Ford Ranger Information & Upgrade Guide
Useful Ford Ranger information covering model years, engines, towing, payload, suspension, wheels, roof loads, wading depth and common 4x4 upgrades.
UK Model Groups2006–2011 / 2011–2022 / 2023+
TowingUp to 3,500kg
PayloadModel dependent
WadingUp to 800mm
Drivetrain2WD / Selectable 4WD
SuspensionIFS / Leaf Rear
Model Overview
Ford Ranger Model Years Explained
For UK parts and accessory fitment, the Ford Ranger is best separated into the Mazda-derived PJ and PK models, the first-generation T6 platform models commonly called PX1, PX2 and PX3, and the Next-Generation Ranger introduced to the UK for 2023.
2006–2009 Ranger PJ
Mazda-derived Ranger commonly fitted with 2.5 or 3.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.
2009–2011 Ranger PK
Facelifted version of the PJ with revised exterior styling while retaining the same basic platform.
2011–2015 Ranger PX1
First UK T6 Ranger, commonly offered with 2.2 four-cylinder and 3.2 five-cylinder TDCi diesel engines.
2015–2018 Ranger PX2
Major T6 facelift with revised front styling, cabin and technology. Engine and accessory fitment can differ from PX1.
2019–2022 Ranger PX3
Later T6 model with 2.0 EcoBlue diesel options alongside selected 3.2 TDCi models. Includes the first European Ranger Raptor.
2023 onwards Ranger
Next-Generation T6.2 Ranger with revised chassis, body and electronics, plus 2.0 EcoBlue, 3.0 V6 diesel and model-dependent powertrains.
Model names such as PX1, PX2 and PX3 are widely used in the aftermarket, but exact registration dates can overlap. Always check the build date, VIN, engine, cab type, trim and front-end shape before ordering Ranger accessories.
Engine Information
Ford Ranger Engines, Oil Type & Service Notes
The 2006–2011 PJ and PK Rangers were sold with 2.5 and 3.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The 2011–2018 T6 Ranger was commonly fitted with the 2.2-litre four-cylinder or 3.2-litre five-cylinder TDCi. From 2019, Ford introduced 2.0-litre EcoBlue single-turbo and bi-turbo diesels, while the 2023 onwards Ranger range added a 3.0-litre V6 diesel on selected models.
Oil grade, Ford specification and refill quantity vary significantly between engines and model years. Do not select engine oil from the registration year alone. Confirm the correct specification using the VIN, engine code, handbook or current Ford service data, particularly on vehicles fitted with a diesel particulate filter.
Service requirements also vary by mileage, age, operating conditions and engine. Rangers used for towing, off-road work, short journeys, heavy loads or dusty environments may require more frequent inspection and maintenance than lightly used road vehicles.
Suspension
Ford Ranger Suspension, 4WD System & Load Carrying
Modern UK Ranger 4x4 models use independent front suspension with coil-over struts and a leaf-sprung live rear axle. Most use selectable four-wheel drive with high and low range, while some Next-Generation models add a full-time four-wheel-drive mode. Specifications vary by model and transmission.
Suspension choice is important because Rangers are frequently fitted with winch bumpers, canopies, drawer systems, roof tents, bed racks, tools and towing equipment. Springs and dampers should be selected for the vehicle's real permanent load rather than ride height alone.
A typical suspension upgrade can improve load support, damping and ground clearance, but it does not increase the vehicle's plated gross vehicle weight or legal axle limits. Devon 4x4 can supply Ranger suspension packages from brands such as Old Man Emu and EFS.
Related Suspension Products & Brands
Roof Systems
Roof Load, Roof Racks, Awnings & Roof Tents
The Ranger can be fitted with cab roof racks, cross bars, canopy racks and bed rack systems for work equipment, awnings, lighting, recovery boards and touring gear. The permitted roof load varies by model, cab style and mounting system, and the vehicle roof rating may be lower than the rack's advertised capacity.
Dynamic roof load applies while driving, while any static load claim applies only while parked. The combined weight of the rack, tent and all accessories must remain within the lowest-rated part of the complete system.
For heavier tents or expedition equipment, a properly designed bed rack or canopy rack can often provide a more suitable mounting solution than loading the cab roof.
Load Bed
Payload, Canopies, Bed Racks & Storage
Ranger payload varies considerably by generation, cab style, trim, drivetrain and optional equipment. Some working models offer a payload above one tonne, while heavily equipped lifestyle and performance versions may carry less. The exact plated payload should be calculated from the vehicle's gross vehicle weight and actual kerb or weighbridge weight.
