Say Goodbye to the Ford Ranger, 2011 will be the last model year produced by Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company has made the choice to remove the Ranger from it's One Ford Lineup of vehicles.  The 2011 Model year will be the last for this compact truck staple in the truck market.  Many commercial customers are clammering to take advantage while the Ford Ranger is still available.  New options for the for the 2011 Ranger Model Year include that the FX2 Sport will no longer an optional package on XLT models (FX2/FX4 a combined model with specific drive and design differentiators ).  Performance/Handling of the Ford Ranger includes an all new powertrain lineup including the 3.7L 4V DOHC V6 with Ti-VCT and Flex Fuel engine with (E85) capabilities as we;; as the similarly popular 5.0L 4V DOHC V8 with Ti-VCT and Flex Fuel E85 capable engine - 6.2L 2V SOHC V8 with EcoBoost 3.5L 4V DOHC V6 with Ti-VCT technology. 

The Standard 6-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul Mode and SelectShift Automatic TM transmission standard.  All engines include Aggressive Deceleration Fuel Shut-off (ADFSO) to help maximize fuel efficiency.  Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) is standard on all models, except when equipped with 6.2L V8 engine.  Gresham Ford Fleet recommends the Electronic locking rear axle with 4.10 ratio that is optional on FX4; the performance of this truck is truly amazing.  A Heavy Duty Payload Package includes 7-lug, 17-inch high-capacity aluminum wheels on XLT,  but does Require: EcoBoost 3.5L V6 or 5.0L V8; Trailer Tow Package or Max Trailer Tow Package.  THe Max Trailer Tow Package includes all of the following: 7-pin wiring harness, Auxiliary transmission cooler, Class IV trailer hitch receiver, SelectShift Automatic TM transmission, Trailer Brake Controller, Upgraded radiator and an Upgraded rear bumper.  This vehicle showcases some impressive technology that NW businesses have appreciated over the decades, it will be sad to see this work truck go.  

Oregon Ford Dealers currently have inventory of the last remaining 2011 model year Ford Ranger Trucks including the regular cab, the 2 door extended cab and the 4 door extended cab truck.  The Max Trailer Tow Package includes a Manual Mirror, and is available on XL Regular and SuperCab.  This option also includes black, manual telescoping trailer tow mirrors with manual glass.  However if power is your thing the Max Trailer Tow Package is available with  Power Mirror and is available on XL Regular and SuperCab, XLT and FX2/FX4.  When you order the power mirror package you also receive black, manual telescoping trailer tow mirrors with power, heated glass, integrated turn signals and security approach lamps and a Memory feature included when ordered with the FX Luxury Package. 

Especially considering the NW weather in Oregon and Washington many people opt for the Off-Road Package that is  available on XLT. Lariat and King Ranch 4x4, which  includes: 3.73 electronic locking rear axle, 4x4 “Off-Road” decal, Off-Road tuned shock absorbers, Skid plates for front differential, fuel tank and transfer case.  Oregon Ford Fleet Dealerships that maintain Business Preferred Network Status also are provided with specialized training and materials to better serve you when preparing your vehicle to enter the work place.  Many exciting new technologies are being brought to the market place by Ford Motor Company and being offered by Oregon Ford Fleet Dealerships like Gresham Ford Fleet. 

Safety/Security provided by the Ford Ranger also includes seat-integrated shoulder belt standard for the front-row center seat position as well as 2nd-row SuperCab and SuperCrew models including standard head restraint for center seat position.  Gresham Ford Fleet is happy to provide detailed safety and product information including vehicles comparisons upon request.

All standard exterior mirrors include driver-side integrated spotter mirror, Available Sony 6-disc, in-dash CD player with subwoofer reduces SuperCab and SuperCrew flat rear loadfloor storage comes in super handy when transporting kids, dogs, heavy tables all that fun stuff.   

Gresham Ford Fleet Services

The Gresham Ford Fleet Department provides Fleet Locator Service for Ford Commercial customers.  If you aren’t finding the exact Ford vehicle you need, don’t worry; we’ll find it.  We have the ability to locate commercial vehicles across the country and the can be delivered to you anywhere across the nation.  Gresham Ford Commercial Fleet is familiar with working within short timelines and prides themselves on personalized customer service.  Their tailored holistic approach has made Gresham Ford the Preferred Fleet Dealer. 

