Off center 7.5 rear

[Jbrown1238]

I noticed that my left rear wheel is recessed about an inch further in the wheel well than my right rear wheel. Can someone explain why that is? I never noticed it on other Ranger's that I have owned. Both rear wheels have the same backspace, nothing appears to be bent. The springs mount a bit off center but shouldn't the rear wheels track directly behind the front? Am I missing something?

 

[mp3deviant721]

Pic? Your bed alignment may be off. I dunno. Pics might help.

 

[Jbrown1238]

I will try to post some on Wednesday. I don't think it is the bed alignment as I did take a handful of measurements from various locations. The bed looks correct and measures correct from both sides when comparing similiar locations. I am open to all suggestions, thank you for the idea. Both sides have the same brake drums and the rear measures the same distance from multiple locations on each side. But it is clear that the driver side wheel is recessed about an inch further into the wheel well than the passenger side. By the way, this is a 1998 XLT Stepside with a 3 inch flip.

 

[Jbrown1238]

Here are the pics.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Could it be the fact that your springs are mounted off center? That axle flip may have caused some funky alignment issues. Maybe the spring perches for the axle flip were welded on slightly off center. It could be possible. You never know.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

yeah that could be it, or the bed is wider on one side, since its a fiber glass bed.

 

[mp3deviant721]

yeah that could be it, or the bed is wider on one side, since its a fiber glass bed.

That didn't occur to me that the bed could be wider on one side. I guess it could be that too.

 

[Jbrown1238]

That didn't occur to me that the bed could be wider on one side. I guess it could be that too.

I thought that may be possible as well although. Both panels seem to be identical. It is hard to believe that one side would have different dimensions. The bed aligns with the cab. I guess it would be possible for the cab to be slightly off center and the bed to follow. That would create more of a noticeable issue the further back on the vehicle you went. I just wanted to know if anyone else has run into this problem. I will be changing to an 8.8 next year and will get more involved in sorting it out at that time.

 

[kevinsranger]

I thought that may be possible as well although. Both panels seem to be identical. It is hard to believe that one side would have different dimensions. The bed aligns with the cab. I guess it would be possible for the cab to be slightly off center and the bed to follow. That would create more of a noticeable issue the further back on the vehicle you went. I just wanted to know if anyone else has run into this problem. I will be changing to an 8.8 next year and will get more involved in sorting it out at that time.

mine is like that too, i havent figured it out yet, i have an 8.8 and dana 35 front, i replace my axle pivot bushings and radius arm bushings thinking they were worn or broke, and it didnt help, i am going to change the ball joints in the front this week to see if that helps. i know the crossmember in the front is straight, and the rear axle is sitting as it should.

everytime a friend follows me in my truck they say it looks like its driving sideways lol

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

check the center bolt on the leaf packs, that can cause the off centering too

 

[Snal]

I've got the same issue and I never noticed til I put my 30's on and took a closer look and like you said everything looks fine just off to one side. Hopefully someone has an explanation

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

mine is like that too, maybe its just another ranger thing, like the ranger lean?

 

[doorgunner]

I had a dog like that....his butt always trailed to the right when he was running...LOL

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

I had a dog like that....his butt always trailed to the right when he was running...LOL

 

[grey]

Mine rear axle was offset to the passenger side by about an inch from the factory. I didn't really notice untill I got my 8.5" wide steel wheels and the tires stuck out alittle more.

After a shackle flip and 64's i just lined the bed up with everything as best as I could. All better.