2001 Ranger XLT, front end alignment issues

[bonkerpro]

My '01 Ranger will not hold alignment on the front end. The last three potholes I hit have all resulted in a trip to the shop to have it re-aligned.

- 2001 Ranger XLT
- 4.0 L V-6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles

From the standpoint of the running gear, it has basically led a sheltered life except for a few potholes.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

[on the road... again]

hey similar case here... got an 01 155,567 mi. replaced the tires a year ago and this past weekend had a flat due to alignment issues. I took it in and had new front tires put on and they told me that it will not hold the alignment because the upper and lower ball joints are wore out. I also need a new wheel bearing and tie rod end. all this will be around $1,200. I would like to find a cheaper way to fix the alignment problems, but for now buying news tires is a cheaper route.... WE NEED HELP!

[jonmark1985]

you can't do any quality of an alignment with wore parts...

basically once they align it you can turn the wheel and it will be out of alignment once again.

[reggaeblues]

had the same problem on my 2000 ranger............picked up a complete set of control arms at advance auto for about $410.....had to do the work myself thou.....................gotta let u kno now............it wasnt no walk in the park............took 2 days......still gotta go get it aligned....make sure to mark upper control arms camber/caster adjustment eccentric cams for replacement alignment...............also do the same for passenger side lower arm

[bonkerpro]

As an update, I had new tires put on after the original post, and they tech who aligned it got it right. It is driving much better.

That said, I will probably turn over the 98,000 mile mark today, so I do think that it is needing shocks.

My next question is, "Where can I get a do-it-your-selfer" repair manual for the '01 models? I am into the cash only, Dave Ramsey cheap mode of money management, and want to do my next brake pad installation myself.

Thanks to all for the feedback, and all the best for a safe Christmas.

Rick

[mark v]

Barnes and Noble or any big book store will sell or find one for you.

Chilton is the way to go, Haynes is crap, the best is the big fat one from Ford and they can be found cheap on EBay.

I usually buy mine used off EBay.

Originally Posted by bonkerpro

My next question is, "Where can I get a do-it-your-selfer" repair manual for the '01 models? I am into the cash only, Dave Ramsey cheap mode of money management, and want to do my next brake pad installation myself.

Thanks to all for the feedback, and all the best for a safe Christmas.

Rick