Bendix Find my brake- The Ford Ranger, a monster of a mid-sized ute
Ford Ranger PX Mk I First Generation 2010- 2015
Designed right here in Australia for the global market, by the Ford Motor company it demonstrated that our engineers were world class. The Ford Range PX was first unveiled at the Australian International Motor show in Sydney October 2010 and went into production in 2011. The Ranger received much acclaim across the industry and received a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, with the top of the range Wildtrak model equipped with Dual Front, Head and Side Airbags, Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Limited Slip Differential plus a host of external and internal styling upgrades which made it a hit with consumers.
The Ford Ranger was produced in a choice of single or dual-cab or cab-chassis with a wide range of trim levels. There was a choice of 6 speed manual or the optional six-speed automatic gearbox in 4WD and 2WD variants. Engine selection started with the 2.5-litre petrol engine which was aimed at the fleet market but the pick of the bunch was either of the turbo diesel models, the 2.2 litre version making 110 kW and 375Nm of torque or for those needing more power there was 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel making a very healthy 147 kW and 470 Nm of torque. The 3.2 litre Turbo teamed with the optional six-speed automatic gearbox not only gave good highway performance, but also enough power to tackle bigger towing jobs, yet remained easy to drive in heavy traffic, not something you can normally say about a modern utility vehicle.
Ford Ranger PX II 2015- 2018
In 2015, the Ford Ranger PX MKII was launched with a mid-cycle update, the front fascia adopting elements of Ford Kinetic Design. In place of the rectangular three-bar grille, the Ranger adopted a slightly oval grille with a single centre bar. Trim levels remained quite varied, kicking off with the XL, moving up to XL Plus, XLS, XLT and topping out with the Wildtrak model. The 2.2 Litre diesel turbo engine was up on power by 8kW and 10Nm of torque and continued to be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in 2WD, 2WD Hi-Rider and 4WD drivetrains.
Ford Ranger PX Mk III 2018 to current
Unveiled by Ford in Thailand in 2018, the Ford Ranger Raptor was the new high-performance truck geared for off-road driving. With a tougher frame, pumped-out mudguards, long-travel suspension and chunky BF Goodrich 285/70 R17 tyres it certainly looks the part. The Raptor shares the same EcoBlue 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel found in higher grades of the 2019 Ranger models and it’s Euro 5-compliant which avoids the need for AdBlue.
The sequential turbochargers meant a power output of 157kW and 500Nm of torque, which peaks within a very narrow 250rpm band between 1750-2000rpm. It has 10kW more power and 30Nm more torque than the Ranger’s venerable 3.2 litre five-cylinder diesel. It is now mated to the 10-speed torque converter automatic is shared with the F-150 Raptor. Its broad spread of closely-spaced ratios and unique-to-Raptor calibrations allow quick shifts with minimal rpm drops between them in either full auto mode, or manual mode using the sequential paddle shifters.
The 4x4 Drivetrain is part-time dual-range with a lockable rear diff and 'Terrain Management System' offering up six driving modes, including a Baja mode specifically for ‘spirited’ off-road driving with reduced intervention of traction control, more aggressive shift mapping. Overall it is one big beast of a 4WD with a $74,990 price tag to match. After the launch of the Raptor, Ford announced that it will now sell its XLT and Wildtrak ute variants with the same 157kW/500Nm 2 litre twin-turbo diesel mated to the 10-speed automatic drivetrain.
The Ranger line-up also wears a fresh look thanks to a cleaner front grille similar to the US-spec pick-up. XLT variants gain LED daytime running lights and HID headlights in the update, while Wildtrak buyers now have the option of a new ‘Sabre’ orange exterior colour. Safety systems also receive an update with auto emergency braking being made available as an option in addition to lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning for XLT and Wildtrak models. Both variants also gain traffic sign recognition and active park assist technologies, which is available optionally in the XLT and as standard on Wildtrak.
Inside, Ford says the “interior hosts an array of upgrades to help tackle the working week, the long-weekend road trip, or the off-road adventure” thanks to “durable, tactile surface finishes ensuring a long lifespan with a quality touch and feel”. The suspension set-up has also been overhauled across the Ranger range in the update, aimed at reducing body roll and improving the driving experience under full load conditions.
Braking Systems for the Ford Ranger
Braking systems have been fairly consistent across the Ford Ranger models with Bendix producing the 4WD SUV brake pad compound to suit most consumer driving needs. That said, there are some quirks across the years and models in relation to the brake linings so to ensure correct fitment please go to https://www.bendix.com.au/manufactur...ger-2011-on-px
Front brakes available:
DB2074-4WD Front brake pads available in 4WD SUV from Bendix
DB1681-4WD Front brake pads available in 4WD SUV from Bendix
Rear brake shoes available
BS1769 Rear brake shoes
BS5021 Rear brake shoes
BS5023 Rear brake shoes
About Bendix 4WD SUV brake pads:
Bendix 4WD/SUV pads are manufactured for extreme strength and structural integrity utilising the best available technology. Bendix 4WD/SUV brake pads are built to withstand heat build-up that comes from frequent braking in heavy city traffic one day and towing or outback driving the next.
All 4WD/SUV front pads are grooved which significantly improves performance especially when trekking off road. The groove is used to help expel any water, dust or dirt that comes into contact with the pad which becomes more prevalent when travelling off the beaten track.
To find out more about the 4WD SUV click HERE.
To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.
For the latest Bendix news and updates, visit our Facebook page
