Wide open gap in front grill...What is Ford thinking?

[P. A. Schilke]

I agree there is some odd design cues in the front of the Rander - solid fake honeycomb, slots in metal bumpers and a gaping space under the bumper.

Hi John,

This design had to pass many reviews in the design studio as well as later prototype builds. Ford employees from many disciplines gave the front end their approval....

The Toyota with this garish huge black sort of shark bite front end is ugly as Sin in my opinion... The Pontiac and AMC Pacer also had to pass many reviews.... So not every one opines the same.... Some people have good tastes...some to a shark taste good, eh?

Best,
Phil

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[JDowns]

A thittle gap in fronthe grille thever huthe thonody.

 

[AutobotXJ]

I dunno, we like the opening…

 

[McLeadslinger]

..

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Ditto

This looks great, but...

 

[Cmar]

It was put there for cooling, in the northern states and Canada and probably most of northern Europe, you could probably safely block it. If you block it here then you takes your chances of cooking the engine in a hot summer when pulling a big trailer or boat, and a Ford dealer would most likely void your warranty. Ford dealers here voided warranties for using after market Raptor grills - too restrictive.

A similar thing happened here about 20 years ago with the locally built Falcon model, Ford wanted local production to copy the Euro swoopy front end with the bonnet ( hood) which went right down to the front bumper. air from the radiator had to all come in from a small slot in the bumper. I must admit they did LOOK good.

Local engineers said no - not enough cooling for conditions here - Global Ford said , rubbish, has been tested all over Europe. Went into production for 1 year. After countless overheating warranty claims after the first summer, next year's model had an ugly vent cut into the bonnet.
The next year after that, went back to a normal type front with a proper grill.

 

[Apples]

It is very important that grill opening do not get covered to the point they interfere with airflow to the intercooler. This is especially true if you have a performance tune. Shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why.

 

[VAMike]

People have been complaining about that since the new rangers first started showing up here...and AFAIK nobody has actually documented an instance where it caused a real problem.

 

[Coyote Chaser]

I'm still driving a 2011 Ranger, but I also have an modified Ecoboost Mustang. And knowing a little about the 2.3 motor, I do have reservations about buying a new Ranger (with 7500 tow package).
My question, does the new Ranger come with a " charge temperature" gauge? Heat soak of the Mustang Intercooler "under load" has been an issue. And since I'll be trading both the Ranger and my Super Duty, I need to be able to pull a trailer. The small bottom grille is a concern, especially if that is the only source of air for the Intercooler. Has anyone noticed high temperature reading while under load
Thanks

 

[OFC Ranger]

I'm still driving a 2011 Ranger, but I also have an modified Ecoboost Mustang. And knowing a little about the 2.3 motor, I do have reservations about buying a new Ranger (with 7500 tow package).
My question, does the new Ranger come with a " charge temperature" gauge? Heat soak of the Mustang Intercooler "under load" has been an issue. And since I'll be trading both the Ranger and my Super Duty, I need to be able to pull a trailer. The small bottom grille is a concern, especially if that is the only source of air for the Intercooler. Has anyone noticed high temperature reading while under load
Thanks

This has got to be one of the most bizarre inquiries ever inside of one of the most bizarre "concern" threads on this forum.

Just FYI the 2.3 motor in our trucks are not identical to the 2.3 motor in your mustang.

 

[Coyote Chaser]

This has got to be one of the most bizarre inquiries ever inside of one of the most bizarre "concern" threads on this forum.

Just FYI the 2.3 motor in our trucks are not identical to the 2.3 motor in your mustang.

The "Heat Soak" problem with our Ecoboost motor's Intercooler, only accure in extreme heat or under a heavier than normal load. When your Intercooler heat soaks, your combustion air is no longer cooled and your ECU removes engine timing, therefore reducing power. And unfortunately, this usually happens when you need it most. I need to be able to pull 5500 lbs (trailer and load) for several hundred miles per day during the summer months. I'm hoping that Ford has learned a few things from the Ecoboost Mustang and added a "Charge Temperature" gauge ( at least with the tow package), but none of the sales people I've spoken with are fimalar with the tow package available on the Ranger and I haven't been able to locate one within 200 miles of my home.
Anyone using thier Ranger as a tow vehicle?

