all pick-ups do that. There's no weight in the back to keep the driving wheels planted. But if it seems too much even for a pick-up, just take a quick look under the bed. Maybe the previous owner added add-a-leafs for hauling somethin, who knows? Something might even be bent or broken, wouldn't take much looking to figure it out.

 

[dougs3.0L98]

if the rear end is jumping around you may have a bad shock or 2.

 

[decape]

Thanks all, I will have the dealer check the spedo after I replace the tires. I have checked under the rear end and didn't see any problems. I have hauled some pretty good loads in it, so I think the shocks are good. The rear shimmy problems have occurred since I owned it, before I ever hauled anything, so I don't think I over loaded it.

 

[Jspafford]

Does it have a rear sway bar?