               Gresham Ford is a certified Business Preferred Network Ford Dealership.  This network provides customers fleet services throughout the country; anything from sales to parts and fleet service provided by trained accomplished leaders in Fleet Services.  BPN Ford Fleet Dealers are an elite assemblage providing complete transportation solutions and the best in customer satisfaction and owner loyalty.  For commercial customers, business vehicles are more than transportation; they are critical tools entrepreneurs and drivers depend on to deliver goods and corporate success.  Gresham Ford has been recognized ford providing highly qualified personnel, competitive programs, and a strong support network among other BPN Ford dealerships.  Gresham Ford Fleet Services offer elements such as making registration in the Ford Fleet System a turnkey experience including Ford Fleet VIN Decoding.  Gresham Ford Fleet Services also provide Ford Videos that educate about the new fleet technologies like Crew Chief, which provides complete fleet visibility and instantaneous warning on a wide range of operator and automobile metrics.  Also providing reports on everything from unsafe driving and fuel efficiency to asset utilization and vehicle maintenance; allowing commercial customers to cut costs and boost productivity in no time. 

               National Fleet Parts Pricing is available to many major national and regional customers through the Quality Fleet Care Program.  If your truck center isn’t talking to you about this program than you need to call Gresham Ford Fleet Services and speak with Mike Amato the Fleet Services Parts Director at 503.665.0101 or mamato@GreshamFord.com.  The Gresham Ford truck center can also provide any towing guide or Ford Fleet Manual.  Gresham Ford Fleet Service is dedicated to providing commercial customers with the tools and information from the vehicle sale to maintenance, repair and trade-in values.  The Gresham Ford Truck Center works seamlessly to provide individualized service for customers across the nation.  The Commercial Truck Tools supported exclusively by BPN dealers like Gresham Ford Fleet Service provide services like Commercial Direct Towing.  Ford Motor Company currently offers “outside warranty” towing to the nearest Ford truck center qualified and trained in the specialized sphere of commercial heavy duty maintenance and repair.  With the expanded needs of the fleet customer in mind, Gresham Ford Fleet Service provides assurance of driver safety and status report of the vehicle condition and repair estimate as soon as possible. 

               Gresham Ford Fleet Services also provide Quality Fleet Care (QFC) throughout the nation.  QFC provides a comprehensive parts and service billing no matter the make or dealership that was utilized.  This centralized billing enables a fleet to make a single payment for wholesale parts purchases as well as maintenance and repair performed on enrolled vehicles at any Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership plus Quick Lane Truck Center in the United States and Canada.  QFC was created with efficiencies and time-saving tools to lessen downtime for fleet customers. 

Gresham Ford works hard to bring the Electric Ford Transit Connect to serve Oregon's fleet needs

Blazing new trails and anticipating buyers’ needs are nothing new for Ford.  The Gresham Ford Fleet Department has never been far behind.  The Portland Vancouver area is known around the United States for being environmentally minded.   That’s why an electric vehicle strategy is a key part of the ONE Ford philosophy.  Fuel efficiency, higher fuel costs and concerns about the environment have all affected purchase considerations.  Electric vehicles are the right solution to a variety of changing customer wants and needs.  Electric Auto Association — eaaev.org  The Electric Drive Transportation Association or (EDTA) can be reached via the web at electricdrive.org and is a wealth of information and answers to your practical electric vehicle and living questions.  EV World — evworld.com is another fabulous reference for little things you can do today to reduce your carbon footprint and be a more responsible citizen of earth.  Additional Resources and for updates on the
Ford electrification strategy, check out the Green section of What We’re Doing on thefordstory.com. 

2011 Transit connect electric Websites for more Electric Vehicle Information Electric Vehicles — Part of the Plan, Part of the Future ONE Ford Electrification Strategy.  The ONE Ford strategy for
vehicle electrification is wide‑ranging and includes: Launching five electrified vehicles in the U.S. by 2012.  These vehicles will be more cost effectively produced by utilizing platforms of vehicles that already exist like the focus and the Fiesta.  Introducing a variety of new technologies, such as Microsoft HohmTM, that will help future owners of Ford electric vehicles optimize the way they
recharge their vehicle and manage their home’s energy use will prove to be insightful.  Creating a center of excellence for vehicle electrification where the company will design, engineer and produce key components for its next-generation hybrid-electric and 100 percent electric vehicles.  The Ford plan is to deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build an overall plan that offers the widest possible range of technology solutions — instead of a single vehicle or technology — to improve fuel economy and lower CO 2 emissions for customers around the world.

