not for USA: Ford SORP [Archive]

haven

07-23-2006, 12:08 AM

Ford has developed a Powerstroke with a very capable off-road package, but for reasons unknown is limiting its USA sale to corporations who will use it off-road only (like a mining company).

http://www.trailready.com/images/News/sorp_med.jpg

The Severe Off-Road Package starts with a F250 or F350 SRW diesel, then adds a small lift to the suspension, aggressive tires, ARB-style front and rear bumpers, sliders, and extra undercarriage skid plates. Central Tire Inflation System and beadlocked rims are optional.

SORP sounds like a great solution for someone who doesn't want to take 6 months building up a standard pickup.

Does anyone know why Ford wouldn't make the SORP package available to the general public?

If we can't buy a SORP truck, does anyone know if Ford sells parts of the SORP package, like the bumpers or sliders, to be installed after the sale?

Chip Haven

OutbacKamper

07-23-2006, 12:21 AM

Chip;
I find this very interesting. I wonder if Trail Ready (makers of front bumper) also made the custom sliders? I have never been able to find heavy duty sliders for my F350, which is why my truck has bent and damaged oem steps. I would kill for CTIS!
Please let me know if you get any more info.
Where did you find out about the SORP? I wonder if this is the rumoured Ford answer to Dodge's Powerwagon?
Cheers
Mark

flyingwil

07-23-2006, 12:54 AM

They were talking about this today on extreme 4x4 on Spike TV. And actually made one similar. I did not catch the entire show, but you get the drift..

Scenic WonderRunner

07-23-2006, 03:32 AM

I like it!

The front bumper looked great until they put the scaffolding on it!.........hehe:088:

......I'm still praying for the "Jeep Gladiator"..........!:drool: .........:rockon: ............:friday:

http://z.about.com/d/trucks/1/0/7/I/gladiator_concept_rearside.jpg

datrupr

07-23-2006, 04:42 AM

It could be that Ford is throwing out for heavy commercial use, and kinda guage public interest in this option package. I could be wrong though. I would also ask if they had any plans for locking diffs, kinda like the Power-Wagon.

haven

07-23-2006, 06:54 AM

The Border Patrol is evaluating prototypes of a "severe off road vehicle" for duty on rough roads in the Southwest. Here's one example

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/840000-840999/840825_34_full.jpg

The standard SUVs used by the Border Patrol reportedly fall apart after only 6 months of use in this terrain.

Ford is building a severe duty version of its Ranger pickup in Indonesia. The truck is a version unavailable in North America, a Crew Cab 4x4 with 2.5L diesel engine. The severe duty pieces are upgraded suspension and undercarriage protection, plus a snorkel. The Afghan government is purchasing a bunch of these Rangers for use as Army patrol vehicles (your tax dollars at work).

Again, we can't purchase any of these factory severe off road setups.

Chip Haven

Grim Reaper

07-23-2006, 05:31 PM

Picture that truck in Olive Drab.

My Bet is Ford is trying for some military vehicle contracts. GM has managed to land most of those contracts for the past 30 years. CITS is again something that the military would want.

CLynn85

07-24-2006, 01:36 AM

Wow, I'm diggin that SORP.

I wonder how all these compare to the AM General LSSV?
http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles_lssv.php

outsidr

09-20-2006, 05:13 PM

Trail ready does make all the hardware for the modified F250 so you could use ARB Lockers with Trailready www.trailready.com hardware and a Donahoe racing suspension or like and have the same functionality.

In regard to the Chevy Border Patrol a company called Light Racing http://www.lightracing.com/ makes a full underbody skid plate and Jounce shocks that decelerate the upper control arms to decrease impact damage in highly dynamic suspension events. I don't know how much longer the Chevy frame holds up, it along with the front "Cast" style differential seem to be the week point. The cool thing about Light Racing is that they support most Toyotas with the same applications, so many of you on the board could benefit from it too.

calamaridog

09-23-2006, 07:41 PM

The Border Patrol is evaluating prototypes of a "severe off road vehicle" for duty on rough roads in the Southwest. Here's one example

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/840000-840999/840825_34_full.jpg

The standard SUVs used by the Border Patrol reportedly fall apart after only 6 months of use in this terrain.

