Body Panel System: Other Ford Ranger II

Pickup Bed Lean

1. Check the vehicle ride height. For additional information, refer to «SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-268747) article.
2. Measure and record the distance from the top center of both wheel well lips and calculate the difference.
3. If the difference between the 2 sides is between 0 and 13 mm (0 and 0.5 in), do nothing. The vehicle is within specification.
4. If the difference between the 2 measurements is between 13 and 19.5 mm (0.5 and 0.75 in) shim the pickup bed to the frame. For additional information, refer to «Pickup Bed Shimming»(ref-268760-S12037019582007102600000) in the section.
5. If the difference between the 2 measurements is greater than 19.5 mm (0.75 in): First shim the axle. For additional information, refer to Lean Correction - Rear in «SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-268747) article. If additional shimming is needed, shim the pickup bed to the frame. Refer to «Pickup Bed Shimming»(ref-268760-S12037019582007102600000) in this article.
6. If necessary, align the pickup bed. For additional information, refer to «Pickup Bed Alignment»(ref-268760-S40979463972007102600000) in this article.

Scheme 3

1. Determine if the pickup bed requires shimming. For additional information, refer to «Pickup Bed Lean»(ref-268760-S39507993342007102600000) in this article.
2. Loosen the pickup bed bolts. NOTE: The pickup bed bolts are not identical and must be installed in the same location that they are removed from. Remove the bolts on the low side of the pickup bed.
3. Raise the low side of the pickup bed and install the 3 mm (0.12 in) shims (F4TZ-1000145-A) between the top of the frame and the bottom of the pickup box crossmember. Stack the shims as necessary to achieve the desired spacing. It may be necessary to shim both rear bolts on one side to avoid buckling the box when tightening the bolts. Paint the shims with frame wax or black paint.
4. Tighten the pickup bed bolts. To install, tighten to 63 N.m (46 lb-ft).
5. If necessary, align the pickup bed. For additional information, refer to «Pickup Bed Alignment»(ref-268760-S40979463972007102600000) in this article.
6. Recheck the vehicle lean. For additional information, refer to «Pickup Bed Lean»(ref-268760-S39507993342007102600000) in this article.
7. If necessary, realign rear bumper. Remove the rear bumper brackets.
8. Ream the holes in the rear bumper bracket for the rear bumper bolts.
9. Install the rear bumper.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Remove the tailgate.
2. Disconnect the taillamp wiring harness electrical connector.
3. Remove the fuel filler cap.
4. Remove the fuel filler neck screws.
5. Remove the pickup bed bolts. To install, tighten to 63 N.m (46 lb-ft).
6. Remove the pickup bed.
7. Inspect the J-nuts for damage. Replace the J-nuts if they are damaged.
8. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

1. Remove the tailgate.
2. Remove the rear lamp assemblies. For additional information, refer to «EXTERIOR LIGHTING»(ref-268759) article.
3. Remove the fender step mats.
4. Remove the fender upper mouldings. Remove the moulding plugs. Remove the screws. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft). Remove the upper mouldings.
5. Remove the filler neck screws, LH fender only.
6. Remove the rear wheel splash guards, if equipped.
7. Remove the rear fender splash shields. Remove the 5 screws. Remove the 5 pushpins. Remove the rear fender splash shield.
8. Remove the 6 pickup bed bolts. To install, tighten to 63 N.m (46 lb-ft).
9. Remove the step screws. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft).
10. Remove the rear lamp opening bolts. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft).
11. Remove the rear fender lower screw. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft).
12. Remove the 3 bed-to-fender front bolts. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft).
13. Remove the rear fender. Remove the rear fender screws. To install, tighten to 12 N.m (9 lb-ft). Remove the rear fender.
14. To install, reverse the removal procedure.