The Ford Ranger (T6) Thread

Ford SA recalls 2024 Ranger: 25 units affected

Ford has issued a recall over potential suspension faults on the MY2024 Ranger bakkie in Southern Africa, though the action affects just 25 units in SA and Botswana…

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has issued a recall regarding potential suspension problems for 2024 model year Ranger bakkies, though Cars.co.za can confirm that just 25 units sold across South Africa and Botswana are affected.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) of South Africa released a short statement on 22 May 2025, though failed to mention how many units were included in the Dearborn-based automaker’s recall action. Instead, the NCC said only that Ranger bakkies “made available for sale in 2024” were affected.

So, Cars.co.za asked Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa for clarity on the matter. The Blue Oval brand confirmed to us that the recall included “certain Ford Ranger models built between October 29 2024 through November 7 2024 at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria”.

“Ford has identified that in some of the affected vehicles, an incorrect Front Lower Control Arm (FLCA) may have been fitted on the left-hand side of the vehicle. An incorrect FLCA may cause a degradation in wheel control and related suspension/underbody noise, i.e. knocking or clunking.

 
Converting the Ford Ranger bakkie to make it work even harder

When we think of bakkies, mostly our attention is focused on double cabs ranging from the super luxurious to entry-level versions.

However, there’s an entire industry out there that exclusively uses single cabs purely as workhorses to transport goods.

Look at Takealot, courier companies, builders, agriculture, FMCG companies, mining, and add conversions like emergency services, mobile workshops and fridges to understand the versatility.

Base model

It’s not often that we get a base model single cab on test, never mind a converted dropside, which was the case with the converted Ford Ranger in the driveway.

It forms part of their new Ford Pro Converter (FPC) programme that transforms vehicles for the commercial market.

It’s not restricted to the Ranger and also includes the Everest SUV and Transit van.

On the bakkie, the conversion is done using a chassis cab to change it to whatever the customer specifies.

A chassis cab means the chassis is left open behind the passenger cab to provide a platform for the desired conversion.

 

I've gone down the rabbit hole researching these Rangers as an alternative to Hiluxes – because myfok Marelize, Toyotas are pricey!

It seems rare for a standard Ranger to last forever, but after digging through tons of Aussie and local resources, the consensus is that the 3.2L engine is a beast that can rack up serious mileage with just a few longevity mods.

If you're buying out of warranty, that's not a huge deal in my book. It doesn't take much to keep these things running strong – just consistent servicing and preventative maintenance.

If I do pull the trigger on a Ranger (again, Toyota tax, se ma se... AND the Ranger is genuinely nicer in several ways), I'd definitely do these modifications:
  • EGR delete/bypass
  • DPF removal
  • Catch Can
  • Extra fuel filter (especially crucial if you're stuck with lower-quality diesel)
  • Upgrade intercooler and pipes
There are established shops that do most of these as a package for a few thousand bucks, which I think is totally worth it
 
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Ford Ranger Super Duty Tested to Near Failure With Brutal Regimen

Ford has shown the lengths it is willing to go to ensure the Ranger Super Duty is as tough as any Blue Oval bakkie that has ever come before it. Watch the robot-driven torture below.

Development is already underway, and Ford recently gave a glimpse into the kind of punishment the Super Duty is going through at the You Yangs Proving Ground in Australia. To push the limits, they’ve handed the driving duties over to a robot, literally. The automated test driver has been running the Ranger Super Duty flat-out on the brutal Silver Creek track, a loop packed with 300 uneven bumps designed to simulate years of abuse. With the truck loaded to its full 4 500 kg Gross Vehicle Mass, the robot runs it nonstop, pounding everything from suspension components to door hinges. According to Ford, it’s the equivalent of a decade of rough treatment in just a few weeks.


 
Ford Ranger stretches double-cab sales lead in May 2025

The Ford Ranger stretched its year-to-date double-cab sales lead in South Africa in May 2025, while the Toyota Hilux dominated the extended- and single-cab charts. Here are the figures…

In May 2025, the Ford Ranger was again South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, stretching its lead in the year-to-date sales race in the process. At the same time, the Toyota Hilux – the local market’s most popular bakkie overall – topped the extended- and single-cab charts.

As a reminder, Naamsa’s monthly sales report unfortunately doesn’t include a breakdown of the 3 bakkie body styles available in Mzansi. However, the kind folks over at Lightstone Auto have again assisted us by providing these fascinating registration figures.

For the record, the Toyota Hilux (13 491 units) is at the top of the overall bakkie sales table in South Africa, year to date at the end of May 2025. The Ford Ranger (10 080 units) and Isuzu D-Max (8 168 units) are in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

 
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