Most of the BP trucks being used are NOT diesel for some reason. Haven't quite figured out why yet but they still prefer the gasoline motors.

The vehicle pictured has the very very heavy insert for carrying prisoners. They have mostly given up on using Ford and Chevy gasoline trucks to haul these inserts and are now trying to purchase exclusively the 5.7 HEMI powered Dodge gas trucks. You may still see some new Chevy's as supply fluctuates, but most of the new ones are the Dodge HEMI's.

The trucks tend to last longer than the SUV's however due to their heavier suspension.

shawkins

10-11-2006, 05:39 AM

So is the Ford SORP street legal?

If you own a construction company, could you conceivively oreder one through it?

My dad would have totally tryed to order one of these if they were out when he special ordered his '06 Super Duty.

scsykes

10-15-2006, 08:28 PM

Check out the Link below. I saw the Ford SORP featured on Extream 4x4 and they converted a King Ranch to SORP specs.

http://www.truckstv.com/sites/xtreme/

4Rescue

12-15-2006, 03:40 AM

Wow, I'm diggin that SORP.

I wonder how all these compare to the AM General LSSV?
http://www.amgeneral.com/vehicles_lssv.phpthey'll all run longer and better just cause they don't have a bow tie on them HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I'm Serious...

These projects are interesting. I like hearing that at least somewhere the big three are keeping their minds in the dirt. You'd be suprised what you can find when you look at large scale excavation, Police/patrol and mine opperations. THere were Toyota FJ 70 series imported into N.America as mine trucks... SO anyone want to start a shell company??? Oh and I thought I read somewhere that AM generals defence contract (for tactical vehicles, read: the Hummer) was running up sometime soon and that another round of "let's make the baddest off-roader we can" would begin. I hope so cause whenever defence contracts have come up for bid, we (offroaders) have gotten some neat things to play in eh ;)

viter

12-16-2006, 05:13 AM

fj70 land cruisers are still used in mines in both US and Canada. I wonder if one could buy a new one somehow thru a mining company and drive it on the roads legally.

and yeah - military seems to be one of the few forces that can motivate auto manufacturers to design "serious" off-road stuff, so new developments can be very usefull to us offroaders! I want a CTIS on my truck!!!! ;)

Killntime

03-07-2009, 03:30 PM

Hello,

I was surfing around for additional info on these vehicles, and I found this thread.

I know this thread is a tad old, but it was announced in today's meeting that we have 2 of these F350 Diesels on the ground with more available if possible.

The Federal Government Sales Department, in conjunction with Export Engineering, developed an enhanced off-road mobility package for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency for F-350 Crew and Super Cab Models. The intent of the package was to provide enhanced suspension modifications specifically engineered for extreme off road and all-terrain capabilities.

Package Description for Available Units:

F-350 Super Cab

* XL Trim
* Body Code X31
* Preferred equipment package 610A
* 158" wheel base
* Bed Length: 8'
* 6.4L Power Stroke V8 with 5spd auto trans
* 200amp Alternator
* Power equipment group(remote keyless entry, perimeter anti-theft alarm, power front
side windows, power rear windows(crew cab), manual telescoping trailer tow mirrors
with power heated glass, heated convex spotter mirror, and integrated clearance
lamps/turn signals.
* Upfitter swithches
* Rotory control 4WD switch with auto-manual locking hubs
* Camper Package
* Transmission power take-off.

