Ranger Raptor paddle shifters on US Ranger?

[PltFX4]

Not knocking anyone that likes them, because it seems I'm a minority on this, but I've never understood the fascination with paddle shifters.

Don't disagree. It was just a mod that seems like fun to do, if it was "easy" to do like the F series. For those VERY infrequent need(??) for manually controlling the shifting, it would be more (IMO) elegant to have the paddles that the shifter button.

As this was low on my mod list and in the last 10 months since I looked at this, the other ones are done, so time to look at it further.

If I could find a Ranger Raptor wheel, that would be first choice; Plan B was the Explorer wheel, if it fit; Plan C was oh the heck with it.

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[Sandman Ranger]

I'll take a look and some measurements the next time I'm there. I'll only be able to get exterior dimensions--will that be enough ?

Must drive a good one to find out.

 

[Trigganometry]

Bringing this alive again. Came across this Ford dealer that has some details that might spark new interest https://www.bluespringsfordparts.com/blog/wire-raptor-paddle-shifters

 

[Doc]

My wife has paddle shifters in her 2020 mustang…no matter how you shift it, it shifts when it wants to, not when you want it to shift…push the paddle and wait till it makes up its mind to shift….maybe a tuner could clean that up….but give me back my old school 6 speed manual ..
Regards

 

[PltFX4]

I have been making small progress in determining if it can be done "easily".

1. The Explorer steering with built in paddle shifters (2016 to 2020) wheel IS EXACTLY the same as the one on the Ranger 2019+.
2. The wiring connector is different in size and shape so will not plug int to the ranger harness directly.
3. There are 3 extra wires on the Explorer harness for the paddles. There are 3 empty pin positions on the Ranger harness that presumably can be used for the paddles. TBD.
4. The paddles mounts are already in/on the Ranger wheel, so mounting them is not an issue.
5. The plastic Explorer housing/cover does not match with the Ranger. So the rear portion with the cutout to clear the paddles can't be used; rather will have to manually make the openings in the Ranger rear cover (fiddly step but straight forward).
6. I now have both Explorer and Ranger electrical diagram manuals... just have to learn to read them...lol That should tell me if the empty pins can be used.

Again a low priority mod that gets limited attention... but progress is being made. Quite sure it is do-able

 

[RARE5.0]

What about this?

 

[Trigganometry]

What about this?

Got a link for that?

 

[RARE5.0]

Got a link for that?

I don't but I have email addresses
[email protected]

 

[PltFX4]

What about this?

Sorry... I see no picture... "What about this??"

 

[Raacerx]

Bumping this.

The APG truck says that its running the Explorer ST steering wheel and center console shifter. I want to know whether it's actually functioning, or just there for show. That said, the Explorer console shifter looks pretty nice.

I'm dead set on getting paddles into my Ranger.

 

[JTDay]

After having used the shift lever buttons on numerous occasions, I can't see the allure of paddles on our trucks. The buttons and paddles are more of a suggestion to the transmission than a command it seems. Does a trans tune fix that in manual mode I wonder?

 

[D Fresh]

Yeah, I don't get it either.

Paddle shifters and automatics don't belong together.

Also, I feel it's a pretty natural moment to reach for the shifter if you want to shift gears manually.

Anybody remember these?

 

[Raacerx]

The thread isn't about whether you think a manual transmission is better, or whether you think paddle shifters are worth it.

Paddle shifters are offered on all variety of Ford vehicles, whether their intended use is sporty or not.
This is about adding that feature to the USA Ranger.

Stop being averse to technology and convenience.

 

[Doc]

The thread isn't about whether you think a manual transmission is better, or whether you think paddle shifters are worth it.

Paddle shifters are offered on all variety of Ford vehicles, whether their intended use is sporty or not.
This is about adding that feature to the USA Ranger.

Stop being averse to technology and convenience.

 

[JTDay]

Not trying to insinuate that I don't think they're cool or that I personally would not want them. If a trans tune make the trans shift better in manual and the paddles work with it, I would be all over getting the paddles. Yet, without an improvement in shifting, the paddles are kinda pointless to me. To each their own of course. A buddy of mine has a 235i with the ZF 8speed slushbox and it shifts like an absolute dream. It also has paddles but they're seemingly more useful given that if you command an upshift or downshift, it does it immediately. I like it even better than the VW DSG, which even with a tune, kinda sucked in manual mode imo.

In summary, I hope you guys figure out the paddles and how to make them shift the trans more responsively!

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