TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Shudder/Vibration When Accelerating From A Stop

20-2277
19 August 2020

Model:
Ford
2019-2020 Ranger
Issue: Some 2019-2020 Ranger vehicles may exhibit a shudder/vibration when accelerating from a stop.
This may be due to an excessive rear axle pinion angle. To correct the condition, follow the Service
Procedure steps to adjust the rear axle pinion angle.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the
following criteria:
• 2019-2020 Ranger
• Shudder/vibration when accelerating from a stop
NOTE: Part quantity refers to the number of that service part number required, which may be
different than the number of individual pieces. Service part numbers contain 1 piece unless
otherwise stated. "As Needed" indicates the part is required but the number may vary or is not a
whole number; parts can be billed out as non-whole numbers, including less than 1.
Parts
Part Number

Description Quantity

KB3Z-4C088-B Shim Kit

1

Special Tool(s)
General Equipment: Digital Inclinometer
General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands
General Equipment: Transmission Jack
Warranty Status: Eligible under provisions of New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW)/Service Part
Warranty (SPW)/Special Service Part (SSP)/Extended Service Plan (ESP) coverage. Limits/policies/prior
approvals are not altered by a TSB. NVLW/SPW/SSP/ESP coverage limits are determined by the
identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.
Labor Times
Operation
No.

Description
2019-2020 Ranger: Verify Front Ride Height And Rear Axle Pinion Angle Includes
Time To Install Shim Kit Following The Service Procedure (Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
Repair/Claim Coding
Causal Part:

4001

Condition Code: 07

202277A

Time
0.9
Hrs.

Service Procedure
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface such as a drive-on hoist or alignment rack.
2. Verify the front and rear ride height is within specification per Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 20400. Is the ride height within specification?
(1). Yes - proceed to Step 3.
(2). No - this article does not apply. Refer to WSM, Section 204-00 for further diagnostics.
3. Calibrate the digital inclinometer by placing it on a clean, flat, and level section of the vehicle frame rail
as indicated in Figure 1. Zero the tool.
NOTE: Do not use an analog dial gauge angle/finder protractor to measure rear axle pinion angle;
an accurate reading will not be obtained. (Figure 1)
Figure 1

4. To simplify taking the measurements, rotate the driveshaft until the rear axle pinion flange yoke is
parallel with the floor.
5. Take the rear axle pinion angle measurement from the horizontal face of the rear axle flange yoke and
record as Angle A. (Figure 2)
Figure 2

6. Subtract Angle A from 5.25 degrees to determine the appropriate shim required to adjust the rear axle
pinion angle.
7. Support the front of the vehicle with a stand. Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands.
8. Support the rear axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack.
9. On both sides, remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower bolt and nut.
NOTE: Support the rear axle before removing the rear spring U-bolts.
10. On both sides:
(1). Remove and discard the rear leaf spring U-bolt nuts.
(2). Remove the rear leaf spring U-bolt plates.
(3). Remove and discard the U-bolts.
11. Lower the axle assembly to gain access to the 6 mm (1/4 in.) spacer on the left side.
12. Remove and discard the 6 mm (1/4 in.) spacer on the left side.
NOTE: The service kit contains all of the parts necessary for the adjustment procedure. The rear
axle pinion angle can be changed by adding a 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 degree rear axle pinion angle shims.
NOTE: Rear axle pinion shims provided in the kit are marked as LH and RH to identify the side of
vehicle they are to be used. The thicker rear axle pinion shims are to only be used on the left side
of the vehicle, and the thinner rear axle pinion shims on the right side.
NOTE: Only use 1 rear axle pinion shim per side.
NOTE: Make sure the rear axle pinion angle is between 5.00 – 6.00 degrees.
13. Install the desired rear axle pinion shims on the axle spring seats based on the calculation from Step
6.
(1). To decrease rear axle pinion angle, the thick edge of the rear axle pinion shim should be facing
forward.
(2). To increase rear axle pinion angle, the thick edge of the rear axle pinion shim should be facing
rearward.
NOTE: Make sure the word FRONT stamped on the part is facing rearward when increasing rear
axle pinion angle.
14. Position and raise the rear axle.
NOTE: Tighten the rear spring U-bolts in a cross pattern with the vehicle resting on the wheels and
tires (curb height).

15. On both sides:
(1). Position the new U-bolt bolts onto the rear axle.
(2). Install the rear leaf spring U-bolt plates.
(3). Install the new rear leaf spring U-bolt nuts and tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft). (Figure 3)
Figure 3

16. Position the rear shock absorber and install a new lower bolt and nut. Remove the transmission jack
and tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
17. Remove the support for the front of the vehicle.
NOTE: For additional information, refer to WSM Section 205-02.
NOTE: If the concern is still present, continue with normal diagnosis and repair.

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All rights reserved.
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge,
tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or
provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do
not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the
Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended
Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was
current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supersede this information with updates. The most recent
information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.