I want everyone's input on adding the 2019+ Ford Ranger to the site

[Jim Oaks]

Tech Library:

Something I've been struggling with is how to add tech info on the 2019+ Ranger to the site. Do I add it to the existing Tech Library, or create a separate Tech Library for the 2019+ Rangers?

Maybe I'm afraid people won't find it.

Forum:

We now have different prefixes in the 4-cylinder forum. Should I add a 2.3 EB or 2.3 EcoBoost prefix and move the conversations about these engines to that forum? Axles to the axle forum, etc....

For some reason I've been struggling with whether or not to mix the new Ranger tech in with the previous models, or separate it.

Please give me your thoughts.....

Speaking of Prefixes:

When we use them, you can quickly sort through a forum by a prefix. So if your in the 4-cylinder forum, you can choose to only look at the 2.0L ('83-'88) if you're only interested in that engine. I didn't combine all of the 6-cylinders in to one forum because it would have been way to busy.

I had considered adding prefixes to the axle forum, but then you wouldn't be thought that it might no be practical if someone wants to talk about a Ford 8.8 and Dana 35 in the same topic, and then there's trying to add a prefix for every axle.....

So far I think I like the idea of the prefixes. If anyone sees a spot in the forum where they could come in handy, please let me know.

 

[racsan]

I think it should be seperate, its such a diffrent truck and I doubt anything would apply to the older models. There was alot of interchangeable tech back with the older stuff. It really seems like a different model altogether to me, just has the “ranger” name.

 

[RobbieD]

I think it should be seperate, its such a diffrent truck and I doubt anything would apply to the older models. There was alot of interchangeable tech back with the older stuff. It really seems like a different model altogether to me, just has the “ranger” name.

That makes a lot of sense. It'll be the same kind of deal with the new Bronco, too.

 

[Ranger850]

Seperate it as 2019+ for the above mentioned. Also EcoBoost and Eddie Bauer are abbreviated as EB, so that is confusing too. My $.02

 

[19Walt93]

I agree, a separate section would be best. They should be included, either way.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think for the tech library... separate. 2011 and older... 2019 and newer. There could be some overlap information though. Is it possible to cross link or share certain sections?

 

[wildbill23c]

I agree with other inputs on creating a separate tech section for the new Ranger. Its a completely different vehicle nothing even close to the previous models, so it should really have its own place and to keep confusion to a minimum.

Not a fan of the new "Ranger" however, it would be great to have a tech section on it, because well you never know if someone like myself ends up with one in their driveway at some point in the future, having a tech section like we have for the older generations of Rangers and Bronco 2's is a massive help to myself and others so having that for the new Ranger would be awesome. Its weird I love computer & techie type stuff around the house, but its like a totally different opinion with vehicles, the more complex they get the harder it is for me to like any of it...I'm not sure how many of you deal with all that stuff LOL. The simpler the better...that new Ranger is just way too electronic for me which is weird considering my computer & tech knowledge. Keep the 2 "Rangers" separate and it'll keep the tech section cleaner too I think. The 2019+ Rangers have so many things our old ones never had and tech didn't even exist then in the first place type things, so having the 2 separated would be a great clutter and confusion reducer.

As always, TRS is the best forum out there when it comes to getting help with an RBV and the tech section is leaps and bounds above everyone else, as a matter of face no other forum I'm on has a tech & diy section you gotta search through hundreds of thousands of threads in hopes of finding something remotely close to what you are needing.

I'm not saying the new Ranger is bad, its just when the owner's manual is the size of a phone book its a bit much LOL. It would take me 10 years to figure out how to use the radio HAHA!!!! Its new, its expensive, and its just not a Ranger to me LOL. Guess that's what happens when you grow up in the 80's and a "Ranger" was either a 70's full size pickup or an 80's compact pickup and neither were very electronically complex, at least not the 80's and early 90's models.

As always, not my forum, so do how you see fit, but I think separating the 2019's and newer would make a lot more sense in a keep it organized logic. Have a great night.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I agree with separating it. There's going to be so much going on with the 2019s and up that they deserve their own section for reference and expansion.

 

[romcjr]

I agree with above posters . These trucks have same name but are far apart in terms of technology . My .02 .

 

[Ramcharger90]

As someone who basically started off on working and building Ford rangers using this site even 10 years ago under a different screen name that I forgot what it was. The best solution I would come up with is an extremely dumbed down version for even some who doesn't use fourms ever or at all to disseminate what type of engine transmission based on year the more sub categories year specific for even the tech library the better

 

[Uncle Gump]

As someone who basically started off on working and building Ford rangers using this site even 10 years ago under a different screen name that I forgot what it was. The best solution I would come up with is an extremely dumbed down version for even some who doesn't use fourms ever or at all to disseminate what type of engine transmission based on year the more sub categories year specific for even the tech library the better

While I won't disagree with you... I don't believe the tech section was designed as a replacement for a good service manual and wiring diagrams. Dividing it into model year specific information would add a lot of complexities. Not to mention data storage... updating nightmares and the man hours that would be required to basically tear up the existing and put the information back into a newly designed tech section.

But the good news is... there is a chance to build a new tech section. With all the new stuff that is coming in the new Generation Rangers... there is a better chance of keeping things perhaps more model year specific going forward.

So knowing the challenges... Do you think blending the new Gen information into the existing tech section is better then seperating all the new Gen information into a new tech section?

 

[Ramcharger90]

While I won't disagree with you... I don't believe the tech section was designed as a replacement for a good service manual and wiring diagrams. Dividing it into model year specific information would add a lot of complexities. Not to mention data storage... updating nightmares and the man hours that would be required to basically tear up the existing and put the information back into a newly designed tech section.

But the good news is... there is a chance to build a new tech section. With all the new stuff that is coming in the new Generation Rangers... there is a better chance of keeping things perhaps more model year specific going forward.

So knowing the challenges... Do you think blending the new Gen information into the existing tech section is better then seperating all the new Gen information into a new tech section?

It's Jims baby but I think it could be spaced out as the new tech stuff comes in it gets its own sub categories. Then it can be evaluated and the guys that moderate can determine along with Jim if an overhaul is necessary. Wait till we get into more 2.3 EcoBoost swaps in older RB's also the older info can be libked to newer stuff.

I have no experience with web design and development but I was just speaking from experience everything Ranger Ive learned was from here. Most of the Dodge stuff ive learned over the years was from Ramchargercentral.com and friends. I was just speaking from experience with these 2 forums the only other fourm ive messed around with was rs25.com but this one has the nicest tech library. The only way to properly describe what im referring to is how advance auto parts had the old computer system when customers were allowed to walk in and use the one computer to look up prices and year specific diagrams. which is what I was trying to say.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I know Jim put this out there to gather feedback from everyone... and just know it didn't fall on deaf ears. The goal is really to consolidate the main forums page a bit (note the prefix tabs applied to the 4cylinder engines... more of that to come) and prepare the site for all the information that will be heading this way.