 

[Big Blue]

I'm still driving a 2011 Ranger, but I also have an modified Ecoboost Mustang. And knowing a little about the 2.3 motor, I do have reservations about buying a new Ranger (with 7500 tow package).
My question, does the new Ranger come with a " charge temperature" gauge? Heat soak of the Mustang Intercooler "under load" has been an issue. And since I'll be trading both the Ranger and my Super Duty, I need to be able to pull a trailer. The small bottom grille is a concern, especially if that is the only source of air for the Intercooler. Has anyone noticed high temperature reading while under load
Thanks

Couple of things to answer your questions. No, the ranger does not come with a charge temp gauge. You can use something like the Torque Pro app to get that info and more. First of all you are comparing apples to oranges. The intercooler on the Ranger is larger than the Mustangs. Also, that is not the intercooler you are seeing through that gap, it is the AC condenser coil. The intercooler is up higher behind the main grille. I have personally towed my 4200 pound travel trailer across southern Arizona in 100+ heat with no temp issues. The Ranger is a towing beast. If you are really worried there are aftermarket intercoolers you can put in.

 

[Coyote Chaser]

all anecdotal evidence points to there not being any problems whatsoever.
you can ask 39 out of 40 ranger owners who have blocked theirs with something, and they will all tell you there trucks just working peachy.

Wow! Guys, that gille opening is important, if air does not get to your Intercooler, your charge (combustion air) temperature is going to rise, your ECU will pull engine timing and your loose power Unless you back off till the charge temperature drops, you will overheat your "All Aluminum" motor.

 

[Coyote Chaser]

Couple of things to answer your questions. No, the ranger does not come with a charge temp gauge. You can use something like the Torque Pro app to get that info and more. First of all you are comparing apples to oranges. The intercooler on the Ranger is larger than the Mustangs. Also, that is not the intercooler you are seeing through that gap, it is the AC condenser coil. The intercooler is up higher behind the main grille. I have personally towed my 4200 pound travel trailer across southern Arizona in 100+ heat with no temp issues. The Ranger is a towing beast. If you are really worried there are aftermarket intercoolers you can put in.

Well that's good news! I'm on Ranger #3, and I really like the new ones!! But I've never towed more than a single axle trailer with any of them, hence, why I also have a Super Duty, but it's time to downsize to one all purpose truck.
But, I still can't recommend blocking the lower grille and I'd like to see charge temperature gauges in all turbocharged vehicles. I added one to my Mustang (along with an oversized Intercooler) and I'll be adding one to my new Ranger...
Thanks again!

 

[Big Blue]

Well that's good news! I'm on Ranger #3, and I really like the new ones!! But I've never towed more than a single axle trailer with any of them, hence, why I also have a Super Duty, but it's time to downsize to one all purpose truck.
But, I still can't recommend blocking the lower grille and I'd like to see charge temperature gauges in all turbocharged vehicles. I added one to my Mustang (along with an oversized Intercooler) and I'll be adding one to my new Ranger...
Thanks again!

My last Ranger was a 2011 with the 4.0 and 5 speed. Towed my popup all over the country. When we upgraded to the TT, I needed something more capable but didn’t want a full size monster. I monitor boost, coolant and tranny temps while towing. Unfortunately our Rangers don't have sensors for oil pressure or temp, only switches. The tranny loves to run at engine temp, maybe a little cooler. It has a heat exchanger using engine coolant instead of a cooler. It doesn't like to be cold so they use that to speed the heatup. My truck is mostly stock and I don’t off road so no aftermarket bumper or winch to block the front. I agree more air is always a good thing.

Good luck I think you will enjoy the Ranger.

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