ONE Ford ELECTRIFICATION PLANS

To learn more about the Ford Electrification Plan, go to ford.com, click on the Technology tab and then click on the Electric Vehicles selection.  The site has a wealth of information and videos that
will help you and your customers learn more about the types of electrified products coming to market.
The Ford suite of electrified powertrains will include:  hybrid Electric Vehicles — currently available
on Escape, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, gasoline hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and/or performance over a conventional gasoline engine. The battery electric systems on hybrids are “regenerative” — meaning they produce their own electric power to recharge the battery — and do not need to be plugged in.

Plug-in Electric Vehicles — the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles will offer an extended electric driving range beyond today’s hybrids. This powertrain also combines a gasoline engine with a regenerative electric system and features a high-voltage battery and charge port. This powertrain will allow owners to plug their vehicle in, extending the distance the vehicle can travel in battery mode and, in turn, decreasing gasoline consumption even further.  All-electric Vehicles — available on the 2012 Focus, this powertrain is all electric. Instead of a gasoline engine, this vehicle will feature an electric motor, charging port, high-voltage lithium ion battery and a regenerative braking system. The powertrain is targeted to go up to 100 miles on a single charge and is rechargeable using a 120- or 240-volt electrical outlet. Seeing as electricity is often cheaper than gasoline, it may be less costly to
operate. It will also feature an easy to use, advanced power management system to assist drivers in planning trips and managing battery life.

Ford Power Shift 6 speed Automatic Transmission offered by Gresham Ford Fleet

PowerShift 6-speed Automatic Transmission

What It Is the New Torqshift Transmission All About?    

The Gresham Ford Fleet Department serves Oregon and Washington area including Portland Oregon.  Ford is proud to offer a transmission that gives performance, fuel efficiency and driving attributes similar to a manual transmission with the shift quality and ease of operation provided by an automomatic transmission.  Ford Commercial Vehicles now have the best of both worlds!  The Gresham Ford Fleet knows that Oregon Fleets need to have a strong transmission that can preform under the hardsh steep conditions of the West Hills near Beaverton as well as the stop and go traffic of Portland.  Oregon Ford Dealerships that are BPN, Business Preferred Dealerships, can provide more information becuase the certification demands additional training education inturn making them the perfect place to get product and pricing information at no obligation. 



Gresham Ford Fleet is a BPN Oregon Ford Dealer

Unlike other automatics, there are no fluid pumps, transmission coolers or conventional hydraulic control systems. In their place is an innovative, dry dual-clutch shifting system with smart computer control, lighter weight and huge efficiency gains.  All this upgraded technology means that your fleet will be on the road more with less time for maintenance and repairs.  The Gresham Ford Fleet Managers strive to provide holistic solutions that reduce your overall automotive expense.  The dry dual-clutch system, which uses the same material as any other manual transmission, acts together to transmit power to the wheels, with 100% of the torque available during shifts:  One clutch transmits power for gears 1, 3 and 5 while the other clutch operates gears 2, 4, 6 and Reverse.   As acceleration or deceleration is required, the transmission automatically engages the next sequential gear in anticipation of the shift, making shifts quick and power delivery seamless. This is really a fantastic pairing of renewed technology by Ford Motor Company and provided by Gresham Ford Fleet.   Integrated technologies are a key stone of the One Ford outlook.  

Neutral idle helps improve fuel economy when the vehicle is at idle by disconnecting the

transmission from the engine, which reduces the drag load or burden on the engine.   You really have to take a test drive in one of the Ford Fiesta's to appreciate the difference this makes. 

Torque control uses integrated brake pressure to provide smooth operation at slower speeds

(in a parking lot or at a stoplight) and simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed

to from an automatic transmission. The amount of rolling torque in Drive and Reverse is precisely

controlled, gradually building as brake pressure is released. 

–

Hill Start Assist helps minimize any roll-back when starting from a stop on an incline. 

