The Ford Ranger will be a domestically built, small pickup truck engineered to many design objectives typical of a fullsize pickup, yet with four cylinder engine fuel efficiency. Ranger is a full-function on-and-off road pickup truck with a uniquely smooth ride and a capacity to carry up to a 725.7 kg. (1600 lb.) payload. The truck features a three passenger body-on-frame cab and a double wall pickup box with provision for 1.2m × 2.4m (4 ft. × 8 ft.) sheets of construction material. Featured in this comprehensive paper are the engineering highlights and innovations contributing to the accomplishment of these Small Truck objectives. Of particular significance are:
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styling for aerodynamic efficiency
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industry firsts in special uses of lightweight material
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downsizing the Ford 4×2 and 4×4 twin-I-beam front suspensions
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harmonically indexed wheels and tires at assembly
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improved reliability actions in body and chassis design, manufacturing, and assembly
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computer graphics and computer assisted design analysis
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implementation of an assembly plant employe involvement program.