Brazil Ranger w/ OEM D44 and outboard shocks

[pacodiablo]

Hey everyone, I know I don't get on this board much these days, but I thought this was kind of interesting. While browsing Ford's Brazil website, I came across their new Sport trim level for the Ranger. It isn't quite like ours...there is a factory D44 rear end and outboard shocks.

Keep in mind, the Brazilian trucks are very closely related to ours. They are built on the same platform (unlike the Thai Rangers).

Here are some pics from the website...

The 2.3 Duratec gasser is standard on the Sport, but they may have the 3.0 diesel available too. Pirelli tires are also part of the package.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Wow that looks just like oures. I kinda like the front bumper a little bit more on the Brazilian version than on ours.

Can you get a supercab?

 

[pacodiablo]

I don't think the Super Cab is offered in Brazil anymore. It was in the 1990s. They have a crew cab version as well, also based off of our Ranger. 2.3 gas engines are standard with a 3.0 diesel optional.

Ford's Brazil site: https://www.ford.com.br/Default.asp#inicio

There have been some threads on the crew cab Rangers before, but I never knew Ford was throwing D44s and outboard shocks under them until the other day.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Whats so special about the Dana 44 rear end? Outboard shocks, I argee that is for the better. Probably won't get as loose on washboard roads.

As for where a Ranger comes from. I don't care too much. As long as I can get a 4x4, manual transmission & transfer case, true 4-door cab, and a diesel engine packed under the hood. If we just had that, I might be willing to buy one today! Until then, my little 2.3L gas tractor engine Ranger does me plenty.

 

[AllanD]

The D44 axle is only a slight improvement over a 7.5" axle
and not nearly as good as an 8.8".

Outboard shocks? Yeah, good idea more leverage.

the one that annoys me is when the ad people start making poetry about "fully boxed frames.

The concept is Ok in theory fatally flawed in reality.

A fully boxed frame is used because it can be made from thinner (cheaper) steel
on lighter machinery.

a fully boxed frame also traps moisture inside the box and they rust from the inside out.

that fun fact killed every jap truck I ever owned, Three Toyota's and a Nissan
all sffered frame failures from internal corrosion.

If they could make the side "Rails" from a tube with NO OPENINGS that they filled with say... expanding foam after the crossmembers were welded to it they'd be onto something (where foam is water can't get to)

Until then my message to automotive engineers is that they can use their fully boxed frames as a "recreational suppository".

C-channel frames aren't perfect but atleast they are "self draining"

Rant mode off (I just had a stiff drink and I feel better

AD

 

[pacodiablo]

I just thought it was interesting that they would change the type of axle and shock location for a different market.

 

[projectnitemare]

I agree the 8.8 is superior to the D44. I'm sure it's a cost thing but reguardless all the other countries seem to get cooler cars than what we have.

Matt