1996 FORD RANGER suspension

166
*
[DR15900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and
set the parking brake fully.
*
[DR15903(R )05/95]
With the transfer case in N (Neutral), the vehicle is free to move
with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the
manual transmission in any driving gear.
*
[DR15906(R )05/95]
RWARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer
case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking
brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the
vehicle.
%*
[DR15915(ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
[DR15930(R )11/89]
Your Ranger may have optional power steering. Power steering
uses energy from the engine to help steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950(ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually but it takes more
effort.
*
[DR15960(ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or left for
more than five seconds if the engine is running. This can
damage the power steering pump.
*
[DR15985(ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as striking large
potholes, sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the steering wheel
alignment. If the spokes of the steering wheel seem to
be in a different position while going straight down
the road, have the front suspension and steering
checked for possible damage.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
181
%*
[DR23000(ALL)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLowº
%*
[DR23200(R )07/95]
If brakes do not grip well, it may indicate the rear drum brakes
need adjustment. To do this, drive the vehicle in reverse at
5 mph (8 km/h) on level, dry pavement. Stop the vehicle by
firmly applying the brakes. Repeat this procedure four or five
times.
*
[DR23250(ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal seems ªlowº, it may
indicate the need for a brake system inspection and/or service.
You should have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
%*
[DR23300(ALL)10/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate stops does not
affect the function of the brake system and is normal. However,
if the squeal becomes louder or more frequent, have your
brakes inspected by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
*
[DR23400(ALL)11/89]
RWARNING
Modifications to the suspension spring rates and/or
vehicle ride height may adversely affect vehicle stopping
ability.
*
[DR23500(ALL)07/92]
If Brakes Pull
*
[DR23600(ALL)05/95]
n
Check tire pressure.
*
[DR23700(R )07/95]
n
Perform the self-adjustment procedure described underIf
Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is ªLow.º
*
[DR23800(ALL)05/95]
If pull occurs during the first 500 miles (800 km), make 10
moderately fast stops from 40 mph (65 km/h) and then
perform the self-adjustment procedure above. It may be
necessary to repeat this operation to properly seat new brake
linings and pads.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

Driving Your Ranger
191
[DR28700(R )03/95]
17-1/2 pica
art:0090121-A
Loading four foot (122 cm) building material sheets (styleside box only)
*
[DR28750(ALL)01/93]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
*
[DR28801(ALL)06/92]
All vehicles may tow a Class I trailer provided the Gross
Combined Weight (GCW) is less than or equal to the GVWR
shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. For heavier
trailer applications, refer to the towing information found later
in this chapter.
%*
[DR28950(ALL)02/95]
Trailer Towing (may require trailer tow option package)
*
[DR29001(ALL)03/91]
Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety
and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment for
the type of trailer you tow.
*
[DR29025(ALL)09/92]
Your trailer towing capability will vary based on the standard
and optional equipment on your vehicle. Refer to the following
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

196
*
[DR30650(ALL)08/95]
It is important to remember that GVWis not a limit or a
specification.If an owner loads up a vehicle and weighs it, that's
the GVW at that moment. If the owner piles on more of a load
and weighs it again, that becomes the GVW.
%*
[DR30701(ALL)03/91]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
*
[DR30750(ALL)10/94]
To avoid overloading a vehicle, the owner should observe the
manufacturer's specified Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The
GVWR is the maximum total weight of base vehicle, passengers,
optional components and cargo that a particular vehicle was
designed to carry.
%*
[DR30801(ALL)01/93]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[DR30850(ALL)03/91]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
*
[DR30901(ALL)03/91]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the carrying capacity for each axle system. For trucks,
the rear axle will be designed to carry more weight than the
front.
*
[DR30950(ALL)06/92]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of thelowest rated
axle and suspension component as well as other factors. This is
why it's so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[DR31001(ALL)06/92]
The capacity of the tires is included as part of the axle and
suspension system, which is to be considered when determining
the lowest rated component. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific maximum tire pressure.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

218
*
[DR40600(ALL)01/93]
To start, after being parked on a grade:
*
[DR40700(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold.
*
[DR40800(ALL)08/95]
n
Start the engine.
*
[DR40900(ALL)08/95]
n
Shift transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
*
[DR41000(ALL)08/95]
n
Release the brake pedal and move the vehicle uphill to free
the wheel chocks.
*
[DR41100(ALL)05/95]
n
Apply the brake pedal and hold while another person
retrieves the chocks.
[DR41235(ALL)02/92]
Suspension Modifications
[DR41250(ALL)03/91]
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been
designed and tested to provide both safe, predictable
performance (whether loaded or empty) as well as durable load
carrying capability. Any modifications to the suspension or
steering systems can reduce your vehicle's performance
capability and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Ford
recommends that you DO NOT make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (like lift kits, stabilizer bars or
snowplowing equipment) or by using replacement parts
non-equivalent to the original factory equipment.
%*
[DR41260(ALL)02/92]
Snowplowing
*
[DR41275(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
File:10undrr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:52:06 1996

296
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
n
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Verify that no chain touches any wiring, brake lines, or fuel
lines. Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV31700(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV31800(ALL)10/94]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV31850(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
[SV31900(ALL)03/95]
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them on
snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[SV31950(ALL)05/91]
n
Make sure your suspension insulation and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV31960(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV31970(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV31975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
[SV31980(ALL)03/95]
If you have raised white letter tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
File:15unsvr.ex
Update:Wed May 1 13:56:18 1996