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Owning a Ford Ranger means that you not only have a quality 4x4, but you also have the option to upgrade and change parts to get the look and performance to suit your unique taste. We’ve covered a number of parts that you can use to customise your Ford Ranger already - including grilles, tyres, lift kits and alloys - but this month at Milner Off Road, we’re going to talk you through bumpers.
Let’s start with a quick explanation of what Ford Ranger bumpers are and their purpose.
What are Ford Ranger bumpers?
Ford Ranger bumpers are positioned on your vehicle much like with other 4x4 models, with one below your headlights at the front and one below your brake lights at the rear. These bumpers can be the original factory fittings - sometimes blended into the rest of the bodywork - or a new bumper you can bolt on in one piece. You can also find kits that can be welded together for even more bumper customisation.
While their foremost purpose is to help absorb the force of a collision - which is why they protrude out as the furthest part of the vehicle’s front and rear - they can also be used to accessorise your vehicle with something specific or to tailor the look of your 4x4.
The advantages of a Ford Ranger bumper
Aside from the absolutely crucial extra layer of cushioning you get in an impact to prevent damage and even potential injuries for pedestrians, they also protect some vital components on your vehicle itself, making it safer.
By taking the brunt of the force in an accident, your Ford Ranger bumper should be able to shield the engine, the grille, the cooling system and the exhaust at the rear. This works for lower-speed collisions, with the force of impact becoming greater and greater the faster you’re travelling. That said, it still absorbs the shock from most normal accidents.
Depending on the type of bumper you fit to your Ford Ranger, you could also see several other benefits, including:
- Improved aesthetic appearance
- Compatibility with ADAS features
- Protection of your bodywork
- Improved fuel economy through weight savings
- The ability to add features, such as a winch
You can find a range of front and rear bumper parts and accessories under the body and chassis category once you’ve selected your Ford Ranger from our model list:
- 2.5L Diesel - Pickup - 1/1999 to 10/2007 (ER24)
- 2.9L Diesel - Pickup - 6/2000 to 10/2007 (ER28)
- 2.5L Diesel - Pickup - 2/2006 to 6/2012 (ER61)
- 3.0L Diesel - Pickup - 2/2006 to 6/2012 (ER69)
- 2.5L Diesel - Pickup - 1/2007 to 6/2012 (Non UK) (FE40)
- 2.2L Diesel - Pickup - 1/2011 to present (T64)
- 3.2L Diesel - Pickup - 1/2011 to present (T65)
- 2.0L Diesel - Pickup - 2/2019 to present (T6ECO)
The disadvantages of a Ford Ranger bumper
There really aren’t any disadvantages to having a Ford Ranger bumper! The only way you could affect the performance of your bumper is if you fail to replace it after it becomes damaged or if you replace it with a bumper made of weaker materials.
Bumpers are designed to absorb impacts, but this can be compromised by damage sustained, meaning it may not perform to its optimum if you suffer a further collision. That’s why it’s always a good idea to stay on top of repairs and maintenance for your 4x4.
The laws surrounding bumpers for Ford Rangers
While there isn’t a specific mention of bumpers in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, it should go without saying that any car or 4x4 without a bumper fitted - where one should be - can become dangerous. Not only would you no longer have protection in low-speed collisions, but you will also have exposed bodywork, such as sharp metals, that can pose a hazard. For this reason, you’re unlikely to pass an MOT if your Ford Ranger doesn’t have a bumper fitted. Even a damaged bumper that looks likely to fall off could result in a failure for your Ford Ranger.
If you do choose to upgrade and modify your Ford Ranger with a new bumper, you may want to inform your insurance company of this change to ensure you do not invalidate your coverage. This is especially important if your new bumper is different to the original bodywork bumper.
Find the right bumper for your Ford Ranger 4x4 in our online catalogue and place your order today. Here at Milner Off Road, we’ve been helping off-road enthusiasts tailor their vehicles to their needs since 1981. We offer rapid despatch and worldwide delivery and our team is on hand if you have any queries about Ford Ranger parts and accessories — don’t hesitate to give us a call.