Extreme Off-Road Package Content

* Torque biasing limited slop front differential and automatic-locking rear differential
(includes 4.10 axle ratio)
* Breather kit and transmission/starter incremental silicone sealing for 29" fording
capability.
* ABS lockout on 4WD low.
* R9 9way manually adjustable shocks in front and rear; special use front and rear
springs, steering damper, and front rebound straps.
* Protective skid plates for transfer case and fuel tanks with the addition of rocker
protection bars.
* MT/R LT285/70R17 Goodyear Tires.
* 4 ton jack and tools in lieu of 2 ton.
* DRW rear Springs in lieu of SRW springs

If you are in the San Antonio area, you can come by and check it out. If not, the picture originally posted is similar without the replacement front bumper and of course this is a new 2008 model. Everything else is there.

Hope this is what you've been waiting for, cause now I've got em'. OH, and I also heard we could the F250 Crew Cabs like this too. Don't know how many just yet.

Thanks for looking, and if you have any questions please feel free to call me at 210-550-4532.

Robert

BKCowGod

03-07-2009, 03:43 PM

Robert's phone number googles to "Rent-A-Husband" :sombrero:

Killntime

03-07-2009, 04:25 PM

Wow, that's pretty darn funny! I do have a Handyman business on the side you know. I do post up on my local Craigslist too. :victory:

But don't let that fool you. I am for real. And I am a real Car Salesman that works at NorthSide Ford in San Antonio. You can check me out all you want, cause smart people would do that anyways.

Cheers! :beer:

Robert
210-550-4532

WKCwith5

03-08-2009, 12:45 AM

What is the price tag for one of the new Fords listed?

DaveInDenver

03-08-2009, 01:19 AM

Does anyone know why Ford wouldn't make the SORP package available to the general public?
My suspicion is it's legal. If they sell these as super heavy duty, do anything machines and enough people beat the snot out of them they might have liability or warranty issues. I wonder, for example, if Toyota will have a problem on their hands if enough FJ Cruisers with the buckling fenders turns into a class action suit. The Trail Teams demonstrated how to break your truck, so it's presumably given the thumb's up by the factory to run Rubicon, Hells' Revenge and what-not with them. With Ford, they might think enough people will hydrolock their truck or something since a snorkel guarantees you can drive anywhere, right?

milo12

03-08-2009, 03:06 AM

Does anyone have any more info on the CTIS?

Killntime

03-09-2009, 05:04 PM

Ok,

To answer some questions. These are street legal, or I couldn't offer them up to the general public. They are covered by the factory warranty, so no worries there either. These are BRAND NEW, not used. But for some reason, when you title the vehicle, you will be the 2nd owner due to the government owning these first.

I'm not sure what y'all think, but these are some heavy MMMMM duty vehicles and are really gonna go fast. I am also looking into the local area Oil Companies, Mining, and Ranches. Yep, these are that tough.

Now, I can get some Crew Cabs, built the same way. But those I'd have to order. I can also Finance these too. If you need me to, I can also arrange any shipping.

Hurry guys, these will not last. Tell everyone you know!

Thanks again!

Carlyle

03-09-2009, 05:21 PM

The last pictures posted by Killntime are not nearly as sexy as the first one in this post. Nice suspension upgrades though.

Killntime

03-10-2009, 03:38 PM

Thanks.

I just drove one, and it's really awesome. I'm thinking about getting one for myself. I just hate the thought of replacing my beloved Bronco....hmmmm

Zatara

03-10-2009, 05:44 PM

What kind of price are we looking at for a crew cab model ?

El Guapo

03-10-2009, 10:27 PM

hey killntime- do these come with SYNC???

what is A-plan on these???

PM me pls. Thx.

WKCwith5

03-11-2009, 12:44 AM

I Just saw 20 of these at our local up-fitter last week. Progress Energy and Duke Power had both purchased 10 a piece according to the tech their. Each truck had pro comp tires instead of Goodyears. New warren winch bumpers, custom sliders and front and rear lockers. They where installing custom flat beds and boxes. I will try to get some pics. all where six speeds as well with exhaust brakes. Sticker price $45,000.00 plus the beds.

psychohawk

03-11-2009, 06:02 AM

jayshapiro

03-12-2009, 04:58 PM

I'm a little lost about what's special?