Canopies, roller shutters, drawer systems, spare wheels, auxiliary batteries, fuel, water, tools and camping equipment all reduce the payload available for passengers and cargo. Nose weight from a trailer also contributes to the load carried by the vehicle.
Permanent rear accessories should be considered when choosing suspension. A lightly loaded truck and a Ranger carrying a full-time canopy, drawers and touring equipment will normally require different rear spring rates.
Wheel Fitment
Wheels, Tyres, PCD, Centre Bore & Fitment
The 2006 onwards UK-market Ranger commonly uses a 6x139.7 wheel PCD with a 93.1mm centre bore. Factory wheel diameters include 16, 17, 18 and 20 inches depending on model, while Ranger Raptor versions use model-specific wheel, tyre, brake and suspension packages.
Matching the PCD and centre bore does not guarantee that a wheel will fit. Offset, wheel width, brake clearance, spoke design, load rating, tyre size and suspension clearance must all be checked. Wheels from older Rangers may physically bolt to newer models but still be unsuitable because of offset or brake clearance.
Larger tyres can contact the body mount, crash bars, mud flaps, suspension or inner arches. Actual clearance depends on the exact wheel offset, tyre construction, suspension height, steering angle and vehicle load.
Recovery
Front Bumpers, Winch Mounts & Recovery Points
Factory tie-down or transport points must not automatically be treated as rated recovery points. Snatch, kinetic and winch recoveries can place very high loads through the chassis, so recovery equipment should be vehicle-specific, correctly installed and used within its rating.
A winch bumper or hidden winch mount must match the exact Ranger generation, engine, body and safety equipment. Front parking sensors, radar, cameras, cooling airflow and driver-assistance systems may also need to be considered, especially on PX3 and Next-Generation models.
Devon 4x4 can supply bumpers, winch mounts, winches and recovery equipment from brands including ARB, Rival and Warn.
Related Recovery Products & Brands
Wading
Wading Depth, Snorkels & Raised Air Intakes
T6 and Next-Generation Ranger models are commonly quoted with a maximum wading depth of up to 800mm in the correct standard specification and conditions. Earlier PJ and PK figures can differ, so the handbook for the exact vehicle should be checked rather than applying the later T6 figure to every Ranger.
Maximum wading depth is not a target for every crossing. Water current, entry speed, bow wave, submerged hazards, axle and transmission breathers, door seals, electrical components and any vehicle modifications all affect the risk.
A snorkel or raised air intake can help provide cleaner air in dusty conditions and move the engine intake higher, but it does not waterproof the engine, transmission, axles, cabin or electrical system.
Protection
Chassis, Dimensions & Under Vehicle Protection
The Ranger uses a separate ladder-frame chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Underbody layouts differ between generations, engines, transmissions, fuel systems and exhaust systems, so guards must be matched to the exact vehicle.
For vehicles used on rocky tracks, farms, construction sites or expedition routes, protection can be added around the engine sump, steering, gearbox, transfer case and fuel tank. Rock sliders can also protect the sills while providing a more durable step than cosmetic side bars.
Protection adds weight and can affect access for servicing, cooling and ground clearance. A complete build should therefore be planned around payload, axle loads, suspension and intended use.
Related Protection Products & Brands
Ford Ranger Model Years, Engines & Service Information
| Model Group | Common UK Engines | Typical Output Range | Service Notes | Oil Specification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2009 Ranger PJ | 2.5 TDCi and 3.0 TDCi diesel | Approximately 143–156PS depending on engine | Mazda-derived platform. Confirm engine code and service schedule before ordering parts. | Use the Ford specification stated for the exact engine and VIN. Do not select by viscosity alone. |
| 2009–2011 Ranger PK | 2.5 TDCi and 3.0 TDCi diesel | Approximately 143–156PS depending on engine | Facelifted PJ platform. Engine and service parts can differ by build date and transmission. | Use the Ford specification stated for the exact engine and VIN. |
| 2011–2015 Ranger PX1 | 2.2 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi diesel | Approximately 125–200PS depending on version | First T6 Ranger. Confirm whether the vehicle is 2.2 or 3.2 and check build date. | Use current Ford service data for the engine code and emissions system. |
| 2015–2018 Ranger PX2 | 2.2 TDCi and 3.2 TDCi diesel | Approximately 130–200PS depending on version | Facelifted T6. Service parts and specifications can differ from PX1 despite similar engine names. | Use current Ford service data for the engine code and VIN. |
| 2019–2022 Ranger PX3 | 2.0 EcoBlue single-turbo, 2.0 EcoBlue bi-turbo and selected 3.2 TDCi models | Approximately 130–213PS depending on version | Includes Ranger Raptor. Engine, transmission and service requirements vary substantially by model. | Use the exact Ford-approved low-ash oil specification stated for the engine and VIN. |
| 2023 onwards Ranger | 2.0 EcoBlue diesel, 3.0 V6 diesel and model-dependent petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains | Model and market dependent | Next-Generation T6.2 platform. Check VIN, powertrain, transmission and model year. | Use current Ford handbook or service data for the exact powertrain. |
Outputs, service schedules, oil specifications and refill quantities vary by engine code, build date, market and emissions package. Always confirm against the vehicle handbook, VIN or current Ford service data before servicing.
