Here’s a quick rundown on the Ford Ranger suspension kits available for the Next Gen Rangers, including costs and if it’s worth the outlay.
Why upgrade the suspension on your Next-Gen Ford Ranger?
The Next Gen Ranger has been a huge success in Australia by any yardstick you care to measure it by. Boasting twin-turbo four-cylinder or V6 turbo-dizzle engines with plenty of power and torque, a luxo interior and the industry standard 3500kg braked towing capacity, they’ve been flying off the showroom floors since their release.
As with any new 4X4, however, the Ford Ranger suspension off the factory floor is about as exciting as the prospect of being punched in the stomach by Oleksandr Usyk after visiting an all-you-can-eat curry house. It’s the usual coilover IFS up front and the leaf-sprung solid axle out back. It has the same basic setup as pretty much every mid-size ute since the 90s. Defender and Navara owners, no need to write in; we know you’re different.
The good thing about that, though, is the fact that the aftermarket has plenty of options to transform the stock suspension from “ho-hum” to “holy hell” and net you a bunch more comfort and capability in the process. Not to mention better load carrying and a big increase in the all-round versatility of your rig.
Next-Gen Ford Ranger suspension buyer’s guide
So here’s a quick rundown on the suspension kits available for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger, how much you can expect your credit card to benchpress, and why we reckon it’s worth the outlay. As an extra bonus, keep in mind that most of these kits will also work for the latest Amarok models, which share the Ranger platform.
Oh, and by the way, these are listed alphabetically – not in order of preference, quality, personal taste, the phase of the moon or because you’re positive we cut and pasted this list from Wikipedia. Just so you know.
ARB
Come on, it’s ARB. They’ve been around since Jesus played fullback for the Bethlehem under 12s. You know they’re good, you know it works, and you have plenty of options for spring rates, shock absorber selection and fitting locations. From high-end desert-racer-spec suspension to “I need to cart a trayful of concreting gear to the job site,” there’s an Old Man Emu kit that’ll work for you.
Priced from: POA depending on options
Why we rate it: Well-proven, great after-sales service and available in more places than a Big Mac.
Bilstein
Bilstein have been the first choice for Amarok owners since they came out, so they’re well suited to the Next Gen Ford Ranger suspension too. Offering a range of lifts from 40mm up to around the 75mm mark, the quality is right up there. That goes for the shocks, too, with the proven 5100 dampeners catering for the majority of folks, while the up-spec B60s will allow you to hit desert washouts at speed without spilling a drop of your Rock Star.
Priced from: $3,226
Why we rate it: Lots of room to refine your set-up to suit your vehicle specifically, decent price for great quality.
Dobinson
Starting life as a spring manufacturer, Dobinson has branched out into the shock and full-kit game and hasn’t looked back. Offering quality products at affordable prices, they’ve built a name and enviable reputation in the Aussie wheeling scene in recent years.
With quality markers like using Fuchs shock oil, a 3-stage sealing system that offers the lowest friction levels and composite piston wear bands, they provide ride, handling and off-road flex. Triple threat, guys!
Priced from: $2,900
Why we rate it: Lots of innovation with their shocks, good quality at a reasonable price point.
EFS Elite
EFS has a massive number of options for the Rangers, and we’re focussing on their entry-level Elite series shocks, which offer a lot on the bang-for-buck scale. If you’re chasing something a bit more suited to the hardcore end of things, then be sure to check out their Xtreme and remote-res MRP shocks as well. As you probably expect, there’s a broad range of spring rates to suit your Ranger’s accessories as well.
Priced from: $2,180
Why we rate it: EFS has been in business in Australia since the 60s and continues to make good gear at the right price.
Fulcrum
Fulcrum sells a range of suspension brands for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger, but they also have their own Formula 4X4 products that are aimed at the budget end of the market without being low in the quality stakes. While this is a 50mm kit, there are also options to step things up with their F4R remote-res shocks that can hoist things skyward by 75mm.
They also offer a click-n-fit service straight from their website, which streamlines the whole process nicely.
Priced from: $2,102
Why we rate it: Low on price but not on quality, ease of fitment straight from website.
Ironman 4X4
Ironman 4X4 offers a solid range of suspension kits for the post-22 Rangers and their Nitro shock absorbers are a great entry-level option. If you want a little more capability and ride comfort, then the height-adjustable Foam Cell shockies are a few bucks more but are a big step-up for those chasing more challenging obstacles.
