The Ford Ranger is one of the most popular utes in Australia, and for all the right reasons. It’s capable of taking on any challenge while affording unmatched comfort and performance.
The 2020 Ford Ranger is fitted with the strongest powertrain in its class, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that’s as strong as traditional 6V engines. It can dish out 270 horsepower and can go 0-100km in about 6.5 seconds. All of this makes it suitable to tow heavy loads, regardless of whether it’s trailers, caravans or watercraft. It also features a trailer sway control that ensures superb stability.
The 2020 Ford Ranger is available as an off-road FX4 package. The package includes electronic locking rear differentials to promote traction when driving over slippery trails, while the suspension dampers are specifically tuned for off-road trails to help the Ranger absorb rough impact.
But even though the Ford Ranger is capable straight out of the factory, there are always ways to improve its performance, comfort and driveability. This is done with the help of the versatile range of aftermarket Ford Ranger accessories. The off-road Ford Ranger accessories, in particular, are quite popular among Australians who want to add some much-needed protection and performance to their vehicles.
You can easily find discount 4WD accessories online that are specifically made to fit your Ford Ranger model and make. All you have to do is decide which accessories you need, order and install them without performing any extra modification to your Ranger’s body. Here are some of the most sought-after discount 4WD accessories for the Ford Ranger.
The Protective Ford Ranger 4×4 Accessories Every Off-Road Enthusiast Needs
Bullbars for Front-End Protection
Bullbars are one of the most popular off-road accessories, simply because they play a crucial role in protecting the most fragile parts of your Ranger, all of which are located at the front, under the bonnet.
The two most popular materials bull bars are made from are steel and aluminium. Steel bull bars are very strong, but weigh more than aluminium, which can reduce your Ranger’s fuel efficiency. For that reason, most off-road enthusiasts and overlanders opt for aluminium bull bars. While aluminium is not as strong as steel, it’s still pretty durable. Furthermore, it can be powder-coated to strengthen its rust- and corrosion-resistant properties.
No matter whether you go for an aluminium or steel bull bar, there are a few other factors that you need to take into account. For instance, check whether the bullbar you’re considering has a winch mount, high-lift jack points and rated tow points. These things can come in handy in many off-road scenarios.
High-lift and rated tow points, in particular, are two important features to look for, as not only can they help you get out of almost any unwanted situation while off the road, but it also means that the bull bar has been inspected and rated by a third-party engineer. Another certification to look for is ADR approval (Australian Design Rules).
Rock Sliders for Side Protection
If the trails you’re trying to conquer are rocky or rutty, you should consider buying rock sliders. Rock sliders are multi-functional Ford Ranger off road accessories that are quite affordable, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get them. They can protect your Ranger’s side panels from stumps and rocks, and act as an extra step to get in and out of your vehicle.
Furthermore, they can take the weight of your Ford Ranger. Just like bullbars, rock sliders can be made from a variety of materials, most commonly steel and aluminium. And just like bullbars, rock sliders can have rated high-lift jack points for recovery.
When buying rock sliders, make sure they’re compatible with your bullbar and any other accessories your Ford Ranger might have. The best way to ensure all of your Ford Ranger 4×4 accessories are compatible with each other is to buy from the same manufacturer/brand.
Performance-Enhancing Ford Ranger Truck Accessories to Unleash Your Vehicle’s Hidden Power
Aftermarket Exhaust System to Give Your Engine a Boost
Aftermarket exhaust systems are the most suggested upgrade for 4x4s. They won’t break your bank, yet they will improve your Ranger’s performance and fuel efficiency considerably.
How? Well, aftermarket exhaust systems are made of higher-grade materials like stainless steel or aluminium, plus the tubes and pipes are constructed using a special bending technique known as mandrel bending. Mandrel bending ensures the profile and diameter of the tubes and pipes remain consistent throughout the entire system. As a result, gasses have an easier time travelling through the system, reducing back pressure and ensuring your engine gets more oxygen-rich, cool, dense air for an optional combustion process.
Furthermore, aftermarket exhaust systems can change how your Ranger sounds and looks. Aftermarket mufflers can be specifically designed to provide a deep, aggressive growl every time you accelerate. Aftermarket exhaust tips are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and polishes to give your Ford Ranger a unique look.
Snorkels and Raised Cold Air Intakes to Let the Truck Breathe Better
As briefly aforementioned, your engine needs oxygen-rich, cool, dense air for an optional combustion process. When venturing off the beaten trail, chances are there won’t be much clean air available due to the huge amounts of dust and dirt present on these trails. As a result, your engine will struggle to “breathe”. This is where snorkels and raised cold air intakes come into play.
Conventional cold air intakes sit low and forward of the engine, which is the exact opposite you want when crossing a river or driving over dusty terrain. Snorkels also help in this regard. These two aftermarket accessories combined will raise the height at which air enters your engine, allowing it to breathe higher-quality air, and prevent water, dust and dirt from potentially damaging it.
Make sure the snorkel is made of high-grade stainless steel to ensure it’s able to withstand the rough Australian environment. Stainless steel is rust- and corrosion-resistant and durable enough to take impacts. Additionally, make sure both the snorkel and raised cold air intake system are specifically designed to fit your Ranger’s model and make for seamless installation and operation.