2001 FORD RANGER suspension

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²uneven vehicle loading
²high crown in center of road
²high crosswinds
²wheels out of alignment
²loose or worn suspension components
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Driving
131

3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
4x2 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal
area of
trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6' box
2.3L All 2 177 (4 800) 753 (1 660) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion bar
suspension)All 2 722 (6 000) 1 207 (2 660) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 2 722 (6 000) 1 152 (2 540) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion bar
suspension)All 3 175 (7 000) 1 624 (3 580) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 3 175 (7 000) 1 569 (3 460) 4.64 (50)
Driving
147

4x2 w/manual transmission
Regular Cab w/7' box
2.3L All 2 177 (4 800) 726 (1 600) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L All 2 722 (6 000) 1 179 (2 600) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 3 175 (7 000) 1 597 (3 520) 4.64 (50)
SuperCab
2.3L All 2 177 (4 800) 671 (1 480) Equal to
frontal area
of vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion bar
suspension)All 2 722 (6 000) 1 125 (2 480) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 2 722 (6 000) 1 052 (2 320) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion bar
suspension)All 3 175 (7 000) 1 542 (3 400) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 3 175 (7 000) 1 479 (3 260) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the load your vehicle can carry/towearlier
in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Driving
148

4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area
of trailer -
m
2(ft2)
Regular Cab w/6' box
2.3L All 2 495 (5 500) 1 025 (2 260) Equal to
frontal area of
vehicle
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspensionAll 3 402 (7 500) 1 869 (4 120) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (tosion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 814 (4 000) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 740 (6 040) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 685 (5 920) 4.64 (50)
Regular Cab w/7' box
2.3L All 2 495 (5 500) 1 007 (2 220) Equal to
frontal area of
vehicle
3.0L All 3 402 (7 500) 1 842 (4 060) 4.64 (50)
4.0L All 4 309 (9 500) 2 712 (5 980) 4.64 (50)
Driving
150

4x2 w/automatic transmission
SuperCab
3.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 787 (3 940) 4.64 (50)
3.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 3 402 (7 500) 1 715 (3 780) 4.64 (50)
4.0L
(non-torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 667 (5 880) 4.64 (50)
4.0L (torsion
bar suspension)All 4 309 (9 500) 2 595 (5 720) 4.64 (50)
For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft.) elevation.
For definition of terms used in this table seeVehicle Loadingearlier
in this chapter.
To determine maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle, seeCalculating the load your vehicle can carry/towearlier
in this chapter.
Maximum trailer weight is shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle (including hitch, passengers and cargo) and
the loaded trailer must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR).
Driving
151

²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
Maintenance and care
215