Three problems related to front suspension leaf spring have been reported for the 2002 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2002 Ranger.
We are original owners of a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always Ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because frame and frame components are severely rusted out. - severe rust on the entire frame including both cross members (engine and transmission), arm bolt points and control arms. - frame also has severe rust down both sides to rear bumper, rear axle and differental, leaf springs and all mounts. - the passenger side stearing knuckle is delaminating. - all brake lines have failed while driving: first the rear brakes including all axle couplings and drum couplings; second the front brake lines failed at the disk brakes and rubber couplings. All brake tubes had to be replaced from the master cylinder to the wheels. - service manager is worried about front cross member failing under the engine, middle cross member failing under the transmission and the gas tank brackets/straps. - the frame and members and mounts must be replaced; the rest of the vehicle is mechanically sound. Service manager said no repair was possible to frame rust is so bad pictures can be provided and/or vehical inspected by NHTSA if desired. All brake lines and couplings performed around August 29, 2019.
Rear leaf shackles replaced, rotted from frame, last Aug 2014 to pass inspection. This winter 2014-2015, the spare tire carrier frame rotted and fell from the vehicle, including the spare tire. Now, upon inspection of the bed appearing crooked, the drivers side frame in front of the drivers side front leaf spring mount is totally rotted. This has caused the gas tank mounts to the frame to break. It has also caused the bed to twist and the entire rear end of this vehicle is now only supported by the passenger side frame.
Brought truck into service center for noise in front. Raised truck to inspect---- complete undercariage rusted beyond belief,front to rear bolts, nuts, brackets,frame, shocks, etc. Main concern is frame, brake lines --- had to have rear leaf spring support and bracket replaced because it was ready to break. Had shocks replaced because they looked like they could bust at any time. This is a truck with less than 32,000 miles --- body still looks great but underneath is questionable is there a recall or something I can fall back on ????.