What type of suspension does a Ford Ranger have?
The Ford Ranger, a popular mid-size pickup truck, is known for its rugged capabilities and versatile performance. One of the key components that contributes to the Ranger's off-road prowess is its suspension system. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Ford Ranger's suspension setup and explore how it helps deliver a smooth and capable ride.
Suspension Type
The Ford Ranger is equipped with a coil-spring suspension system both in the front and rear. Specifically, the Ranger features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs.1 This suspension configuration is a common choice for mid-size and full-size pickup trucks, as it provides a balance of ride comfort, handling, and off-road capability.
Front Suspension
The Ranger's front suspension utilizes a double-wishbone independent design. This setup features two wishbone-shaped control arms that connect the wheel hub to the vehicle's frame. The upper and lower control arms are linked by coil springs and shock absorbers, allowing each wheel to move independently and providing a smooth, responsive ride.2
Rear Suspension
At the rear, the Ford Ranger employs a solid rear axle with leaf springs. This design, while not as sophisticated as an independent rear suspension, is well-suited for the Ranger's intended use as a work and off-road vehicle. The leaf spring setup provides a robust and durable solution that can handle heavy loads and rough terrain, while still offering a comfortable ride quality.1
Suspension Tuning
Ford has carefully tuned the Ranger's suspension to deliver a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The coil springs and shock absorbers are designed to provide a smooth, controlled ride, while also offering the necessary articulation and wheel travel for tackling challenging terrain. Additionally, the Ranger's suspension components are engineered to withstand the rigors of off-road use, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Conclusion
The Ford Ranger's suspension system is a key contributor to its versatile performance. The combination of a double-wishbone front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs provides a well-rounded setup that can handle both on-road and off-road driving conditions with ease. By carefully tuning the suspension components, Ford has created a pickup truck that delivers a comfortable ride, impressive handling, and the capability to tackle tough terrain.
Is the Ford Ranger a smooth ride?
The 2024 Ford Ranger represents a full-court press meant to transform this newest Ranger into a legitimate threat. HIGHS: Much smoother ride, vastly improved interior, holds plywood flat on the deck.
What years did the Ford Ranger have transmission problems?
In very early-build examples of the Ranger (from 2011 and 2012) there was a problem with the gearbox output-shaft speed sensor that could cause the transmission to shift back to first gear with a distinct clunk.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Ranger?
Common engine problems to watch out for with this model Ranger engines include failed EGR coolers, contaminated and even blocked inlet tracts, worn turbochargers, DPF problems and failures, leaking and faulty fuel injectors and coolant leaks.
Do Ford Rangers have shocks or struts?
At the heart of the suspension is the strut assembly, a mechanism that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into one unit to absorb bumps in the road and to keep the tires in contact with the ground at all times.
How do I know if my truck has shocks or struts?
Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.
How long do shocks last on a Ford Ranger?
The rebuild schedule is 50k miles with 100% on road and 10k miles with 50% off-road / 50% on road. Most weekend warrior type people who drive off-road every now and then probably need a rebuild at 40K miles. I have Fox 2.0's on my Ranger, and love them.
What suspension does a Ford Ranger have?
Ford Ranger front suspension is by coil springs and wishbones, while the Ford Ranger rear suspension consists of a live (solid) axle with leaf springs. Both these set-ups are tough and serviceable. The most common upgrade is the Ford Ranger suspension upgrade for towing.
Which Ford has air suspension?
Ford introduced 4-Wheel Air Suspension (4WAS) on the 1995 Explorer, and has since made it available on all three generations of the Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator.
What are the cons of a Ford Ranger?
The 10-speed automatic isn't always the smoothest-shifting, though. Unlike some competitors, the Ranger doesn't have an Auto 4WD feature. Fuel economy is good for the class at 21 mpg overall. The ride is brittle and the truck bucks uncomfortably over undulations.
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.
