Ford Ranger 2.2 AT 4x4 Capability? (2016 and newer)

[Dwaynomite]

Hi Guys,

I've been searching the forum but can't really find something specifically related.

I'm looking at a few 4x4 AT bakkie options, and it seems like the Ford Ranger 2.2 is providing most options in my price range. I am trying to get some information on the 4x4 capability for this bakkie, specifically related to smaller dunes and Kalahari usage, not really going out to a 4x4 trail and playing in the mud there.

I'm not driving a lot of kilos during a month, so the fuel consumption doesn't make a huge impact on my search. I'm mostly looking at capability in towing my very old lightweight caravan and also playing on the Kalahari dunes once in a while.

Any feedback from personal experience would be appreciated, thank you.

[Twittu]

Hi Dwaynomite,

I've had one for 6 months now. Taken to some of the 4x4 trails in the WC. As capable as any other proper 4x4 double cab out there, pending proper technique.
The autobox makes for very controlled driving in technical scenarios, especially as a newb.

I've found that the transmission doesn't like the sand too much in 4H as the 6R80 Transmission doesn't lock the convertor until deep into 3rd gear. So you're left with a lot of noise but no real go, and I imagine a lot of heat build up. Maybe an aftermarket transmission cooler is required for extended sand driving and heavy towing...especially in the Kalahari.

Another thing to watch out for is injectors. You'll find many a post about engine failure caused by faulty injectors. Just got mine back after having the injectors tested due to smoke on startup. Found 2 dying injectors. R12 500.00 later back on the road. Ensure those are up to snuff before committing.

Fuel consumption about 10-11km/l for me in mixed use.

Very comfortable on the open road, and a very good turning circle for town driving.

Hi Guys,

I've been searching the forum but can't really find something specifically related.

I'm looking at a few 4x4 AT bakkie options, and it seems like the Ford Ranger 2.2 is providing most options in my price range. I am trying to get some information on the 4x4 capability for this bakkie, specifically related to smaller dunes and Kalahari usage, not really going out to a 4x4 trail and playing in the mud there.

I'm not driving a lot of kilos during a month, so the fuel consumption doesn't make a huge impact on my search. I'm mostly looking at capability in towing my very old lightweight caravan and also playing on the Kalahari dunes once in a while.

Any feedback from personal experience would be appreciated, thank you.

[Dwaynomite]

Hi Dwaynomite,

I've had one for 6 months now. Taken to some of the 4x4 trails in the WC. As capable as any other proper 4x4 double cab out there, pending proper technique.
The autobox makes for very controlled driving in technical scenarios, especially as a newb.

I've found that the transmission doesn't like the sand too much in 4H as the 6R80 Transmission doesn't lock the convertor until deep into 3rd gear. So you're left with a lot of noise but no real go, and I imagine a lot of heat build up. Maybe an aftermarket transmission cooler is required for extended sand driving and heavy towing...especially in the Kalahari.

Another thing to watch out for is injectors. You'll find many a post about engine failure caused by faulty injectors. Just got mine back after having the injectors tested due to smoke on startup. Found 2 dying injectors. R12 500.00 later back on the road. Ensure those are up to snuff before committing.

Fuel consumption about 10-11km/l for me in mixed use.

Very comfortable on the open road, and a very good turning circle for town driving.

Hi Twittu,

Thank you very much for your feedback, I appreciate it.

I will only be doing minimal small dunes 4x4 with the bakkie, and not really extended sand driving, but I will definitely keep the transmission and injectors in mind when viewing a bakkie.

Thanks for your help.

[Ha-Ka]

As said, it is up there with the best 4x4 Bakkies.
It is very good in technical sections, but I can't really give an opinion on sand dunes, as that is not my thing... I have only done limited sand driving with mine, and I belief 4 Low will be your go-to setting for that, as 4 H seems to labor a bit in deep soft sand like on the West Coast...

We have mostly mountains, rocks and rivers around here.

My long-term average fuel consumption on the one I've recently traded on the Next Gen, was basically 10km/l over 61 000km.

[Ha-Ka]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_ClnhNvW3M

[Twittu]

4 Lo definitely does better in the sand. The convertor is also locked up the whole time unless you're driving too slow in the selected gear, then it allows some slip. It's also good for controlled descents, put it in sport mode an select a gear. Does just as well as a manual in that regard.

[Conrady]

Hi Dwaynomite,

I've had one for 6 months now. Taken to some of the 4x4 trails in the WC. As capable as any other proper 4x4 double cab out there, pending proper technique.
The autobox makes for very controlled driving in technical scenarios, especially as a newb.

I've found that the transmission doesn't like the sand too much in 4H as the 6R80 Transmission doesn't lock the convertor until deep into 3rd gear. So you're left with a lot of noise but no real go, and I imagine a lot of heat build up. Maybe an aftermarket transmission cooler is required for extended sand driving and heavy towing...especially in the Kalahari.

Another thing to watch out for is injectors. You'll find many a post about engine failure caused by faulty injectors. Just got mine back after having the injectors tested due to smoke on startup. Found 2 dying injectors. R12 500.00 later back on the road. Ensure those are up to snuff before committing.

Fuel consumption about 10-11km/l for me in mixed use.

Very comfortable on the open road, and a very good turning circle for town driving.

Hi Twittu,

Did you have your injectors tested in - situ at the Ford dealership? Asking since I want to have mine tested on the 3.2.

Thanks

[Twittu]

Hi,

Initially had it at the Ford dealer near me and they recalibrated the injectors which seemed to help a bit, but still it still misfired when cold.

I took it to an indy to get the injectors bench-tested specifically. Was about R1700 for that exercise.

Hi Twittu,

Did you have your injectors tested in - situ at the Ford dealership? Asking since I want to have mine tested on the 3.2.

Thanks