There’s a reason why the Ford Ranger has been the best-selling pickup truck in the UK for years – It’s a genuine icon of off-roading. Since the 1980’s the Ranger has been a true American feat of engineering that became the standard for all Ford light trucks.
There are several models to choose from, each offering a variety of choices when it comes to cab size and engine power. It’s also always been ahead of the curve when it comes to safety features and is a truly capable off-road machine with an electronically-controlled transfer case that lets you shift from 2WD to 4WD with ease via a handy dial on the central console.
However, while the stock components of the Ford Ranger might be enough for your everyday road user, if you’re looking to take it green laning and off-roading, you’re going to want to explore the vehicle’s plentiful upgrade options.
1. Suspension Lift Kit
Suspension is always going to be one of the more desirable upgrades and the best thing about upgrading the suspension on the Ranger is how simple it is. The best-selling upgrade kits from established quality brands like Terrain Tamer and OME offer bespoke kits for each individual model, you shouldn’t have any serious problems or need any extra parts to install the upgrade yourself.
2. EVC Throttle Controller
The EVC throttle controller is a fully electronic solution that’s easy to install, very affordable and boasts an automatic mode and two user-adjustable modes. Automatic Control (AC) mode automatically adjusts the controller to suit driving conditions and is the ideal “set and forget” mode for city drivers. Eco dulls throttle response for off-road use and the ultimate mode, as you’d expect, gives you the most powerful control over the 9 levels of potential sensitivity.
3. Winch
If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal then you’ll be quick to mention just how vital a winch can be. If you’re worried about the winch sticking out the front of your Ranger, meanwhile, a hidden winch mount will allow you to tuck the winch neatly behind your bumper.
4. Wheel Arch Kits
The Ford Ranger is a big and bulky vehicle but it’s not got a great deal of stock protection when it comes to the wheel arches. Fitting after-market wheel arches, such as those produced by Kut Snake, will let you fit larger tyres and look very impressive to boot. They are made from the highest-grade ABS and are easy and quick to install.
5. Roof Racks
While many of the Ford Ranger models provide a great deal of storage space, a roof rack gives you more options to work with. These roof racks by ARB are designed specifically to fit the Ford Ranger and can securely hold everything from extra jerry cans to roof tents should you fancy the occasional night under the stars.
