Ranger Wildtrak Slays Trails Down Under: Rewind Wednesdays
Ranger navigates Australian Outback with aplomb, although there were several close calls.
Ford fans in America know the forbidden fruit that exists elsewhere. Basically, there’s always some other, cooler vehicle on the other side of the ocean. For years, this pertained to Ford’s European cars. Additionally, the global Ranger also entranced American truck lovers with its sexy looks and excellent capability. Since we now have an updated version of that model, things are great. But they’re not ideal, because we don’t have all the combinations available worldwide.
Fortunately, the Internet allows us to live vicariously through the Australian exploits of Michael Toomer and his friend. In 2018, the duo tackled some trails, as seen in the video above, at the Blue Mountains National Park in New South Wales, Australia. A recently purchased Ford Ranger 4X4 Wildtrak with some modifications served as the steed for their off-road excursion. Overall, the Ranger did an excellent job crawling over the terrain. Let’s check out his ride in this edition of “Rewind Wednesdays.”
A Wild Ranger Appears
Ford’s Wildtrak trim level isn’t anything mind-blowing. But it looks cool. With a unique grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and some stand out exterior differences, this is a Ranger we can get behind. Ford offers similar packages for Americans like the FX4, but there’s always something tantalizing about stuff we can’t have. What we’re trying to say is that this Ranger looks great. Additionally, the owner installed some extra equipment so it could truly go off the pavement. The tires are 17-inch rims clad with 33 inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires. A two-inch lift kit by Dobinson helps the Ranger accommodate that formidable tire and wheel combination too. It’s quite the off-road warrior.
Fortunately, the owner chose wisely. This outing was actually the first time the Ranger crawled over some rock. It acquitted itself very well, thanks to its driver. One of the first obstacles involved the Ranger basically getting itself over a large rock ledge after traversing some rocky terrain that didn’t feature anything particularly treacherous. The Ranger chugged along trying to get up the rock but ultimately couldn’t do it. Turns out all they needed to do was give the Ranger some more gas. It powered right over the rock, although its undercarriage scraped the side as it went over.
Fun With Trees
Climbing one particular slope forced the team to tangle a bit with a tree. The easiest way to ascend the hill put the Ranger right in front of one lone tree. It almost looks like the tree situated itself there on purpose so that they’d have a harder time with their trek. Anyway, in order to avoid more slippery conditions, the guys were forced to accelerate towards the tree in a very delicate fashion. At first, the Ranger is pointed right towards the tree. Eventually, the driver figures out the best way to approach the incline without bumping into it. The end result is a very impressive balancing act. Without rubbing against the rock right next to the rear passenger side tire, the driver managed to cut the wheel hard and barely make it around the tree. The Ranger, having seemingly been satisfied by that approach, crawls up towards the cameraman without protest.
Americans may never get a Wildtrak Ranger. But Ford released a modified version of the global Ranger here and it’s great. Basically, there’s not much to complain about. Additionally, overseas variants make things more interesting. They can inspire unconventional builds. Anyway, make sure to watch the video, above, to get a good look at the Wildtrak. And to check out the interesting flora and fauna of the Australian Outback.