Given these guys sell all over the country, as well as in the US, there’s no shortage of positive reviews floating around online for their products if you don’t feel like taking our word for it.
Priced from: $2,132
Why we rate it: Well proven now, internationally sold, solid reviews from all over the world.
Outback Armour
With three different spring rates, shock adjustability and probably the best warranty in the country, the Outback Armour kits score highly in value for beer tickets. The kits are also not just springs, shocks and a few bushes. They’re a complete bolt-in package that includes those fiddly bits like extended brake lines and sway bar link extensions.
If you want a top all-rounder package for your Ranger, Outback Armour is well worth the look.
Priced from: $2,900
Why we rate it: That monster warranty, high quality, kits include everything needed from brake lines to spacers etc.
Superior Engineering
Superior Engineering are the go-to guys when you want to push the envelope. While they’re currently only offering 50mm suspension lifts for the Next-Gen Ford Ranger, you can bet your botty they’re cooking up some wild products for release in the near future. Take a look at the previous PXIII Ranger offerings – 5in lifts and road-legal coil conversions for the rear end for starters.
If you want some of the best suspension in the game, click the link below and level up.
Priced from: $3,021
Why we rate it: Aussie designed, top quality and an emphasis on keeping things legal.
Terrain Tamer
If you’re looking for a proven, solid and reliable suspension kit for your Blue Oval rig, then Terrain Tamer has the reputation and experience to hook you up with the right product. They can supply a basic 40mm lift with parabolic leaf springs to a full GVM upgrade kit.
They also have one of the largest distribution networks in the country, so can get you a kit or parts pretty much anywhere you happen to be.
Priced from: $3,250
Why we rate it: Parabolic leaf springs, heaps of locations, strong after-sales support
The Ultimate Suspension
These guys are not what you’d call a retail outlet so much as a bespoke suspension specialist. They build a system around your specific requirements and tailor things based on what you carry, where you’ll be driving and what the vehicle will be used for. They measure headlights, test braking and perform wheel alignments in-house to give the maximum performance out of your suspension and save you some money in the meantime.
If you like the personal touch, get in touch with The Ultimate Suspension in Sydney.
Priced from: POA depending on requirements
Why we rate it: Not a one-size-fits all kit, they take the time to tweak things for you as an individual perfectly.
TJM
While the XGS Roamer suspension is a fairly new release, TJM have been around for a long time and are synonymous with good gear. They also back it up with a hefty warranty period which is great to see. The shocks are nitrogen-charged and the coilovers and leaves offer a handy 2in increase in ride height.
Priced from: $2,500
Why we rate it: TJM have put a bunch of R&D into the new gear and have the warranty to back themselves.
Tough Dog
Tough Dog has been a key player in the Aussie 4X4 aftermarket scene since forever and were one of the first brands to offer long travel adjustable shocks for big lifts on solid axle trucks. Things may have changed a bit since your 6in-taller-GQ days (and if they haven’t, time to step into the new age, Space Cowboy), but Tough Dog are still providing quality suspension gear for a massive range of vehicles.
With options for spring rates, adjustable or non-adjustable shocks and the choice to fit upper-control arms, the Tough Dog package is a proven thing and well worth looking into.
Priced from: $2,677
Why we rate it: Long established as a solid brand, big nationwide dealership, and you know it’s gonna work.
Ford Ranger suspension kit specs
| Brand | Warranty | Lift | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRAND | WARRANTY | LIFT | PRICE |
| ARB | 3-year / 60,000km | 40mm | From $POA |
| Bilstein | 3-year / 60,000km | 40mm-75mm | From $3,226 |
| Dobinson | 2-year / Unlimited km | 40mm-75mm | From $2,900 |
| EFS Elite | 5-year / Unlimited km | 50mm | From $2,180 |
| Fulcrum | 12-month / 20,000km | 50mm-75mm | From $2,102 |
| Ironman 4X4 | 4-year / Unlimited km | 50mm | From $2,132 |
| Outback Armour | 5-year / Unlimited km | 50mm | From $2,900 |
| Superior Engineering | 3-year / Unlimited km | 50mm | From $3,021 |
| Terrain Tamer | 3-year / 100,000km | 40mm | From $3,250 |
| The Ultimate Suspension | 2-year / Unlimited km | 50mm | From $POA |
| TJM | 3-year / 100,000km | 50mm | From $2,500 |
| Tough Dog | 4-year / Unlimited km | 45mm | From $2,677 |
Where Is the Jmacx off-road solutions Ranger suspension kit write up ?