Built to Take a Beating
Earlier this year, Ford stirred up plenty of buzz with the reveal of the Ranger Super Duty, thanks to its serious heavy-duty upgrades that set it apart from the rest of the lineup. So what’s behind the hype? Ford Ranger Super Duty supervising engineer Drew O’Shannassy breaks down what makes the ladder-frame chassis so special.
In a video posted by automotive journalist Tony O’Kane, O’Shannassy explained that the Super Duty’s chassis carries over only one or two components from the standard Ranger, meaning it’s essentially all-new. The engineering team designed the reinforced steel frame to deliver greater capability, particularly for customers who rely on the Ranger as a true workhorse, such as farmers and emergency service operators.
True Workhorse Partner
The front bumper includes built-in mounting points for off-road accessories like auxiliary lights. Underneath, the frame is protected by bash plates for both the transfer case and the fuel tank, the latter expanded to 130 liters, allowing owners to stay out in the field longer with fewer fuel stops.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 207 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. While a gasoline counterpart is available in the Ranger Raptor, a diesel mill is better suited for heavy-duty demands thanks to its strong low-end torque. Ford also upgraded the steering rack to handle the added weight and stresses of a truck with a 4,500-kg (9,921-lb) gross vehicle weight rating.
The suspension features large lower control arms contributing to a wider 1,710 mm (67.3-inch) track width, O’Shannassy’s favorite detail of the build. At the rear, the truck retains a leaf-spring setup, not the plushest arrangement, but ideal for load-bearing and durability.
A Truck Down Under
Other notable specs include 18-inch steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires, an 850-mm (33.5-inch) wading depth, and a rear driver-assistance technology bar that supports advanced features like parking aids, particularly helpful when towing.
While all these upgrades sound enticing, especially in a midsize package, the Ranger Super Duty is currently available only in Australia and New Zealand. America has its own version of the Super Duty, but it refers to a line of full-size heavy-duty trucks, including the F-250 and F-350.
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