Ford Performance of Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn is collaborating with Australia’s Arb 4×4 Accessories to design and develop off-road accessories and vehicle parts for Ford. The collaboration will begin with a winch-capable front bumper for the Ford Ranger.
“For Ranger customers who want the ultimate adventure gear, a Ford Performance collaboration with ARB is a dream come true,” says Eric Cin, global director of Ford vehicle personalization and accessories. “With 45 years of design and engineering experience in the overlanding and rock-crawling world, ARB is bringing additional options for Ranger customers looking to make their truck even more capable.”
Additional components for other trucks and SUVs will be announced soon. Arb makes aftermarket parts including bumpers, roof racks, snorkels, air compressors, lighting, and more.
“The goal of the relationship between ARB and Ford Performance is to provide Ford customers premium and functional off-road accessories that inspire personalized vehicle customization, improve off-road capability, and empower customers to feel comfortable using their vehicles – even in remote areas,” says Lachlan McCann, COO of ARB.
The new winch-capable front bumper is built from welded sheet steel up to three-sixteenths of an inch thick, attaches to the truck using existing chassis mounting points, and can be installed on any North American Ranger configuration.
The Ranger’s original safety systems and sensors remain functional to enable Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver assist technologies and available adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning. The bumper is the only aftermarket steel bumper available for Ranger that meets regulatory crash test standards.
The bumper will accommodate a range of accessories while maintaining maximum functionality for off-road and overlanding use. An integrated mount is incorporated for installation, and a split center pan allows easy access to winch controls. Mounting and jacking points maximize off-road functionality for increased visibility and help with recovery situations.
Compatible accessories include Warn Industries M8000, XD9000, 9.5XP, 9.5XDC, and VR EVO 10-S winches; Rigid SR-Series LED lightbars, both 6-inch and 30-inch lengths; antenna and sand flag mounts; and jacking points for off-road jacks.
The winch-capable front bumper will be available in 2020 through Ford dealers and Ford Performance Parts distributors for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,495 before installation. It will come with a Ford Performance Parts limited warranty.