Ford Ranger Quick Specification Table
| Specification | 2006–2011 PJ / PK | 2011–2018 PX1 / PX2 | 2019–2022 PX3 | 2023 onwards Ranger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Mazda-derived Ranger platform | First-generation Ford T6 | Later first-generation Ford T6 | Next-Generation Ford T6.2 |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame pick-up chassis | Ladder-frame pick-up chassis | Ladder-frame pick-up chassis | Ladder-frame pick-up chassis |
| Front Suspension | Independent front suspension | Independent front suspension | Independent front suspension | Independent front suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf-spring live axle | Leaf-spring live axle | Leaf-spring live axle | Leaf-spring live axle on standard Ranger models |
| Wheel PCD | Commonly 6x139.7 | 6x139.7 | 6x139.7 | 6x139.7 |
| Centre Bore | Commonly 93.1mm | 93.1mm | 93.1mm | 93.1mm |
| Wheel Fitment Warning | Check offset, brake and hub clearance | Check offset, width and brake clearance | Check brake clearance, especially Raptor | Check offset, brake clearance and load rating |
| Fuel Tank | Model dependent | Commonly around 80L | Commonly 80L diesel tank | Model and powertrain dependent |
| Wading Depth | Check exact handbook and model | Up to 800mm on suitable T6 models | Up to 800mm on suitable models | Up to 800mm on suitable models |
| Towing Capacity | Model dependent; lower than later T6 on some versions | Up to 3,500kg on selected models | Up to 3,500kg on selected models | Up to 3,500kg on selected models |
| Payload | Model dependent | Model dependent; some versions exceed one tonne | Model dependent | Model dependent |
| Approx. Length | Varies by cab; roughly 5.0m | Varies by cab; roughly 5.28–5.36m | Varies by cab; roughly 5.28–5.36m | Varies by model; double cabs roughly 5.37m |
Figures are a guide only and can vary by trim, cab style, body, market, engine, transmission, axle ratio, suspension package and model year. Always confirm against the exact vehicle before ordering wheels, suspension, towing equipment or load-rated accessories.
Ford Ranger FAQ
What oil does a Ford Ranger use?
The required oil depends on the engine, build date and emissions system. Use the Ford specification listed for the exact VIN or engine code rather than choosing oil by viscosity alone.
What is the Ford Ranger wheel PCD?
Modern UK Rangers from the PJ and PK through to the Next-Generation Ranger commonly use 6x139.7 PCD with a 93.1mm centre bore. Offset and brake clearance still need to be checked.
What is the Ford Ranger towing capacity?
Many T6 and Next-Generation Ranger models can tow up to 3,500kg braked, but the exact limit depends on the model, engine, transmission and vehicle plate.
Can I fit a roof tent to a Ford Ranger?
Yes, using a suitable cab rack, canopy rack or bed rack. The vehicle, mounting system and tent weights must remain within the relevant dynamic and static load ratings.
What suspension lift is best for a Ranger?
Many touring builds use a moderate lift of around 40–50mm, but spring rates should be matched to permanent bumper, winch, canopy, drawer and towing loads.
What is the Ford Ranger wading depth?
T6 and Next-Generation models are commonly listed at up to 800mm in the correct conditions. Check the handbook because specifications and operating instructions vary by model.
Will older Ranger wheels fit a newer Ranger?
They may share the same PCD and centre bore, but offset, width, brake clearance, spoke shape and load rating can make them unsuitable. Full fitment must be checked.
Can a suspension kit increase Ranger payload?
No. Heavier springs can support a constant load and improve ride height, but they do not alter the plated gross vehicle weight, axle limits or legal payload.
Need Help Building Your Ford Ranger?
Devon 4x4 can help match suspension, wheels, recovery equipment, roof racks, tents, canopies and underbody protection to your exact Ford Ranger model, load and intended use.
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