Make sure you check underneath

[TVRangerSTX]

Just saw this topic and had to check mine. Picked up Fri with 57 miles, currently Easter Sunday with 63 miles (drove it home, and took the grandsons for a ride around the block yesterday).
I was surprised with the rusty drive shaft and a couple bolts in the rear brake back plates. But 2 other things upset me:
First the spare is a 16" WTF?? It's a PARALLER H/TNB ATLAS , 235/80R16 109T street tread, wear rate 400 made in Thailand. The stock tires are Goodyear Wrangler M & S 255/70R17 112T wear rate 580 made in Mexico. Can this be kosher? Granted it's not a donut, but can't rotate them!
Second and most concerning, bc above is an easy fix: there is a ton of grease/oil splattered over the undercarriage at the trans - transfer case joint. I didn't notice it until I grabbed the hydroformed steel crossmember and my hand came up black! I think a trip to the dealer is in order or maybe call Ford first? I never had this happen before, on any of my many new vehicles (all Fords)! You might be able to see a piece of paper under there which was splattered with grease or oil. I got it out and it was sort of like a routing paper masking taped to the frame and still hanging on for dear life...This made it thru QC checks?

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[tbalt14]

Looks like its leaking grease from that black shaft boot. Is that the front shaft going to the front differential or the rear shaft going back to the rear axle?

 

[TVRangerSTX]

Looks like its leaking grease from that black shaft boot. Is that the front shaft going to the front differential or the rear shaft going back to the rear axle?
@tbalt Tom, its the front shaft coming out of the transfer case, here's a shot looking forward. You may be correct, it's not oil, but sure made a mess! Does that shaft even turn normally? I've not had it in 4wd yet??

 

[Critical Habitat]

Another thread in 5G mentioned something similar. Potential causes included a leaking shaft boot (they replaced the whole drive shaft) to some grease leaking out the vent hole (apparently not as serious).
Leaking front drive shaft | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

 

[Danner]

My thought is there's no telling where else salt has gotten stuck if the undercarriage looks anything but brand new. I don't wanna assume they fix it and my fenders start rotting out after i own it for a year.

It's just hard to fathom that there is that much rust, even if sitting outside since January. Here in Ohio MOST people drive their cars through the winter - all winter - through the salt, slush and snow and are NOT washing them each time. The cars go 3-4 months during and after salt with no cleaning, each year, every year. My daily driver is 15 years old now and does not have that much rust on the bottom...

I tried to get as muchof the salt off as possible. I went to ford dealer today they want me to bring back Monday.

Mine is the same, but only 57 miles at delivery. I think the axle and drive shaft were outside while the strike was going on maybe?

Just saw this topic and had to check mine. Picked up Fri with 57 miles, currently Easter Sunday with 63 miles (drove it home, and took the grandsons for a ride around the block yesterday).
I was surprised with the rusty drive shaft and a couple bolts in the rear brake back plates. But 2 other things upset me:
First the spare is a 16" WTF?? It's a PARALLER H/TNB ATLAS , 235/80R16 109T street tread, wear rate 400 made in Thailand. The stock tires are Goodyear Wrangler M & S 255/70R17 112T wear rate 580 made in Mexico. Can this be kosher? Granted it's not a donut, but can't rotate them!
Second and most concerning, bc above is an easy fix: there is a ton of grease/oil splattered over the undercarriage at the trans - transfer case joint. I didn't notice it until I grabbed the hydroformed steel crossmember and my hand came up black! I think a trip to the dealer is in order or maybe call Ford first? I never had this happen before, on any of my many new vehicles (all Fords)! You might be able to see a piece of paper under there which was splattered with grease or oil. I got it out and it was sort of like a routing paper masking taped to the frame and still hanging on for dear life...This made it thru QC checks?

I have the same spare tire but no leak from the seal

 

[tbalt14]

My 22 Ranger had a cracked shaft boot when new and did the same.
I just ordered paint and rust converter for when my truck arrives. Ford should have painted the driveshaft. Probably trying to save a buck.

 

[Critical Habitat]

Tire specs indicate full-size "non-matching" spare, thus the cheaper street tire.
I thought I saw someone ( @KayaPayaPigDog ) reviewing show theirs and it looked like the off-road tire as spare.. In the video here: (24) years worth of rust on day 6... what a bummer | Ranger6G - 2024+ Ranger & Raptor Forum, News, Owners, Community (6th Gen)

Update: This is what the owner's manual says we should have as a spares.

 

[DanTheMan]

Well I have to say, this thread is depressing. I'm glad to know this information but I'm sad it's a thing. I have been waiting for this new vehicle for 8+ months, and now I will likely have to deal with rusty/ defective parts before I take possession? That's brutal.

 

[DanTheMan]

In the spirit of being productive on this subject, I propose a call to action for everyone who has or is scheduled to take possession of these vehicles. I personally have already contacted my dealership. I sent them pictures from this thread and have asked the sales supervisor how the dealership plans to rectify the issue when the truck arrives. They assure me it will be dealt with but gave no specifics.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the proper remedy to this issue is to remove the rust and paint/seal the components to prevent continuation of the problem. Most other vehicles have painted/ coated drive shafts.

None of this work should fall on the owner of a brand new vehicle. My hope is that if EVERY new Ranger owner brings this issue forward, that Ford will be forced to address it formally via service bulletin etc.

 

[Critical Habitat]

Well, more of us will definitely be taking a close look upon delivery.
I saw a review of a new local F-150 Raptor just delivered and there was basically no rust underneath and the driveshaft was painted black.

I agree the rust is not welcome, but many might suggest we may be concerned too much. The drive shaft itself will never rust-out, and might behave like self-weathering steel light poles. The oxidation actually helps protect the steel underneath.
Anxiously awaiting any resolution, plus we have members from Ford that read the forum.

 

[TVRangerSTX]

Well, more of us will definitely be taking a close look upon delivery.
I saw a review of a new local F-150 Raptor just delivered and there was basically no rust underneath and the driveshaft was painted black.

I agree the rust is not welcome, but many might suggest we may be concerned too much. The drive shaft itself will never rust-out, and might behave like self-weathering steel light poles. The oxidation actually helps protect the steel underneath.
Anxiously awaiting any resolution, plus we have members from Ford that read the forum.

FYI weathering steel has a special chemistry containing copper to achieve a protective coating to discourage further rust, Cor-Ten is one trade name. I'm certain this is not the case with our driveshafts and nuts and bolts. My drives shaft is perfectly clean under a small decal they put there from inspection, but the other 99.9% is rusted. I attached a picture of the drive shaft tag...I do not want this to get worse and affect my brand new truck. Shame on Ford

 

[Critical Habitat]

Thanks. You are correct. I would like to get a response from Ford. Did they all sit outside during the strike? Just what I need. Rust dripping on a nice garage floor after driving in the wet or snow.
I'll keep a copy of the '21 XLT that showed painted driveshaft to show the dealer the difference when I take delivery, if it is rusted that bad.

 

[FordDawg]

Has anyone received a Ranger that DOESN'T have a rusted drive train?

 

[Bt_okst]

Could one not have undercoating done. I know this has been done on many northern vehicles, especially, in the past to help with preventing this rusting?

 

[Skitrem47]

Have we noticed the rust on February and March builds as well or just January?

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