2019 Ford Ranger Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

Front Axle:

On a 2019 Ford Ranger, the front toe is the only angle that is factory-adjustable. This is done by loosening the lock nuts on the outer tie rod ends and rotating the inner tie rod to effectively lengthen or shorten the steering linkage on each side.

The front camber and caster are not factory-adjustable. The front suspension is a coil-over-shock setup with a fixed upper control arm and a lower control arm that bolts directly to the frame without any built-in adjustment mechanism like cam bolts or slotted holes. To bring camber or caster back into specification, you will need to first inspect for worn or damaged components, such as ball joints, control arm bushings, or a bent steering knuckle. If no damaged parts are found, installing aftermarket kits is the only way to allow for adjustment. Cam bolts can be installed in the lower control arm mounts to provide a small range of camber and caster adjustment.

Rear Axle:

The rear axle on a 2019 Ranger is a solid-axle design with leaf springs. On a solid axle, camber and caster are not adjustable and are set by the manufacturing geometry of the axle housing itself. If rear camber is out of specification, it typically indicates a bent axle housing or a failing wheel bearing hub assembly, both of which require replacement.

Rear toe is also not directly adjustable. However, because it is a solid axle, individual toe values should be close to equal. An incorrect thrust angle (the direction the rear axle points relative to the vehicle's centerline) can be corrected by slightly shifting the axle on its leaf spring perches, though this is an uncommon adjustment.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For 2019 Ford Rangers that have had suspension modifications (like a lift or leveling kit) or have stubborn camber/caster readings that cannot be corrected by replacing worn parts, aftermarket solutions are available. Specialty Products Company (SPC) and other brands offer eccentric cam bolt kits (such as part #86250) that replace the stock non-adjustable lower control arm bolts. These kits create a cam mechanism that allows a technician to move the bottom of the steering knuckle in or out (adjusting camber) and forward or backward (adjusting caster) to dial in the alignment for optimal handling and tire wear.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Your truck may need an alignment if you notice one or more of these symptoms:

• Vehicle pulls to one side: The most classic symptom. A constant pull to the left or right while driving on a straight, flat road often points to a camber or caster issue.
• Uneven tire wear: A visual inspection of your tires can reveal a lot.
  • Feathering/Scalloping: A saw-tooth pattern across the tread blocks is a classic sign of a toe-in or toe-out condition. Run your hand over the tread; if it feels smooth in one direction and sharp in the other, that's feathering.
  • Inner or outer edge wear: If the inside shoulder of the tire is wearing faster than the outside, you have too much negative camber. If the outside is wearing faster, you have too much positive camber.
• Crooked steering wheel: When driving straight, the steering wheel is off-center. This is a clear indicator that the toe setting is not correct relative to the steering system.
• Sloppy or loose steering: While often related to worn steering or suspension components, poor alignment can contribute to a vague or imprecise steering feel.

When to align

It is best practice to have your vehicle's alignment checked annually. However, an alignment is absolutely essential after certain events or repairs:

• After installing new tires: To protect your investment and ensure they wear evenly from the start.
• After replacing suspension or steering components: Any time a part like a control arm, ball joint, tie rod end, or strut is replaced, the alignment is guaranteed to have changed.
• After hitting a large pothole or curb: A significant impact can easily knock the alignment out of spec, even if no parts appear to be bent.
• After any change in ride height: Installing a lift kit or a leveling kit will significantly alter the factory camber, caster, and toe settings.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a four-wheel alignment on a 2019 Ford Ranger typically ranges from $120 to $200. The price can vary based on your location and the specific shop. If aftermarket cam bolts need to be installed to correct camber or caster, expect additional charges for the parts and the labor to install them, which could add another $100 to $250 to the total bill.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.