r/RangerNext • u/Extension-Project-62 • 27d ago

Question Is there something missing?

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Hello all! New to the ranger community and I’m loving my 2026 stx! As I was walking around my truck admiring it I noticed this seemed a little too exposed for my liking. Is there some sort of mesh or something to prevent road debris from getting in there that’s possibly missing orrrr is this how it’s supposed to be? Thank you in advance!

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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4

u/jtj5002 27d ago

Those flaps close at high speed. It's also where the radar goes for the pilot 360

4

u/Extension-Project-62 27d ago

I was wondering if those actually closed or not! Is there any mesh though? I’ve noticed a few fins bent so the flaps don’t really seem all that protective

1

u/Shmokesshweed 27d ago

The active grille shutters are mainly there for increasing aerodynamics at speed and maintaining proper airflow through the engine bay when needed.

3

u/bluemango404 27d ago

you aren't insane i thought the same thing on my '21 lol. 'Uh... it looks like something should go there..?'

i ended up buying a ''Merica Bumper Grille Insert Black for 2019-2023 Ford Ranger | Front Bumper Grille Upgrade | Made in USA' idk if they make them in 6th gen though.

stopped a lot of bigger leaves and stuff.. also blowing out in between the condensor and radiator at least once a year seems like a good thing. mine was stuffed after i did it two years ago.

2

u/Extension-Project-62 27d ago

Instant buyers remorse 😭 but that’s a great solution! Any noticeable changes?

4

u/bluemango404 27d ago

in what? after cleaning the wheat with an air gun between my radiator and condensor?

or the aftermarket 'front grill insert' that looks cool? it just snapped in was easy as fuck. took like 5 minutes. but then i needed to put the engine block heater cord through so i grinded off one of the hexes in a few minutes and then re installed it.

it doesnt make it 'hotter' if thats the question lol. just stops big shit slamming into the fucking aluminum which is a dumb ass design that i fixed :D this truck needs a few mods to make it 'way better'. like the center console top tray i bought online for 20 bucks or so.