SelectShift allows drivers to manually change gears (+ button for upshifts; – button for downshifts) for an extra-connected feel

Gresham Ford Fleet is dedicated to providing innovative cost-cutting solutions for businesses of all sizes.  Call 503-665-0101 for your FREE Fleet Review or e-mail Fleet@GreshamFord.com

 

3.7L 4V DOHC V6 Engine offered in the 2011 F-150 by Gresham Ford Fleet

New Ford F-150 Trucks at Gresham Ford

The all new four engine line-up, all paired to a revised 6 speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode makes the 2011 F-150 the right tool for almost any small Oregon business owner.  Gresham Ford Fleet is proud to offer the all new 3.7L four valve dual overhead cam V6 engine with the Ti-VCT transmission and it Flex Fuel capable as well.  E85 is becoming more available in the Outer SE Portland area and is proving to be a good choice for Ford fleet business owners.  The aggressive deceleration fuel-shut off (ADFSO) technology helps to maximize fuel effciency without sacrificing power and torque.  The 2011 F-150 has the Best-In-Class 11,300 lb of towing capacity and has been coupled with the trailer sway control technology.  The trailer brake controller is user friendly and makes hauling a relaxing experience.  Oregon Ford Dealerships are also proud to offer the new F-150 with its Best-In-Class payload offering as well.  With 302 horsepower and 278 lb. feet of torque paired with the flex fuel E85 capable engine provides endless possibilities.  A truck equipped with Flex Fuel Capability provides you the option of filling up with E85 at any point.  Mixing the E85 and the regular fuel is no problem for the best selling truck 22 years running.  The strong yet lightweight die-cast block also adds to the trucks power while keeping the weight down to make the most of every gallon of fuel.  The Twin independent Variable Cam timing or (Ti-VCT) also helps the F-150 get great MPG.  The piston cooling oil jets help improve oil warm up and maintain cooler piston temperatures for improved fuel efficiency and durability.  The combination of features and technology are impressive.  The Gresham Ford Fleet department is specially trained and a Business Preferred Network dealer available to serve Oregon and Washington fleets of one or one hundred.  Contact them directly at fleet@greshamford.com or 503-969-4184. 

2012 F-450 Extended Cab Chassis Available for Sale from Gresham Ford Fleet

Super Duty Chassis Cabs provide what the performance customers demand for their commercial, small business and heavy-duty needs.  This spe3cific Ford F-450 Super Cab and Chassis has fantastic performance and handling including Advance Trac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). 

 

• Diesel Emission Fluid (DEF) tank location:

– Midship between frame rails with

aft-of-axle fuel tank

– Outside of frame rails with midship

or dual fuel tanks

• Engines

– 6.2L 2V SOHC EFI V8 gasoline

(E-85 Flex Fuel) (F-350)

– 6.8L 3V SOHC EFI modular V10 gasoline

(F-450/F-550)

• Fuel tank

– 28-gal. midship (F-350 SRW with

base payload)

– 40-gal. aft-of-axle (F-350 DRW/

F-450/F-550)

• Hill Start Assist

• Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (6.7L)

• Manual locking hubs (4x4)

• Oil life minder system (6.2L/6.8L)

• Shock absorbers — heavy-duty gas

• Springs — rear, auxiliary

• Stabilizer bars, front and rear

• Stationary Elevated Idle Control (SEIC)

• Steering – power

• Steering damper

• Traction Control — DRW models

• Transmission

– Heavy Duty TorqShift 6-speed

SelectShift Automatic with Tow/Haul

Mode (F-350)

– TorqShift 5-speed automatic with Tow/

Haul Mode (F-450/F-550)

Capability

• Tow hooks – front (2)

• Trailer Sway Control (SRW)

• Trailer wiring — 7-wire harness with relays,

blunt cut and labeled

Flexibility

• Airbag deactivation switch – passenger

side (not included on Crew Cab)

• Airbags

– Frontal, driver and passenger

– Seat-mounted side-impact

– Side curtains (Safety Canopy System)

• Air conditioning – manual

• Audio – AM/FM stereo/digital clock and

2 speakers

• Bumper – front, black painted

• Child tethers (Regular Cab front center

seat and passenger; SuperCab front

passenger and all rear seating positions;

