Driveshaft problems of the 2001 Ford Ranger

While driving at approximately 40 mph on a country road the vehicle began to vibrate. The driver pulled over, got underneath the vehicle, and pushed on the universal joint which was tight. The circular sound damper broke off. The driveshaft caused the vehicle to shake. The owner later contacted the manufacturer, and was told that there was nothing they could do. This problem caused rattling and the vehicle would become hard to control on the highway. The consumers warranty had expired and there was nothing that Ford would do to help with the problem.

I have a 01 Ranger 4x4 with 4. 0l engine and 4. 10 rear end. I continue to have an intermitant shudder problem from 1-2 and then again from 3-4 (around 2500 rpms) and 4-5 (around 2100 rpms). I have had the transmission serviced several times and had the following repairs performed: 1. Replaced driveshaft 2. Overhaul valve body 3. Pcm reprogrammed 4. Replaced valve body 5. Replaced valve body again 6. Overhauled transmission replace overdrive drum due to an uneven surface so far, I have had over $2,500 in repairs (all under warranty luckily). However, the shudder is still there, although it is not as harsh as it once was. A new problem has begun in the last few weeks, now when you put it in gear, it takes several seconds before it engages. In fact, you can sit there with your foot on the gas and it won't go. Once the truck is warmed up, this is not a problem. The shudder that is felt is erratic, but can be made to shudder if driven at the correct speeds.

I'm driving a lemon that I purchased from crain Ford in benton ar. After 20 months of hassles from crain and Ford motor, I am still driving a faulty vehicle that the maker can't diagnose, yet I'm told that it is safe to drive the vehicle. Ford closed my case and neither party has been helpful at all.

Driveshaft sheared off at highway speeds, causing loss of control. Rear end locked up. There are alot of Ford Rangers out there and this could happen to someone else. Our dealer said they had never heard or seen this type of problem before. We thought this problem needed to be reported.

Vehicle has a constant vibration, and a very heavy vibration at 65mph. It comes up through the seat and the steering wheel. I have had several people tell me it sounds like the drive shaft. Dealership says it has a harmonic imbalance in the engine, and Ford does not have a fix for it yet. I was told I have to wait until they do, or just start throwing parts at it trying to find a fix. I was told "their engineers are working on it". Have inquired since and found they still have no answer. If it is the shaft then I could end up catapulting myself and my vehicle. It has an aluminum shaft (from what I have been told), not sure if that has something to do with the problem. I am very concerned about my safety and the safety of those around me. I would like to have the problem fixed. Please help me force the manufacturer to research and resolve this problem as soon as possible. Thank you, sincerely, rachel a. Langdon.