Killintime, what's special about today's SORP? Not the two year old teaser/demo model ... today's truck. Oh, and will the hopeful gee-whiz upgrades (CTIS/Sliders/UCP ... etc) be offered through Ford?

I'm sorry, but I think I have to agree with Psychohawk on this one...

Based on Killintime's laundry list of what's included in his trucks vs. the 'SORP' package, they don't really seem like the same thing at all.

I've seen other Ford dealerships offering new F-250/350's with 8" fox lifts and 35" tires and all other kinds of goodies to make a truck look pretty (but useless)

These one's do look like their 'ruggedized' but not really the same thing.

In terms of bringing the SORP to the general public I'd make the following suggestion:

We're up to over 13,000 views on this thread. If even half of us told Ford that we love the concept and we'd be interested in buying or recommending a SORP truck if they were to offer it through the dealerships to the public, by writing in to the below linked form, I bet that would go a long way to motivating them to make it available.

https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues

I've written in...

Cheers,
Jay.

DISCLOSURE - I have no connection to Ford, and I've never worked for them or a dealership. But I do think those are pretty kick-MMM trucks that would be great expedition rigs.

Carlyle

03-12-2009, 11:20 PM

I thought there was more than bling missing!

Killntime

03-13-2009, 07:49 PM

I'm a little lost about what's special? No heavy duty bumper(s), no winch, standard suspension (maybe add-a-leaf in the rear), no CTIS, and the "frame sliders" look more like heavy duty side steps. Tires were upraged, 33"? Don't look like 35's, no bead locks ... are those Warn hubs? Not sure. UCP in place? No under carriage pictures, not sure.

Killintime, what's special about today's SORP? Not the two year old teaser/demo model ... today's truck. Oh, and will the hopeful gee-whiz upgrades (CTIS/Sliders/UCP ... etc) be offered through Ford?

Thanks,
Carl

========================
Carl and Jay,

Well, it's like I said. They arn't going to be an SVT item at all. (IE: Raptor)
These were specially built for the Border Patrol to run all over the dang place. So they are very capable factory off-road vehicles. As to the SORP designation. Maybe it's me, but I was pretty sure these qualified under those specifacations. The originator of this post had a pic of something that "could be". What we have here, is something that is here and now. If you want replacement bumpers, etc., those would be entirely up to the new owner.

As to aftermarket items, know this. I am right down the road from South Texas Outfitters, Ranch Hand Bumpers, and Rhino Liner. I can dress these up any way you like. You tell me what you want, I give you the pricing, then we go from there. I can arrange for shipment, or you can come down and pick-up.

Guys, this F350 is a real beast, and yes, if you really want to put in the money, you could really take off with one of these. I know, I've seen just about everything. What's special about this, is that it's from the Factory, thus the warranty coverage. Also, it has some pretty neat suspension mods that would cost you dearly elsewhere without the long warranty coverage.
It's my understanding that the Goodyear tires were made specifically for this vehicle and ordered as such.

Look at it this way, The MSRP on the XL withOUT the upgrades, is $42K. Tack on another $8-10K and that's where you'd be. This vehicle is selling for $36K plus Taxes...now THAT'S A HELLUVA DEAL!

You could spend another $5K on bumpers and winches, etc., and still be under sticker.

Best Regards,
KT

Aggie

03-13-2009, 07:52 PM

========================
Carl and Jay,

Well, it's like I said. They arn't going to be an SVT item at all. (IE: Raptor)
These were specially built for the Border Patrol to run all over the dang place. So they are very capable factory off-road vehicles. As to the SORP designation. Maybe it's me, but I was pretty sure these qualified under those specifacations. The originator of this post had a pic of something that "could be". What we have here, is something that is here and now. If you want replacement bumpers, etc., those would be entirely up to the new owner.

As to aftermarket items, know this. I am right down the road from South Texas Outfitters, Ranch Hand Bumpers, and Rhino Liner. I can dress these up any way you like. You tell me what you want, I give you the pricing, then we go from there. I can arrange for shipment, or you can come down and pick-up.

