2022 Ford Ranger Wildtrak - Best Suspension?

Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 10:40
Last edited 12/10/2022 - 15:39 by 1 other user

Guys I'm pretty lost on what to do here. I'm getting my first Wildtrak in a couple weeks and need to get a suspension because we will be doing a lot of country driving - including high country and we do want to do Cape York sometime. We live in Melbourne so most driving is on roads but we have family in the country.

ARB bp51's is like $6500. Ironman foam cell pro is around $3500. These 2 seem to be the most popular. My understanding bp51's are adjustable so you will be able to get a smoother drive but there is no one that has compared the two. Looking on Facebook pages, a lot of people say ARB is good but over priced and the previous model suspensions broke a lot and need replacing every few years. Then one guy will say Ironman is awesome and another will say Ironman is terrible and to buy ARB. I have no idea what to believe anymore.

Anyone here know about this stuff?

UPDATE

These are the types of tracks I need to know we will be fine on - https://tinyurl.com/fordrangertrack and ideally https://tinyurl.com/fordrangertrack2

Automotive

closed Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 12/10/2022 - 10:42
    +10

    Try stock suspension before you blow 3 - 6 grand on something that you don’t need

    • pegaxs on 12/10/2022 - 12:17
      +1

      But but but… I need those "Ironman" stickers on my front and rear windows…

  • resisting the urge on 12/10/2022 - 10:49
    +1

    Stock is engineered, everything else is guesswork till proven. If you are prepared to mod without knowing what's what - and the likely outcomes, and how to resolve issues (spending more cash) or use unproven combos… go right ahead.

    The stock kit will get you there, I'd wear it out (and wait for the others to prove the combos that work in the aftermarket) before making changes any changes to the factory engineered kit. And keep my warranty too..

  • geekcohen on 12/10/2022 - 10:55
    +1

    I'm getting my first Wildtrak in a couple weeks

    Congrats

    need to get a suspension because we will be doing a lot of country driving - including high country and we do want to do Cape York sometime.

    Are you doing a lot of 4WD or just long freeway driving? Are you towing? Got heavy loads on the back?

    We live in Melbourne so most driving is on roads but we have family in the country.

    Define country. Is it really rough roads or dirt roads? Or just freeway driving?

    • Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 11:06

      We have a Jetski but that will just be to the beach. Would like to do some trips with a caravan in the future. Eventually saving up for a canopy also.

      These are the types of tracks we need to be able to drive on - https://tinyurl.com/fordrangertrack

      Unlike the previous models, I believe the new ranger is made more for roads and comfort and not as good as taking off road.

      • Cobber870 on 12/10/2022 - 11:18
        +1

        Depending on the caravan weight / weight on towball, how much gear you carry, you may need a GVM upgrade which I do not believe are available yet. Try the High Country without. Unless you are on really gnarly tracks and you need additional lift, standard will be fine. Note that a lift does not raise the clearance at the back (under the diff), the chassis will just sit a bit higher above the wheels.

        There are a number of variables to consider with any suspension - payload, towing, weight distribution between front/rear. Bullbar weight if fitted, etc…

        Try it first and see how it goes. Then speak to a reputable shop, regardless of what brand they sell. TJM, Ironman, Pedders, ARB, Dobinsons…..

      • MS Paint on 12/10/2022 - 11:44

        These are the types of tracks we need to be able to drive on - https://tinyurl.com/fordrangertrack

        There's a reason why that track picture has an 80 series cruiser on it and not a brand new Ranger.

  • MS Paint on 12/10/2022 - 10:57
    +1

    We live in Melbourne so most driving is on roads but we have family in the country.

    Lol. Save your money dude. Stock will be fine.

  • Sleeqb7 on 12/10/2022 - 11:00

    From what you've described, it sounds like I've taken more rugged driving in my FWD Kia.
    Try stock and see if you survive.

    • Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 11:09
      +1

      You clearly don't know what Cape York tracks are like then.

  • Mechz on 12/10/2022 - 11:14

    Join a 4x4 club, chat with people who have these brands fitted to their rigs. Make an informed decision from there.

  • zapsplat on 12/10/2022 - 11:46
    +5

    Best advice is to learn your new car and how it behaves, so you learn what each mod / change does. I have a PX3 Wildtrak and we took it offroad for 18 months with stock suspension and highway tires without any issues. As long as you have 2-3 safe exit strategies for obstacles (maxtrax, snatch point, or winch) you'll be surprised how capable stock is.
    We now have Maxxis MTs and OMEBP51s, its a killer combo but it was invaluable to have to learn how the car would react without them offroading and how to adjust the suspension.
    Edit: Get all your heavy mods done first (bullbar, canopy, bash plates if getting) as it will drastically affect what shocks you put on!

  • Sawtell on 12/10/2022 - 12:57

    Bite the bullet, get the BP51 or OME suspension fitted by the dealer as part of the purchase so it will come under the Ford warranty.

    There are already instances where Ford dealers are recording wheel upgrades to get out of warranty claims on things like CVs.

  • pegaxs on 12/10/2022 - 12:58
    -1

    Have neighbours who all work in the mining industry and drive rangers as work vehicles. The engines and gearboxes give out long before the suspension does.

    Buy it because you just want that whole "jacked" look on your Ranger, not because of some "random" trip you "might" make to some "remote" location.

    But also, don't forget you are going to need to change all your lights over to LED or HID. You'll also need to re-aim them so they are directly in other drivers eyes. And you are going to need plastic recovery ramps hard bolted to the rear roll protection that you cant remove and don't need to because you will never use them. And 98723 gigawatts of LED driving light bars. You're going to need them for driving home from shopping after dark from your local Colesworth.

    • Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 13:32
      -2

      What the (profanity) your problem?

  • pharkurnell on 12/10/2022 - 13:04

    Your comparing BP51's and Foam Cells? LOL While both brands are good for their price. I'd happily run either but running Koni 90's at moment in the GU:).
    Stock suspension maybe better than you expect as well.

    Suspension opinions are like Toyota V Nissan. There is no right answer.

    We have plenty of Rangers in the club, and they range from stock to reasonably modded with many variants of suspension brands. They've done plenty of HC tracks, Flinders, Fraser, Kimberley, etc etc..

    Suspension should be the last mod you do after spec'ing out your car… Then weigh it, then get suspension to match… Your wasting your money buying suspension first then putting 300kgs of accessories on it.

    Edit: and with the cops shafting many lifted 4bs around Mansfield again lately stick with the limits..
    Oh and also spotties on top of the bull bar are a no go again .. 2 members got dicked at Southland over different weekends for it… Cop mentioned 'you guys make it too easy for us'…

    PS.. how often do you thnk you'll be doing tracks like those? Once a year?

  • CurlCurl on 12/10/2022 - 13:05
    +1

    ARB bp51's is like $6500 ARB shocks are made by Monroe and their springs by Kings.

    Maybe do the first track on standard suspension but no chance on the second with standard suspension.

    Stock suspension is road orientated no mater what 4X4 you purchase. I would stay away from ARB as they have a 'Toyota tax' on all their gear. Ironman, not well regarded in the 4X4 family. OzTec in Brisbane is owned by George Sheppard a rally car champion in OZ. They will formulate a suspension for you. They sell Aussie made King springs and their own Aussie made OzTec shocks. They also sell other brands of shocks. There is a huge BUT before you fit a new suspension. It isn't a one size fits all.

    Other things needed are Snatch straps, yes two as they may get a work out, rated shackles, max trax, a bridle, recovery point at the rear, jerry cans for fuel and water, a second spare wheel and tyre, a tyre plug kit, a pump for your tyres as you will be letting the down and pumping the up daily, If you are doing deeper water crossing a snorkel.

    I have no idea how many people will be in your vehicle but you don't travel light to the Cape. You are wasting you time and money having anything fitted until you know your front and rear axle weights fully loaded for the Cape trip.

    My guess is you will be taking some of the 4WD tracks (gunshot) is a challenge so other things you need to think about is underbody protection and tyres. Also if you haven't done much 4WDing I suggest you do a basic 4WD course followed by an advanced 4WD course.

    • Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 13:35

      Thanks for your helpful post.

  • Euphemistic on 12/10/2022 - 13:31
    +1

    Don’t bother upgrading unless you carry heavy loads all the time or drive heavily rutted off road tracks regularly. Upgrading to heavy duty suspension the driving around without any load on will make the ride uncomfortable - especially on country roads.

    Despite all the hype in custom parts a stock ute will go just about anywhere most novice drivers would care to point it.

    Stock suspension is fine. I have taken a twin cab ute with stock suspension on some fairly gnarly trails and only nudged the side steps and scraped the bottom a couple of times.

    FWIW my current ute has standard ‘heavy duty’ suspension being a lower spec model, but it nearly bounces your fillings out. I’ve bought the high spec model standard suspension for $150 from someone who put a lift in. I expect the ride to be a lot more pleasant when I fit it soon.

    Only upgrade 2 weeks before you actually start a cape York trip. Otherwise it’s wasted money.

  • Saul Goodman on 12/10/2022 - 13:46

    Did a post about this on Reddit and basically got called a moron for thinking that the ranger is capable of doing much off road - So basically the complete opposite to those on here treating me like a moron and saying stock is good enough. Go figure.

    There have been some very helpful replies on here - thank you for those.

    But it has taught me that the majority of 4x4 drivers are condescending assholes.

    So thanks for that!

    • MS Paint on 12/10/2022 - 14:01
      +1

      Your original post was very vague on the details that were necessary to provide accurate answers.

      Then you add pictures where only a very limited few would take their brand new Ranger.

      It's a public forum. You need to weed out the shit from the legit shit. Just part of the process - especially on a non 4wd dedicated forum.

      • Euphemistic on 12/10/2022 - 15:05

        Even if you ask on a dedicated forum, you’ll still get a dozen different answers because people get attached to different brands of gear for non rational reasons.

        But it has taught me that the majority of 4x4 drivers are condescending assholes.

        Maybe not a holes, but definitely opinionated and probably suckers to marketing.

  • Sawtell on 12/10/2022 - 13:51

    4x4 24x7 did a good review and comparison of all the modern utes including the new Ranger and its only real drawback was lack of ramp over clearance.

    So with better tyres and a lift you would have a very capapable 4x4 and add a snorkel you would be good to go for the Cape.

    • Euphemistic on 12/10/2022 - 15:03

      The 4wd 247 review took some pretty extreme stuff. More than many would consider driving their brand new $70k vehicle on. The ramp over was mentioned in comparison to the others, doesn’t mean it’s bad.

      In stock form, these modern duo cabs are still very capable, especially if you drop some coin on all terrain tyres.

      Yeah, if you are going to drive the old Tele track you probably want to throw on some lift and bar work though.

      Otherwise, drive it for a while first and find out what you want to add as you go. The only people that should be upgrading straight out of the showroom are those that have been through the process of learning what mods are needed from previous vehicles.

  • Drpepper666 on 12/10/2022 - 14:30
    +1

    I'm always away at the mines so the aftermarket suspension definitely helped my missus mount the gutter at the organic food market.

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