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Is the Ford Ranger an unibody?

No, the Ford Ranger is not a unibody vehicle. The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that features a body-on-frame construction, which means it has a separate frame and body, rather than a unibody design where the body and frame are integrated into a single structure.


What is a Unibody Vehicle?


A unibody vehicle is a type of automotive construction where the body and frame are integrated into a single, unified structure. This design is commonly used in passenger cars, SUVs, and some crossover vehicles. Unibody construction is known for providing a more rigid and lightweight structure compared to the traditional body-on-frame design.


Body-on-Frame Construction of the Ford Ranger


The Ford Ranger, like most pickup trucks, utilizes a body-on-frame design. In this type of construction, the body of the vehicle is mounted on a separate, sturdy frame. This frame provides the structural integrity and supports the weight of the vehicle, including the body, engine, drivetrain, and payload. The body-on-frame design is well-suited for pickup trucks, as it allows for greater towing and payload capacities, as well as improved off-road capabilities.


Advantages of Body-on-Frame Construction



  • Durability: The separate frame provides a more robust and durable structure, making body-on-frame vehicles better suited for heavy-duty applications, such as towing and hauling.

  • Customization: The modular design of body-on-frame vehicles allows for greater customization, as the frame can be modified to accommodate different body styles, engines, and other components.

  • Off-road Capability: The body-on-frame design, combined with the use of solid axles, provides better off-road performance and the ability to handle more challenging terrain.


In summary, the Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck that features a body-on-frame construction, rather than a unibody design. This construction type is well-suited for the Ranger's intended use as a versatile and capable pickup truck.

Why did Ford stop making unibody trucks?


Too much body flex and twists made the platform unstable and unsafe. Ford also failed to anticipate another issue with its first unibody implementation for its pickups — door jamming. When the cargo bed was heavily loaded, the doors tended to jam shut as a result of the body flexing.



What year of Ford Ranger to stay away from?


The Ford Ranger has long been a trusted companion for drivers who need a reliable, versatile truck. However, not all model years are created equal. The 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, and 2019 Ford Rangers stand out as years to avoid due to their significant reliability issues.



What platform is the Ranger built on?


Ford T6 Platform
It succeeds the Mazda BT-50 platform and is currently in production for vehicles sold under the Ford nameplate worldwide. Here are the Ford vehicles currently sold in the U.S. and Canada that ride on the Ford T6 platform: Ford Ranger.



What is the body type of a Ford Ranger?


Ford Ranger (T6)
Model years2019–present (North America)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size pickup truck
Body style2-door single cab 4-door extended cab 4-door double cab



What Ford trucks are unibody?


Ford's unibody trucks were only available from 1961-1963, and only on Ford's F-Series “styleside” pickups. The idea was to make the cab and the bed one long continuous piece. Even though they're referred to colloquially as unibody trucks, it's a bit of a misnomer.



Does the Ford Ranger have a full frame?


Ranger Ready
In designing the backbone of Ranger, Ford engineers improved the truck's fully boxed high-strength steel frame, with the wheelbase and track both stretched about two inches to provide more bed space and improved stability while remaining easy to navigate on trails.



What chassis is the Ford Ranger built on?


Ford Ranger (P703), produced since 2022 based on the T6 platform.



Does the Ford Ranger have a unibody?


The 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Ford Maverick pickup truck have much in common. They're both made by Ford, they're both family-friendly, and they're both safe. The Ranger and the Maverick are both built on a unibody frame with an independent front suspension and solid rear axle with coil springs.



Is Ford Ranger unibody or body-on-frame?


The Ranger has a body-on-frame construction, making it more durable and allowing for better off-road capabilities.



Is Ford Ranger unibody or body on frame?


The Ranger has a body-on-frame construction, making it more durable and allowing for better off-road capabilities.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.