Bronco does not get Ranger 10spd, what about 2.3L Upgraded RS in Ranger?

frankgoss
Nov 07, 2021

Rank V

Nov 07, 2021

Here is a email sent to Ford marketing after I found my MY2023 is being built with the weaker by 25% Explorer 10 spd rated at 600 nm ,10r60 and not the stronger 10r80 in the Ranger:

Good morning Wendy and John

Here below is a series of upgrades reported by R&T writer, in that the Ranger got major improvements, from the Focus RS development , incorporated into the Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost gas engine in MY2021.

Q.6. Since the Bronco is a true 4×4 drive system, with a two speed transfer case, does the Bronco have the same engine as the Ranger 2022 (RS upgraded 2.3LEgoBoost), and not the Explorer 2.3L EgoBoost non- 4×4 single speed center case AWD?

Here are some of R&T 's writers comments and if question 6 is in the affirmative, then each of the below RS 2.3L EgoBoost upgrades will be manufactured, in my MY2022 BASE BRONCO.

Q.6.a. Ranger Engine Cross-Drilled Block BOZI TATAREVIC- Our first hint that it's based on the unit found in the Focus RS comes from the design of the block. That shows us that the Ranger motor employs a cross-drilled deck for cooling which is only found in the Focus RS at this time. We covered this type of cooling mechanism in our Focus RS head gasket story, but the general idea is that coolant flows through the block below the bore bridge instead of across the top. Inside the block, the rotating assembly appears to be lifted straight from the Focus RS; it contains the forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and coated pistons found in the hot hatch.

Q.6.b. Ranger Engine rods and crank BOZI TATAREVIC- Although the top is almost identical to the Focus RS block, the bottom has been modified and has a slightly different casting. The oil pump has been moved from its location beside the crank gear and now runs off the balance shafts in the oil pan. This move was likely done to make the front a little narrower in order to make space for the four-wheel drive components that will be used in the Ranger.

Q.6.c. Ranger oil cooler BOZI TATAREVIC- The oil cooling system has also been upgraded with the addition of a new housing that includes a larger oil cooler and a filter that now points to the side instead of down towards the oil pan. This housing is novel since it also appears to be where the motor mount will connect to the engine.

Q.6.d. Ranger cylinder head and new fan mount BOZI TATAREVIC The oil pump move is not the only change to the front of the block as the harmonic balancer has also been changed. It now includes a provision for a wider front belt which will coincide with the belt-driven fan that will be installed on the Ranger. This is also apparent when you look a little higher up towards the cam gears where there is now a cast mount for the fan to attach to. The timing cover has been modified to allow for the fan mount and the removal of the oil pump below. The rest of the belt drive appears to be identical to the Focus with the water pump visible in the same 3 o’clock position on both engines.

Q.6.e. Front of the Ranger's engine BOZI TATAREVIC Moving up towards the cylinder head it is apparent that most of it was transferred over. The head casting and valvetrain components appear to be identical but a few external changes have been made. The valve cover shows some additional strengthening ribs on the front but is mostly the same. The direct injection pump is mounted in the same position on the left rear side of the head but the vacuum pump beside it on the Focus is gone. This pump is used to provide a vacuum backup for the brake booster on the other models and the unit may now be gone or relocated on the Ranger.

Q.6.f. Ranger EGR and direct injection pump BOZI TATAREVIC We now find an EGR cooler below the injection pump which has not been used on this size of EcoBoost motor in the past. The EGR system was likely implemented to assist with emissions by pumping hot air into the intake to richen up the fuel mixture as needed. The secondary benefit of EGR is that the warm air being pumped back in can also assist to prevent knock when the engine is under high load. The pipe that leads across the back of the head into the intake manifold appears to be the main change to the induction system there as the rest of the manifold appears to match what is found on the Mustang.

Q.6.g. Ranger turbo- BOZI TATAREVIC Moving around to the other side of the head, we find the familiar three-port integrated exhaust manifold that leads into a twin-scroll turbocharger. Although we do not have exact specs on the turbocharger just yet, the inducer wheel appears to be slightly larger than the Mustang unit.

Q.6.h. Ranger's electronic active wastegate BOZI TATAREVIC -We find another new piece in this area as this turbo is the first in the series to employ an electronic wastegate. The rest of the lineup uses a mechanical penumatic wastegate so this advancement should allow more granular control of boost pressure. This is important since the Ranger will likely be sold in high volume and small changes like this can help to improve fuel efficiency and emissions.

Q.6.i. Focus RS engine and Ranger engine BOZI TATAREVIC There are likely other smaller parts that may have slight changes but the Ranger motor appears to share most of its components with the Focus RS while adding a few new parts. Based on what was shown for the mock-up and the data released by Ford so far, it appears that they might be shooting for a torque monster. I would not be surprised to see it exceeding the torque ratings of its competitors.

If all these RS upgrades have been incorporated, in the Ranger and the Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost is the same 2.3L EcoBoost in MY 2022 Base Bronco then all of the upgrades (a-i) should be in my order 1824! If any of these upgraded alleged by the R&T writer Tatarevic please list in your technical response.

Thank you and I dont expect a quick answer, since these upgrade would allow after the three year, Ford's express warrantee has expired, the MY 2022 2.3L EcoBoost be upgraded to enhance performance by a Ford approved shop. It has been report a 2021 Range with a 2.3L EgoBoost when turned will generate close to 400 HP and 600nm of torque with a 0-60 time of 5.4 sec. This would be very close to my Porsche Turbo Cayenne of 450! As the writer ended this would be a great torque monster, like a $125,000 Porsche turbo 4×4!.
Last edited by a moderator: Nov 07, 2021

Rank VI

Nov 07, 2021

#1
The Bronco has never been slated to have the 10-speed, so what's your gripe? It was advertised with the "weaker" trans and you bought it. Issue is with you, not Ford.
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