Ford in the United States has added a dealer-fitted off-road “levelling kit” for 4×4 variants of the Ranger to its Ford Performance Parts catalogue.
Tick the appropriate box in the US and the dealer will add aluminium Fox shock bodies (designed to provide “ample cooling capacity over rough terrain”), new front coilover springs, model-specific upper front mounts with polyurethane bushings (helping to “isolate noise and vibration”) and a two-inch lift kit (that’s about 50 mm).
Ford Performance says its engineers worked with Fox to develop unique internal valves for the shocks to deliver “confident performance and predictable handling” both on- and off-road. With the kit installed, the Blue Oval brand says both the Ranger enjoys improvements in front ground clearance, approach and breakover angles.
“Ford Performance Parts developed these kits to make the off-road experience even better for our Ranger customers,” said Eric Cin, global director for Ford Vehicle Personalisation and Accessories.
“Truck customers are asking for options for increased capability and customization, and the new levelling suspension kits for Ranger deliver on that need.”
In the States, the kit will be priced at $1 495 (that’s around R22 000) before installation. Of course, the Ranger offered in North America is a little different (chiefly under the bonnet) to the one built here in South Africa. Indeed, the US-spec model draws its urge from the automaker’s turbocharged 2,3-litre petrol engine, mated with a ten-speed automatic transmission and offering 201 kW and 420 N.m.
