2021 Aluminium Silver XLS Sport

[Ford4wheeler]

I just thought I would post a photo of my 2021 aluminium silver XLS Sport. This replaces my 2017 winning blue XLS.

I have had a canopy fitted and bar work and winch are due to be fitted in August.

After that, the suspension will need to be upgraded. Trying to find a compromise between ride and carrying capacity will be the challenge. My previous Ranger suspension seemed harsh after fitting an upgraded suspension. I find the standard suspension rides quite well, but I know it will probably struggle once extra weight is added up front.

[SimonWTX 21]

Nice one how did you go with the winch and suspension upgrade
enjoy your ride

[lincolnland]

The tjm 300 constants and paired shocks are a massive upgrade on the rear of my work hack. Have fun all sorts of gear on 20+ rangers now and the tjm rear is good.

[NUTSACK]

I’ve also sold my 2017 XLS and waiting for a new XLS..I think the suspension has changed between the 2 models and the new work utes seem to ride a bit nicer from factory but maybe look at the Fox 2.0..

[Ford4wheeler]

Nice one how did you go with the winch and suspension upgrade
enjoy your ride

Hi SimonWTX 21,
Had the bar and winch fitted last week, and fitted the Narva HID lights over last weekend and fitted the Uniden UHT antenna tonight. I will post an updated photo tomorrow.

So far I am happy with the outcome.

I have not done the suspension upgrade yet as was waiting for the bar and winch to be fitted to see how it would affect things. The stock PX3 suspension seems better than the PX2. I must admit that I am a little hesitant about the suspension as the upgrade on my previous Ranger, although fairly minor, made the suspension extremely harsh. The PX3 rides so nicely at the moment, I don't want to stuff it up. While I know there is always a trade off between weigh carrying, lift and comfort, I still want to enjoy driving the vehicle.

I will certainly look at TJM as you have suggested Lincolnland and Fox would also be worth a look Nutsack, so thanks for the suggestions. The advantage with ARB Nitrocharger upgrade is that ARB have been able to engineer a higher front axle load as part of the suspension upgrade. It adds around 150kg with a certification label. While it does not change GVM, it would be handy to have the certification, as now that the bar, winch and lights are fitted, the Ranger will be right on the maximum for standard front axle load (depending upon weight distribution). Like my last Ranger I will wander down to the weigh bridge to check weight once lockdown has ended. I will have to see if the other suppliers offer a similar front axle load upgrade.

ARB suspensions have about a mid/late-October fitment availability at present through their main ARB stores or about 5 weeks delay through a stockist. From what can see, there seems to be a lot of dealer fitting going on and I can't see a dealer being happy to wait 8 weeks to have a bar fitted like I had to. Obviously lots of people are buying cars and having upgrades fitted.

I have refitted the Provent catch can to the Ranger which I took off my previous Ranger. A bit undecided about this as well, but I think I understand a bit better the flow regulating valve and how it works, so I am fairly confident that it won't restrict crankcase flow and potentially blow seals. I will be monitoring it carefully though. Others have checked the pressures on YouTube videos and not found any issues. I did ask the dealer about warranty issues but the service advisor told me that they have good numbers of Rangers coming in for service with them fitted and don't have any issues. Time will tell.

This Ranger will soon be 8 months old and has a total of 1000 kms. on it - 450 of that done on one day and 240 kms. done driving to the dealer for service and ARB. So very sad! I don't want to work out current cost of ownership per kilometre.

[lincolnland]

Provent is a good thing. It wont upset your whip

[Ford4wheeler]

ARB Summit bar, Narva HID lights and Warn 9.5 XP winch.

[Ford4wheeler]

The Ranger is now basically finished. The ARB 300 Kg constant load springs have been fitted which has lifted the vehicle to an acceptable level and has really improved the ride. Also fitted the Safari raised air intake, and ARB Summit side steps.

On the previous Ranger which had near identical accessories, the suspension was 0-300 Kg load which did not work for me. The suspension sagged to standard ride height quite quickly and there was always an annoying vibration when moving off from a standing start. The new suspension is handling the weight so much better and although it has a higher ride height, there is no vibration.

As Melbourne workshops were super busy, I called a few country OME authorised installers and was able to get the new suspension fitted in a few weeks rather than 2-3 months. It was worth the 600 km round trip.