Ford Ranger Super Duty Chassis Upgrades: Built for Extreme Work
When Ford announced the Ranger Super Duty earlier this year, it created a lot of excitement. But this isn’t just a standard Ranger with a few extra badges. According to supervising engineer Drew O’Shannassy, the Ford Ranger Super Duty chassis upgrades are so extensive that the truck is practically a brand-new vehicle designed from the ground up.
A Completely Reinvented Frame
In a recent interview, O’Shannassy revealed a surprising fact: the Super Duty chassis shares almost nothing with the standard Ranger. In fact, only one or two small components were carried over. The rest is an all-new, reinforced ladder-frame designed specifically for heavy punishment.
The goal was to build a true workhorse. Ford targeted customers who push their vehicles to the absolute limit, such as farmers, miners, and emergency service operators. To handle this, the steel frame was strengthened significantly, ensuring it won’t crack or bend under heavy loads.
Key Specifications and Heavy-Duty Features
To understand the scale of these Ford Ranger Super Duty chassis upgrades, we have broken down the key specs in the table below. This truck is built to survive conditions that would break a normal midsize pickup.
Engineered for Durability
The improvements go beyond just the steel frame. Ford equipped this beast with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 207 horsepower. While some might prefer gas, the diesel engine provides the low-end torque needed for hauling heavy equipment.
Underneath, the truck features extensive protection. Bash plates cover critical components like the transfer case and the expanded 130-liter fuel tank. The suspension has also been overhauled. It features larger lower control arms and retains a leaf-spring rear setup. While leaf springs aren’t the smoothest for daily driving, they are unbeatable for durability when carrying heavy loads.
Availability: A Forbidden Fruit for Now
Despite these incredible Ford Ranger Super Duty chassis upgrades, there is a catch. Currently, this specific model is only available in Australia and New Zealand.
While the US market has its own “Super Duty” line (the F-250 and F-350), this midsize monster remains an exclusive “Down Under” special. However, for off-road enthusiasts and workers who need maximum capability in a smaller package, the Ranger Super Duty sets a new benchmark for what a midsize truck can do.
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