blksn8k2 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Hey, it can still be BOF, anyone here remember the early 60's F Series "Unibody" pickups? They used a conventional frame, but cab and bed were integrated. I have never seen one in person that I can recall but it must not have worked all that well as it was only available from '61-'63... Although I suppose any large BOF SUV (Expedition, Suburban, Avalanche, etc.) could be considered in the same category. I seriously doubt Ford would do this with the Ranger. They do sell chassis cab versions in other markets. In other words, the current Ranger can be had without a bed and you can add your own stake bed, etc. That would not be so easy with a unibody design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Found a full side profile shot of a previous test mule: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 (edited) Which shows how easy it would be to cover that area with camo tape and make it look like one panel. T6 is continuing and evolving to include Nth American needs. Edited February 15, 2017 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Hey, Bob...wanna have some fun? Where's that extra camo tape... You joke, but that's probably all this is. Camo is often a decal that is stuck to the side of the vehicle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 That appears to be a frame rail, not a unibody pinch weld. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pioneer Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 DOP? Door Opening Panel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 (edited) And Aussies like to take the piss....because they know what people look for when making predictions.... Edited February 15, 2017 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pioneer Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Found a full side profile shot of a previous test mule: That makes me feel better. Would have hated a unibody truck. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 That makes me feel better. Would have hated a unibody truck. There's three global plants already set up for BOF T6, those won't be changing to Unitary, neither will Nth America. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Hey, it can still be BOF, anyone here remember the early 60's F Series "Unibody" pickups? They used a conventional frame, but cab and bed were integrated. Ifeg-for sure-I had thought about that-I believe it lasted only two model years-1961 and 62. Can't imagine what they were like going into a rough job site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Hey, Bob...wanna have some fun? Where's that extra camo tape... Which shows how easy it would be to cover that area with camo tape and make it look like one panel. T6 is continuing and evolving to include Nth American needs. You joke, but that's probably all this is. Camo is often a decal that is stuck to the side of the vehicle. That appears to be a frame rail, not a unibody pinch weld. You guys are making me feel better already. Guess I'll stop beating the wife! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blksn8k2 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 (edited) That appears to be a frame rail, not a unibody pinch weld. Actually, I think it is a pinch weld where the inner and outer rocker panels meet. Look at this photo of a chassis cab model without the standard bed. That pinch weld extends past the gap between the cab and a standard bed, if there were a bed. The bed apparently wraps around the outside of the cab, if that makes any sense. Odd. But it is obviously still BOF. Edited February 15, 2017 by blksn8k2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 These still looks like a mule (test vehicles based on current model) and not a prototype (test vehicles with new body). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Actually, I think it is a pinch weld where the inner and outer rocker panels meet. Look at this photo of a chassis cab model without the standard bed. That pinch weld extends past the gap between the cab and a standard bed, if there were a bed. The bed apparently wraps around the outside of the cab, if that makes any sense. Odd. But it is obviously still BOF. This seems to be the best explanation. I believe it was the '97 F150 where Ford introduced that bed wraparound so that you couldn't see daylight through the bed/cab gap anymore. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
630land Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Wait til the real thing is shown, all these "mules" are virtually "UFO's" to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blksn8k2 Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 I think there are things to be learned from looking at the current model since Ford has already said that the Ranger we are getting will be based on the T6 platform. For instance, there should be little question that it is and will continue to be BOF. I would also be surprised if there were any major changes to the chassis layout. I honestly doubt we will see a solid front axle, especially on the Ranger and probably not on the Bronco either. The fact that Dana is supplying the axles and differentials does not mean they will be solid on both front and rear. Again, look to the current T6. It is generally regarded as a better than average off-road performer even with IFS. The body is potentially a different story. I doubt it will be a major change in size from the current T6 Ranger but I am hoping it gets more of an update than just a different grill and an "Americanized" interior. I realize this could be considered an "entry level" truck by some but I hope Ford learned something from the last North American Ranger and acknowledges that stagnant styling and engineering also contributed to stagnant sales. The styling of the current ROW Ranger is getting a little long in the tooth even if it hasn't been available here. This is also one case where they could learn something from GM's approach to their midsize twins. Smaller trucks don't have to be boring and they can actually generate decent profits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 (edited) I think there are things to be learned from looking at the current model since Ford has already said that the Ranger we are getting will be based on the T6 platform. For instance, there should be little question that it is and will continue to be BOF. I would also be surprised if there were any major changes to the chassis layout. I honestly doubt we will see a solid front axle, especially on the Ranger and probably not on the Bronco either. The fact that Dana is supplying the axles and differentials does not mean they will be solid on both front and rear. Again, look to the current T6. It is generally regarded as a better than average off-road performer even with IFS. The body is potentially a different story. I doubt it will be a major change in size from the current T6 Ranger but I am hoping it gets more of an update than just a different grill and an "Americanized" interior. I realize this could be considered an "entry level" truck by some but I hope Ford learned something from the last North American Ranger and acknowledges that stagnant styling and engineering also contributed to stagnant sales. The styling of the current ROW Ranger is getting a little long in the tooth even if it hasn't been available here. This is also one case where they could learn something from GM's approach to their midsize twins. Smaller trucks don't have to be boring and they can actually generate decent profits. I agree that the Ranger will be IFS whether it's 4x2 or 4x4. But I believe that the Bronco will be 4x4 only and will have a SFA, despite being T6 based. The Expedition is based on the F150, yet it has IRS versus using the F150's SRA and has a totally different frame. I also believe the Bronco will have a multilink, coil sprung SRA as well versus the Ranger's leaf sprung SRA. The Bronco is going to be an expensive competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, I don't see them cheapening out by making it a 2 door Ranger wagon like they did when the made the Bronco II. Edited February 17, 2017 by NLPRacing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blksn8k2 Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 More spy photos from C&D. Looks the same as the truck as in the Autoblog article. Can anyone read the "window stickers"? http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2019-ford-ranger-spied-in-the-u-s-future-cars?src=nl&mag=cdb&list=nl_dvr_news&date=021717#1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 maybe its really a bronco mule ? It's a Ranger mule, with the camo not cut at the seam. Bronco mules will be out there... Soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Bronco mules will be out there... Soon. Really now? To my knowledge that program hasn't even left the studio yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Really now? To my knowledge that program hasn't even left the studio yet. That's what I've been told. By summer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 That's what I've been told. By summer? Wow that would be huge. If that's true maybe it's launching sooner than anyone I've talked to even thinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PREMiERdrum Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Wow that would be huge. If that's true maybe it's launching sooner than anyone I've talked to even thinks. My best contact left there isn't on the project directly, but he's in a place to know. We're less than 2 years from debut, and probably less than 1 year from a "concept" version. I was told the first mules would be out this summer. As it was described to me: This is a segment they aren't currently in, so they don't have to worry about killing short term sales by dripping info out on this one. Their goal is to keep buzz alive, and maybe stop a few Wrangler and 4Runner sales along the way. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 So a "concept" version in time for like, LA Auto Show or thereabouts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 As or the Bronco mule, it wouldn't be more then a Everest with camo on it or one that is hacked up to be shorter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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