Ford Ranger FX4 Max could get Fox shocks

The Ford Ranger Tremor off-road pack has been released in the USA, almost certainly giving us a taste of what’s coming to Australia in the Ranger FX4 Max.

As we reported last week, when carsales published spy photos of the Tremor pack being tested in the US, the Tremor is designed to deliver a more off-road capable Ranger variant in a market where the Raptor is not sold.

In Australia, the FX4 Max equivalent will act as a bridge between standard versions of the top-selling Ranger 4x4 and the fabulously capable, Australian-engineered Ford Ranger Raptor.

The FX4 Max name was registered in Australia last December and there is an expectation the model will be officially revealed soon.

North America’s Tremor Off-Road Package is priced at $US4290 ($A5849) and will be available for 2021 Ford Ranger XLT and Lariat 4x4 dual-cabs in the US. Ranger Tremors will be built in Michigan with production slated to begin early next year.

Most excitingly, the Tremor pack features a reworked suspension package comprising off-road tuned Fox 2.0 monotube dampers with rear piggyback reservoirs and hydraulic rebound stops, plus a lift kit with specially tuned front coil-over and rear leaf spring suspension, redesigned front knuckles and softened anti-roll bars.

The US Tremor joins the Aussie Raptor in featuring Fox suspension, although the latter gets more sophisticated nine-stage internal bypass shocks.

Also part of the Tremor pack are 32-inch Continental General Grabber all-terrain tyres and a six-switch auxiliary power pack to manage accessories including winches, light bars and air compressors.

Continental tyres are mounted on wheels that come straight from the Raptor and deliver the Ranger Tremor a 25mm wider stance than standard.

Other new features include hoop-style steps, two rear recovery hooks, a specific grille with black bars and red nostrils, optional graphics and seats exclusive to the Tremor package with Miko suede inserts and black interior accents.

Ford says the pack adds to Ranger’s off-road capability without compromising the US maximum 650kg payload or 3400kg towing capacity. In North America the Ranger comes with a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, not the diesel engines offered here.

“Tremor gives Ranger customers a new level of off-road confidence and fun,” said Chad Callander, Ford Ranger marketing manager in the US.

“With increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension and aggressive Continental General Grabber tires, Tremor elevates Ranger’s off-roading capability even further while keeping the unique advantages that come with a cargo box for hauling gear anywhere.”

The Tremor’s suspension is lifted 20mm compared to a standard US-spec Ranger dual-cab 4x4 to offer ground clearance of 246mm. Front suspension travel increases to 165mm and rear suspension 205mm.

Compared to base US Ranger, the 30.9-degree approach angle is up 2.2 degrees, the 25.5-degree departure angle improves 0.1 degrees and the 24.2-degree breakover angle is up 2.7 degrees.

The US Ford Ranger Tremor also includes a frame-mounted steel front bash plate and underbody skid plates, rear locking differential, terrain management system with four drive modes and trail control.

Tremor’s traction control system is recalibrated for improved acceleration and traction in gravel.

Full details of Australia’s Ford Ranger FX4 Max are yet to be announced, but if it’s anything like the US Tremor it will be a fitting send-off to the T6 Ranger before the all-new T7 arrives in 18 months or so.

It will also bring to about 35 the number of updated MY20.75 Ford Ranger variants available following the recent addition of the first 4x4 XLT Double Cab Chassis.