Your request for a factory rock crawler/trail truck have been heard

[sgtsandman]

I think they got the size right on the current Ranger. I don't think that will change, though the frame might need modified to allow for a V-6 ecoboost. The original Ranger is better at competing with Jeeps off road as far as size goes and properly upgraded in order to keep up but they are tight quarters. I hope they don't Raptorize the Ranger because while a desert runner looks cool, not quite right for trails and mud and those wide, flaring fenders are just begging to be broken or bashed in.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Don't be sad sandman...

There are just some things in life that should be left alone...

 

[Snoranger]

If the next ranger gets an even bigger chassis and the same engine as the f150/raptor... whats the point of having both?

It's not a bigger chassis, it's just different. Probably redesigned to fit anything they plan to bring to the North American market.
It's not the same engine. The F150 Raptor has the 3.5L, the Bronco (and the Ranger in a few years) is expected to get a 2.7L.

 

[Jim Oaks]

How can the 2.7 not fit in a Ranger? They put 3.5's in Explorers.

The Ranger needs the 2.7L option, and Ford needs to put together a better off-road package to compete against Chevy and Jeep.

The Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator offer more horsepower. I feel like Ford could get better MPG out if the 2.7 in a Ranger because it wouldn't have to work as hard as the 2.3, and also compete with the competition on horsepower ratings.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The rumor I heard is it is a carry over from the Ranger’s overseas heritage. All you can get worldwide is an in-line, they were not designed to take a V. And with its extra stiff an EB is bigger yet than the average V.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I also think Ford shouldn't use the Raptor name on any other vehicles. Bad branding.

If I say 'Raptor', you know I'm talking about a high performance fullsize 4x4 Ford pickup. I don't even have to say 'Ford'. You know what I'm talking about. The name is Iconic.

Ford has talked about bringing back the 'Maverick' name. Maybe that should be the 'Performance' version of the Bronco.

I think there needs to be new blood. Completely new ideas. Imagine if a group of investors created a company that just built midsize trucks?

A basic no frills 2wd & 4wd
A mid luxury 2wd & 4wd
A luxury 2wd & 4wd
A high performance 2wd street truck
A trend setting serious off-road truck

And then imagine if they went out and did hardcore things with them. Pushed them to their limits. Hosted gatherings at places like Moab for their off-road truck owners, and had a crew of technicians on hand in case you broke something.

Ok, it's 1am. I must be dreaming. Goodnight.

 

[Jim Oaks]

The rumor I heard is it is a carry over from the Ranger’s overseas heritage. All you can get worldwide is an in-line, they were not designed to take a V. And with its extra stiff an EB is bigger yet than the average V.

According to the guys at Ironman4x4, the chassis on this Ranger is so different from the Global Ranger, that none of the products they make for the global trucks will fit it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

According to the guys at Ironman4x4, the chassis on this Ranger is so different from the Global Ranger, that none of the products they make for the global trucks will fit it.

Bumper and suspension are unique to North America IIRC.

I don’t know, I have obviously never tried but Ford has never put a V6 in this platform yet... so it is kinda plausible.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I think they got the size right on the current Ranger. I don't think that will change, though the frame might need modified to allow for a V-6 ecoboost. The original Ranger is better at competing with Jeeps off road as far as size goes and properly upgraded in order to keep up but they are tight quarters. I hope they don't Raptorize the Ranger because while a desert runner looks cool, not quite right for trails and mud and those wide, flaring fenders are just begging to be broken or bashed in.

I agree with this 100%. I think the new Ranger is the perfect size. I've been places in it where the Raptor would be to big.

The Ranger could be a tough competitor to beat in the offroad world. This segment is rapidly growing. Just look at the features you can get with the Jeep Gladiator and Chevy Colorado Bison now.

I also think Ford should stick a 3.5L in one, lower the stance, and basically bring back the lightning.

There's so much unrecognized potential here.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

How can the 2.7 not fit in a Ranger? They put 3.5's in Explorers.

The Ranger needs the 2.7L option, and Ford needs to put together a better off-road package to compete against Chevy and Jeep.

The Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator offer more horsepower. I feel like Ford could get better MPG out if the 2.7 in a Ranger because it wouldn't have to work as hard as the 2.3, and also compete with the competition on horsepower ratings.

I wish ford would just blow them all out of the water and go mopar-esqe on their ass and drop the 5.0L in the bronco/ranger.

 

[Jim Oaks]

I wish ford would just blow them all out of the water and go mopar-esqe on their ass and drop the 5.0L in the bronco/ranger.

Speaking of Mopar, I heard Dodge plans to re-enter the midsize truck market. If I was them, I'd make a midsize Power Wagon.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The trouble with building any niche vehicle is ROI... and we really are talking niche vehicles here. This type of vehicle doesn't apply to the masses. Millions of dollars go into engineering, testing, plant tooling, parts sourcing, distribution, warehousing and lets not forget about the warranty. They have to sell a bunch of them just to get those dollars back... before then can even begin to get a profit from it. I think most auto companies are happy to let the aftermarket invest their engineering dollars on a gamble that Joe Public will want it. Then when we alter it from it's original intent... they wash their hands of the warranty. Makes perfect financial sense for them to do it this way.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The trouble with building any niche vehicle is ROI... and we really are talking niche vehicles here. This type of vehicle doesn't apply to the masses. Millions of dollars go into engineering, testing, plant tooling, parts sourcing, distribution, warehousing and lets not forget about the warranty. They have to sell a bunch of them just to get those dollars back... before then can even begin to get a profit from it. I think most auto companies are happy to let the aftermarket invest their engineering dollars on a gamble that Joe Public will want it. Then when we alter it from it's original intent... they wash their hands of the warranty. Makes perfect financial sense for them to do it this way.

IMO they are testing the waters. They entered a very competitive truck for the masses into the fray. We strive for more but really the competition doesn't have anything that even touches the 2.3 yet. If the truck succeeds (and I think it is so far) we will get more fun stuff to go with it.

Those "niche" vehicles can be cash cows, see also Raptor. Here in Iowa (aka not much of a desert racing scene) the local dealer got a new Raptor in last Friday. Dealer owner drive it to town to get gas in it and go thru the drive thru for breakfast. A guy followed him back to the dealer and bought it on the spot, $15k over sticker. And sticker already starts out stupid high...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Speaking of Mopar, I heard Dodge plans to re-enter the midsize truck market. If I was them, I'd make a midsize Power Wagon.

Im betting on a rebadged, slightly redesigned gladiator

 

[Dirtman]

There are 2 of the new 2019 gladiators running around my neighborhood. They are really cool looking and have some neat features, but unfortunately they are powered by a truely crappy engine and they probably still have the same terrible reliability as any other modern jeep/chrysler product.