Hey guys, I've been into trucks since I've been able to have memories. Since having my license I've owned all full size trucks, 4 Fords, 3 Dodges, and as of now no Chevy's and of course no Japanese . I've always liked the Ranger as its always been a tough little truck that can do very well off road-which is where I use most my trucks at some point in their life. I have a camp that is about 3-4miles off road and need something that can haul wood, supplies, me, my baby, and my girlfriend up to it. Also, my truck is my daily driver so I'd like to get some decent MPG's as well. I've come to the realization that I really don't need a full size Truck any longer and it'd make more sense to go smaller.

In todays market, there are plenty of small pickups but they are all very expensive (as much as full size trucks), are not much better on gas, and don't have much clearance anymore. My question is, will Ford Redesign the Ranger soon or are they going to keep changing the grill on a 2 year basis until it no longer meets safety or emissions requirements? I'd love for a crew cab Ranger so I can fit my baby seat in the back for my 4 month old but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Any input, spy photo's, or insider info?

 

The plant producing the Ranger is scheduled to close in '08 I believe. So expect either a redesign or replacement in the '09 MY.

 

Ford is going to kill the ranger and come out with a new midsize p/u in 09 or 2010, somewhere around there, it's to be called the f-100. It's supost to be a mini f-150. I have seen some concept pitures and it still looks like a ford truck, not a total departure like the colorado or tacoma. There will be a crewcab option, some say as soon as 08, but I can't see them doing a crewcab now, when the redesign is a round the corner. A turbo 4 cylinder diesel is also be floated. There's only been bits and pieces leaked out here and there, nothing confirmed. Ford is keeping us in suspense at this point. For sure something new is on the horizen, be it a ranger or f-100, time will tell. Enjoy the little rangers we have now, one way or another, they will be history.

 

Has there been any info leaked about whats expected?

 

Wendell pretty much listed everything. Crew cab will be an option finally. All your regular options, 2WD 4WD, small and big engines, etc. V8 still probably not going to happen.

Sorta Dakota-ish...just a minaturized version of a full size pickup.

 

I'll have to search for his thread. I was hoping they'd put the DOCH 4.6 in it or at least the 3 valve. I also hope they go with a coil spring front suspension like the F150's setup.

 

I thought the Ranger was one of their solid selling trucks - so why change it or close it down at all?

I hate it when companies alter their products for no real good reason.

 

I for one hope they keep the current fora bit longer. This way I can get the small ecoomic pickup and not have to deal with teething problems of the redesign.

 

I think the current business model at Ford is to keep the design so long that sales fall off badly and then say, "Well, that type of vehicle just isn't selling", and discountinue it. (Taurus, Wind/Freestar....)

 

I've heard nothing on the suspension, but I wouldn't rule out a mini f-150 plateform. Ford went to great lengths to develope the new f-150 frame with the shocks on the outside and what have you, it wouldn't surprise me to see it trickle down to a smaller truck. I believe the 3.0 will be gone, there's been speculation about the 3.5 or a new 3 valve vct 4.0, if there is a v8 to be offered, it would be a total shock. I think if they make a thunderbolt or gt version, it's more likely to be a super charged v6. I know the new 3.5 is sc or turbo compatible. It would be cost effective to get down to just one v6, the 3.5, at 265 hp it's no sloutch. I'm just no so sure it would make a good truck engine, as most dohc engines tend to make power high in the rpm range, where as truck engines tend to make power in the lower ranges as lowend torque is needed. If the 3.5 can be tuned for lowend, then I don't see why that wouldn't be our motor for the future.

 

Gas prices aren't go to get better, and Ranger truck models answer that issue. If Ford gets rid of the true Ranger model, they will only feed their current problems of selling vehicles. Mid-size trucks aren't selling very well, and Ford must realize that.

 

The concept pitures I saw, it doesn't look alot different, or a lot bigger. The concept pitures are over at ranger power sports in the general forum under- ranger petetion, have a look see.

 

I've seen a couple of concept drawings of the F-100, but I also read in MotorTrend that the Ranger was supposed to get a new bodystyle in '09. Go figure. LOL

 

This is what I've been trying to figure out, too. I cant speak for around the country, but the Metro Detroit roads are LOADED with Ford Rangers! It seemed to take a while, but even the 2006's and 2007's have made thier way to the Michigan roadways(and off-road ways ) I know many of you are very quick to down play the "best selling compact pickup truck" slogan, but I see twice a many Rangers on the road as Colorados, Caynons, and the like.

Our salesperson at the Ford Dealership whom we have delt with for years said the Ranger is one of the best selling vehicles on he lot. Is it my region? I dont know.

I hope any redesigns aren't too noticeable, I dont want my '04 to look outdated!

 

Every other vehicle on the road a round is a ranger and if they never changed it, wouldn't bother me none. But once a week or so, we get some people on here screaming, "when are they going to redesign the ranger"??????? I think the biggest noticable change will be a crewcab, maybe suspension. The ranger in the concept photo's could pass for an 04, or 05. They did a redesign on the ranger overseas allready, that may be what we inherit, but it looks good, so it wouldn't be a bad thing and it sure don't look much bigger. It does have a crewcab, the 4.0 or a diesel, that would surely work here. The epa is beating us to death trying to get diesels in anything.