P. A. Schilke
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Phil
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2019
- Threads
- 142
- Messages
- 7,016
- Reaction score
- 36,214
- Location
- GV Arizona
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger FX4 Lariat 4x4, 2020 Lincoln Nautilus, 2005 Alfa Motorhome
- Occupation
- Engineer Retired
- Vehicle Showcase
- 1
- Thread starter
- #1
Hi Folks,
Maybe some folks will be interested in how the FX4 Brand came about. Ford Marketing came to Ranger Vehicle Engineering with a concept for a new model for Ranger. This would be a new decal to denote an advanced 4x4 Ranger. I was interested, but having been mislead so many times before, I was suspicious it was a paper tiger. Marketing made their pitch. mild tweaks that were undefined as Marketing knows little about 4x4.
We took the opportunity to really put teeth into the FX4. I proposed a 4x4 that would out perform current offerings. Marketing was not receptive. So adressing the Chief Program Engineer, I told him to give me 4 weeks to build a one off prototype. he agreed.
I cut a Ranger 4x4 from the heard, and headed to Livernoise Engineering, who had a contract with Ford for garage services. We had Livernoise install Torsen differentials front and rear. Then I had my vehicle dynamics engineer, Doug S. tune the suspension. Doug was part of my off-road racing team, and had learned how to develop a potent suspension.
Doug and I took this vehicle out to the Romeo Proving Grounds to the 4x4 course. The Ranger performance was amazing.
Back in Dearborn, I handed the keys to the Chief Program Engineer for an overnight drive. I couldn't sleep that night, but the next day, he told me this truck drove better than his Lincoln.
Top brass in Truck wanted to drive our creation, and we received accolades.
Thus, the FX4 Brand was created and to this day some 20 years, means more than just a decal on the pickup box.
When I look at the FX4 on my 2019 Ranger, I am proud that it still means it is a cut above.
Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co Retired
Maybe some folks will be interested in how the FX4 Brand came about. Ford Marketing came to Ranger Vehicle Engineering with a concept for a new model for Ranger. This would be a new decal to denote an advanced 4x4 Ranger. I was interested, but having been mislead so many times before, I was suspicious it was a paper tiger. Marketing made their pitch. mild tweaks that were undefined as Marketing knows little about 4x4.
We took the opportunity to really put teeth into the FX4. I proposed a 4x4 that would out perform current offerings. Marketing was not receptive. So adressing the Chief Program Engineer, I told him to give me 4 weeks to build a one off prototype. he agreed.
I cut a Ranger 4x4 from the heard, and headed to Livernoise Engineering, who had a contract with Ford for garage services. We had Livernoise install Torsen differentials front and rear. Then I had my vehicle dynamics engineer, Doug S. tune the suspension. Doug was part of my off-road racing team, and had learned how to develop a potent suspension.
Doug and I took this vehicle out to the Romeo Proving Grounds to the 4x4 course. The Ranger performance was amazing.
Back in Dearborn, I handed the keys to the Chief Program Engineer for an overnight drive. I couldn't sleep that night, but the next day, he told me this truck drove better than his Lincoln.
Top brass in Truck wanted to drive our creation, and we received accolades.
Thus, the FX4 Brand was created and to this day some 20 years, means more than just a decal on the pickup box.
When I look at the FX4 on my 2019 Ranger, I am proud that it still means it is a cut above.
Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co Retired
Sponsored
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