1996 Ford Ranger Body and structure Problems

“Extensive rust deterioration on structural frame members which is spreading rapidly. Various locations. I'm very concerned about the right side rear leaf spring mount breaking loose while in motion. The remainder of the truck is in generally good condition. When I bought it from the original owner 7/11, some frame brackets had been replaced, but the frame appeared sound. Vehicle was stationary.”

“My 96 Ford Ranger has tremendous frame rot on the drive side at the front of the spring shackles. Someone had sprayed rhino liner like material on the rot to cover it up or to try to make it hold. The rest of the frame is in outstanding condition except for it being almost broken into at the gas tank strap and front shackles. I have replaced every front end part on this truck thinking it was in the front suspension. When driving it runs out of line from the rear and the frame is starting to bend.”

“1996 Ford Ranger, 4.0, standard cab, standard shift, 2whl drive. The accelerator pedal mounting bracket, which is spot welded to the firewall, broke the welds. This left the vehical without the ability to increase speed above idle. Although the bracket had potential fastener holes that lined up with holes in the firewall, the bracket does not bolt on. Refer to Ford cpd 2000 version 15.04--january 2003, p-29097 item 9a762 for a blow up of the item. No accident occured and since I am a mechanic, I drove the vehical home and repaired it myself.”

“1. Excessive underbody corrosion 2. Suspension failure due to breaks in spring to frame mounts and shackles; three times in two years. Loss of vehicle control when body dropped onto wheel 3. New spring mounts had to be welded onto frame.”

“Dt: on july 10, 2005 the contact's vehicle was involved in an accident. Was sitting at a red light with the car in neutral. The bakes were not pressed. Because there were no brake lights illuminating the vehicle was hit from behind. The contact felt that vehicles should be equipped with brake lights that should stay on while the vehicle was not moving. This was a safety defect in all manual transmission vehicles. The vehicle sustained damage to the rear bumper and deck. There was no police report taken. The two vehicle operators only exchanged phone numbers. …”