Carrier/rack problems of the 2001 Ford Ranger

Frame rot ,structural crack in left side rear, did not pass nys inspection.

While inspecting my vehicle before attempting to repair the bracket on the exhaust when I noticed large chips of rust and decay on the entire frame of the vehicle while the body and engine bay are completely un damaged, the rust on my vehicle is far worse then should be on my vehicle with less then 100,000 miles.

My 2001 Ford Ranger XLT displays a rusting frame that is not in line with the mileage or condition of the vehicle. The bracket holding the rear leaf spring has rusted and broken loose, allowing the spring to rest against the bottom of the bed of the truck. This is the 2nd bracket to rust completely thru, and again, as stated, the frame shows signs of severe degradation.

My frame has corroded to the point that it is unsafe to drive. Mostly all of my undercarriage bolts and supports have rotted through the frame that there is not enough frame metal to make appropriate repairs> including gas tank filler pipe, gas tank support straps, shock supports,muffler mounts,side step ups, and side panel: brackets. This truck has not been abused and I feel a frame should last more than 13 years.

When going to install trailer hitch I found that spring and shackle brackets are about to fall off due to severe rust perferation. Also bumper brackets are compromised by severe rust perferation as well as entire spare tire compartment. I have found several forums where the same complaint has been reported and I feel it is a safety hazard due to manufacture of the frame metal. I am concerned that my bumber is going to come off while driving or spare tire or leaf spring shackles causing an accident. Surface rust is expected but total perferation of metal from rust on vehicle this old is not acceptable and is a defect in the metal.

Passenger side rear spring shackle bracket rusted and broke off of frame. Frame, especially near rear of truck, is badly rusted.

Failed component 2: frame ahead of leaf spring shackles on both sides. Left was completely fractured and right was 1/2 fractured. Right shock strut mount broken. Driving around town hit several bumps in road due to road construction. When I parked the truck I noticed the truck bed was leaning to the right. Further inspection revealed a cracked frame. Took it to the shop and they said it wasn't safe to drive. They removed the bed and noticed extreme rust and a 'paper thin' frame. . Said it would be difficult to find good metal to weld to. I noticed that Ford had a recall on the 2004 Ranger frame.

2001 Ford Ranger with broken spare tire cable. Consumer states that when he went to change the tire on his truck the spare tire wasn't there and the spare tire cable was broke. Mechanic stated that either the cable was cut or had been pulled. The consumer stated it looked as though the cable pulled free of the bracket which held the wheel and the wheel fell to the ground at some point.