Is it me or does the base Ranger seem "too tall"

[Jason B]

No worries getting in and out of it at all, just seems like the back end has airshocks that are at 120 psi. Wonder if a higher trim level (XLT or Lariat) has the small steps in the corners of the rear bumpers like on other trucks.

From photos and videos of the new Rangers, the 6G has steps built into the bumpers. But I read somewhere that those will be eliminated on US Rangers. We will have to wait to official roll out to see differences between NA Rangers and ROW Rangers.

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[JohnnyO]

Keith, from your profile, your retired, so I guess your up there in years, like me and sothers here.
If it's a functional issue for you getting up into the bed, there are a few ways to help.
There is a power step that mounts to the left side under the bumper, but it's lots of $$$.
Dee Zee also has a step that mounts under the left side under the bumper, that works well. It doesn't retract, but only runs around $70-$75.
And then there's the simple, but popular small folding step ladder.
I have both the Dee Zee step and carry a small step ladder, and due to squeaky and grindy knees, couldn't get up into the bed without them

Same. I step on the rear tire to get into the bed. Have bad arthritis in my knees.
Funny thing is that the truck is a lot higher than the illustrations on Ford's website and brochures.

 

[JohnnyO]

Wow, never thought I would see such a spirited response. Just to clear the air I never owned a Frontier and have been on the Forum ever since ordering my Ranger back in August 2022.

I'm just over 6 feet tall, when someone 1st mentioned the step I thought they were talking about to get into the cab but now that I clicked on the link I see its to make it easier to get into the bed and that makes some sense.

From a design standpoint just don't get why the bed (and roof) are so high. Coming from a 2015 Tacoma with a 2.7 and 4 spd auto there were so many things I loved about the Ranger (towing capacity more than double that of Tacoma, more power and better mpg, and the fact I could order a supercrew cab to keep the 6 foot bed) that I didn't bother driving one before I bought it or before I signed on the dotted line. The bed height wouldn't have changed my mind, just puzzles me a bit.

If it's a real issue, Belltech makes a front and rear lowering kit that relocates the rear axle on top of the springs. Doesn't cost a lot but labor will cost you since you need to have the old brackets cut off the axle and the new ones welded on.

 

[subquark]

My XLT crew has a payload of 1463. Thats an extra 400 lbs of truck pushing down on the suspension.

Look at the payload of a fully loadef platinum f250. It is pathetic because of all the fancy stuff like massage seats and a giant sunroof. I have seen them as low as 1500 lbs.

For context,
https://www.fordtremor.com/threads/tremor-payload.214/

I guess the downside, for my higher payload, is that Soupie is lighter and bounces down the road a lot more.

I have 200 pounds of sand in there for winter, and that does seem to reduce the bucking of the truck (reminds me a little of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!).

 

[subquark]

The only real listed difference is between the 2 WD and the 4 WD, about 200 lbs. Doesn't matter if Scab or Screw. There are probably a few more lbs depending on electronics, difference between tire sizes.

Good point Steve. I have steelies and the stock tires and pretty much zero electronics, not even a touch screen and no power seats, but I do have 6 speakers and not the 4 of the very base model - woohoo, gotta be groovin' on those dump runs! =D

 

[brroberts]

Another design defect for sure. It is too tall, but I knew that when I bought it. I have the DeeZee step. Works great. Gave up on getting the Bestop after waiting 6 months and it never showed. I also have running boards and a wheel step. It’s taller than my ‘98 C2500, but that’s the way all trucks are now. If you need a truck, you just have to carry a ladder.

 

[Grumpaw]

Good point Steve. I have steelies and the stock tires and pretty much zero electronics, not even a touch screen and no power seats, but I do have 6 speakers and not the 4 of the very base model - woohoo, gotta be groovin' on those dump runs! =D

Bottom line...I doubt if any of us weigh the "stuff" we carry in the bed, whether occasionally loading it up for a Lowes run, or the "stuff" we carry on a daily basis. And, who here weighs all the additions that have been added...caps, racks, tonneau's, heavier bumpers, winches, ect.
I carry around 150-200 lbs of items, jack, swing box with stuff, truck box with stuff, ect. And my Ranger doesn't squat at all with that in the bed.
Only time it squats is when I hook my travel trailer up. With it's 700 lb tongue weight, it squats pretty good until I hook up the weight distributing bars up, which brings it level.

 

[subquark]

Bottom line...I doubt if any of us weigh the "stuff" we carry in the bed, whether occasionally loading it up for a Lowes run, or the "stuff" we carry on a daily basis. And, who here weighs all the additions that have been added...caps, racks, tonneau's, heavier bumpers, winches, ect.
I carry around 150-200 lbs of items, jack, swing box with stuff, truck box with stuff, ect. And my Ranger doesn't squat at all with that in the bed.
Only time it squats is when I hook my travel trailer up. With it's 700 lb tongue weight, it squats pretty good until I hook up the weight distributing bars up, which brings it level.

If your tires don't blow, you're good to go!

 

[got3fords]

Was thinking the same thing. CROSSTEK. LOL. How much time did you invest before you bought the truck? Didn't notice what you were getting?

Right?

 

[puckdodger]

I'm levelled and sometimes think it sits a little tall and skinny when you look straight at the front of it, but from any offset angle I love the way it looks. I sent @AzScorpion some royalties by adding the DeeZee step and it made such an improvement I got one for my Dad's Sierra. I do notice my knee can hit the taillight, so at a rumored $1400 a pop I take an extra bit of care when getting up in the bed.

But I don't reach over the side of the bed for anything at all unless I have no option because the paint is just wayyy too thin on these trucks. I keep an old hockey stick with a hook on the end to pull stuff to the back, and stuff don't slide around much with the Linex anyway.

Enjoy the truck OP

 

[KJRR]

Maybe we need warning labels on the Ranger. "WARNING! Some individuals may decide the vehicle is too tall for them. Please inspect in person before purchasing to decide if the Ranger is right for you."

 

[Jason B]

Maybe we need warning labels on the Ranger. "WARNING! Some individuals may decide the vehicle is too tall for them. Please inspect in person before purchasing to decide if the Ranger is right for you."

You better inspect in person, because all of Ford's literature shows the truck's rear lower, presumably at max payload.

 

[Grumpaw]

Maybe we need warning labels on the Ranger. "WARNING! Some individuals may decide the vehicle is too tall for them. Please inspect in person before purchasing to decide if the Ranger is right for you."

Couldn't do that as it would be considered an affront to "vertically challenged person's"...
A commission would have to be created and the bus-bench lawyers would be lining up and placing tv adds.....

 

[IdahoRanger]

Maybe we need warning labels on the Ranger. "WARNING! Some individuals may decide the vehicle is too tall for them. Please inspect in person before purchasing to decide if the Ranger is right for you."

KJ, love the Walter avatar. Anybody else think it looks like president poopy pants?

 

[KJRR]

You better inspect in person, because all of Ford's literature shows the truck's rear lower, presumably at max payload.

Good point. We need warning labels on pictures too. "WARNING: manufacturers representative photo for illustrative purposes only. Actual vehicle may differ."
Though I think if you look at the fine print, there is already something there like that.

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