Crew Cab all rear seating positions)

• Coat hooks – LH/RH color-coordinated

• Dash-top tray

• Dome Light – LH/RH door-activated I/P

switch operated with delay, dual map

lights (front and rear with Crew Cab)

• Door trim – armrest/grab handle and

reflector

• Doors

– Two (Regular Cab only)

– Four (SuperCab and Crew Cab only)

• Fender vents – front

• Floor covering – black, full length vinyl

• Glass – solar tinted

• Grille – black painted

• Handles

– Door, black

– Grab – driver and front passenger

– Roof ride – front passenger (over

rear doors with Crew Cab)

• Headlamps – dual beam, jewel-effect

• Headliner – color-coordinated molded

cloth

• Hood release

• Horn, dual electric

• Instrumentation – multifunction switch

Message Center with Ice Blue lighting

(3-button message control on steering

wheel)

• Instrument panel – color-coordinated

with glove box, 4 air registers with positive

shutoff, powerpoint, storage bin and trash

bag hook

• Intelligent 3-blink turn signal

• License plate brackets – front and rear

• Lights – roof marker clearance

• Mirror – rear view 11.5" day/night

• Mirrors – manual telescoping trailer tow

mirrors with manual glass and 2-way fold

• Outside temperature display

• Powerpoint – auxiliary

• Safety belts

– Belt-Minder — chime and flashing

warning light on instrument panel if

driver-side belt is not buckled

– Manual, color-coordinated with height

adjustment (front outboard seating

positions only)

• Safety Canopy System

• Scuff plates – color-coordinated

• Seats – front, HD vinyl, 40/20/40 split

bench with center armrest, cup holder and

storage (manual lumbar – driver side)

• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

• Steering wheel – black vinyl, with tilt

telescoping steering column

• Sun visors – color-coordinated vinyl, single

driver with pocket, single passenger with

mirror insert

• Underhood service light

• Upfitter switches (4) on the instrument

panel

• Wheels

– F-350 SRW – 17" argent painted steel

wheel

– F-350 DRW – 17" argent painted steel

– F-450/F-550 – 19.5" argent painted steel

• Window – rear, fixed

• Windshield wipers – interval control

Truck Tire Load Ranges

Read the small print on tires lately?  Thought not.  The only thing it has in common with a good spy thriller is the indecipherable code.  But all that verbiage molded into the sidewall has meanings. and most of it is important.  Let's discuss one aspect of the mini-novel in rubber: Tire Load Rating. 

The Basic Math - If the load rating of the tire is too low, it can overheat or even self-destruct.  The basic formula for approximate load capacity of each tire uses the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), divided by four (dual rear wheels are slightly more complicated).  If the gross weight of the truck is 6,000lbs, then each tire must support at least 1,500 pounds.  However, that's only for an empty truck.  No driver, no payload.  Unless that vehicle is going to be part of a static display in a truck museum, it's going to need tires with a higher load rating. 

The Real World.  As a real world example, let's look at a type of tire often used for application such as a 2011 F-350 Super Duty Chassis equipped with dual rear wheels and a landscape dump body: LT245/75R17E.  That's a light truck tire, 245/75 size and aspect ratio for a 17 inch wheel.  The 'E' is for Load Range E (LRE)  The only problem is that information molded into the tire wall probably doesn't read exactly the same as the catalog specification.  The tire description can include other numbers, and the load range index is likely located elsewhere on the tire.  Confused yet?

The six tires on this particular F-350 have large sidewall markings from BFGoodrich; LT245/75R17 121/1188 M+S.  Those other digits are material for a future article, covering sipes (sounds like a device for milking reindeer, but isn't) to section widths.  Today the topic is tire load range.  Look at a line of the text near the wheel rim and you'll notice that the missing inform is spelled out: LOAD RANGE E.  The "E" designation also indicates a 10ply rating and on our BFGoodrich tire example, a maximum inflation of 80 psi.  It is important to check with the tire manufacturer as tires of the same ply rating may require different inflation pressures.  A ply rating is the equivalent strength compared to outdated bias ply tires.  Also note that any tire pressure listed on a sidewall is the maximum allowed.  The normal tire pressure is shown on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the left front door lock facing or on the door latch pillar.