1999 Ford Ranger: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Sep 13, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 16,500 miles · MA

For the second time as far as I know the rear frame (rear spring shackles and spear tire holder specifically) have and are being replaced because they have rusted and they tore apart. As I was driving I hit a regular bump in the road. I was driving about 35 to 45 MPH on the way to work. Well it sounded like it hit pretty hard, as I was driving I noticed the trucks performance was lacking. So, went to work, got out of work and on the way back home I noticed the samething with the performance of the truck. It was lacking in a big way. As I was pulling into the driveway I heard a large clunk sound. The next day I had a prior appointment at my transmission shop. As the mechanics put it on the lift "the rear axle dropped to the full extent of the shock absorber and busting their seals. Because the shackle broke it was causing the axle to twist while I was driving given the truck the bad performance, bad steering, and giving the transmission a pulsating affect. Also the engine lost the power giving the truck resistance and using more gas. So I am replacing both shackles, both shock absorbers, and the spear tire mechanism. At the same time I will be sanding the frame down, and coating all parts (cleaning and coating parts) with bedliner coating to hopefully stop the rust. The parts that I am replacing are also replacement parts because they are bolted on to the frame instead of riveted like the originals were. Also the steel seams to be thinner in the rear than the front and middle.

Filed Mar 11, 2003 · Transmission · WA

When I accelerate from a stop I feel two distinct "clunks" and I feel the same ones just before I come to a stop.

Filed Apr 4, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · MD

Vehicle is drifting both forward and backward when put into gear, and when vehicle is turned off. Also, braking system fails to engage under wet conditions, resulting in extended stopping distance. Then, brake system would not disengage after start up of vehicle , resulting in a noise that comes from rear end of vehicle. *ak dealer states drifting does not occur when parking brake is used, for a manual vehicle dealer states this is normal. Brakes have locked up and have failed to release, on one occasion the consumer heard a loud dull clunk sound in the rear axle area and vehicle moved after that. Consumer states vehicle moved back quickly in fast short spurts and then gave way rolling quickly backward, after that is stalled and was difficult to restart.

Filed Mar 26, 2001 · Transmission · NY

Oil gauge sticks in cold weather, it will eventually work. There is a bump/clunk in rear end on initial acceleration and vehicle shakes at 70+ MPH.

Filed Feb 3, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Transmission problems: transmission shutters and shakes car violently at start of acceleration, and in between some gears. Transmission clunk into gear intermitently. Shutters at braking as transmission is gearing down. Problem was so bad. In shop 42 days total. Dealer (peyton creamer) tried to fix. Could not. After filing under ca lemon law to get a replacement vehical, ford offered me a buy back of my vehical. I accepted. I now have a new truck and it too is doing most of the same transmission problems. I no longer own this 1999 truck but do still own the 2000 truck which I too have made a complanint on. Dealer is pretty much refusing to have my truck in thier shop any more unless they hear from ford.

Filed Oct 17, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · MA

Caliper malfunction, shoes rubbing automatic transmission clunking when shifting from forward to reverse or vice versa

Filed Jul 2, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

When brakes heat up they pull severly left...have had it checked 4 times...replaced pads 3 times...checked rotors calipers...no fix yet...also driveshaft clunk noise after changing gear and accelerating...replaced driveshaft once no fix...now they say there is currently no fix.

Filed Jul 1, 1999 · Transmission · NJ

I returned my truck to ford dealership complaining of a sharp "clunking" in the driveline when letting up on accelerator. The dealer added 1 qt of transmission fluid, ran computer diagnostics without any indication of a problem. It was requested that I take a dealership technician on a test drive to illustrate problem. The technician stated that the "clunking" was a "normal transmission downshift". The "clunking" has not increased in intensity, but I am not convinced it is normal operation due to 1)the sharpness of the jolt and 2} co-workers exact same model truck does not exibit these symptoms.