Guys, this F350 is a real beast, and yes, if you really want to put in the money, you could really take off with one of these. I know, I've seen just about everything. What's special about this, is that it's from the Factory, thus the warranty coverage. Also, it has some pretty neat suspension mods that would cost you dearly elsewhere without the long warranty coverage.
It's my understanding that the Goodyear tires were made specifically for this vehicle and ordered as such.

Look at it this way, The MSRP on the XL withOUT the upgrades, is $42K. Tack on another $8-10K and that's where you'd be. This vehicle is selling for $36K plus Taxes...now THAT'S A HELLUVA DEAL!

You could spend another $5K on bumpers and winches, etc., and still be under sticker.

Best Regards,
KT

Just another car salesman spamming the forum that knows actually nothing about off roading and also obviously nothing about warranties or where the liability of proof is. I know the car business sucks right now and you are probably hurting due to your sales being low, but read the forum rules about spamming before you post. :)

Outback

03-13-2009, 07:57 PM

Just a heavy duty off road suspension. Nothing really special. Yes limited slip front is nice but still nothing special. Not sure what an automatic locking rear diff is? If its not selectable then I dont want it. CTIS is not an option on it either. IF it had CTIS then I would buy one today. I can add ARBs and the a KORE suspension. BUT CTIS is something I cannot just add. If FORD would offer CTIS then they would corner the market in full size trucks!

Outback

03-13-2009, 07:59 PM

psychohawk

03-13-2009, 10:26 PM

Killntime, please stop wastn-our-time. What you have is a standard Super Duty, '09, diesel, that gets 8-10 MPG with upgraded tires.

If I'm wrong, tell me, and tell us all what the sticker reads as the factory upgraded options. Maybe a PDF of the sticker?

Thanks,
Carl

psychohawk

03-13-2009, 10:36 PM

Can you imagine the sales Ford would have if they had the following package.

Selectable lockers front and rear. (Like on Power Wagon)
CTIS
Factory mounted winch. (Like on Power Wagon)
35" factory MTs on special bead lock rims (33" on Power Wagon)
Front and rear unlocking sway bars (front electornic disconnect on Power Wagon)

:drool:

You basically just described the rig I'd love to build + Safari Snorkel modded to the 6.0 + extended range fuel tank ... thus far I have the winch in the garage and am running 35's on a 6" lift ... as much as I'd love to do bead locks next, my next likely upgrade is a remote oil filtration system, ala Amsoil.

So I'll take your list and raise it per the following:

1) Selectable lockers front and rear
2) CTIS
3) Winch, Front and Rear
4) 35" MTs on bead lock 2-piece rims
5) Front and rear electronic unlocking sway bars
6) Safari Guard Snorkel (w/diffs and tranny vented)
7) Extended range fuel tank

Carl :coffeedrink:

ujoint

03-14-2009, 02:37 PM

jayshapiro

03-15-2009, 04:11 AM

I Just received this from FORD in response to my customer service request submitted via the link in my earlier post.

Has ANY one else submitted a letter? It took me 2min to do, and having worked with corporate B.S. marketing task forces before, I just know that if they get 10 of these asking for the same thing, it will innevitably make it in to someone's marketing meeting, handed around and discussed as a 'unique marketing niche that we could take advantage of' yadda-yadda-yadda.

Of course, if it's just me then it will never go anywhere and I'll have to build my own SORP like the rest of you!

Cheers,
Jay.

Here's the link again:
https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues

======================
Dear Jay Shapiro,

Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the availability of Severe Off-Road Package (SORP) on F-Series Super Duty.

We apologize for the inconvenience this situation has caused you. However, there are no details at this time reflecting plans to put this option into commercial production. From time to time, vehicle models and options are added, deleted or modified. Decisions to make these changes take into account factors such as market trends, customer demands, engineering advances, and dealership input.

The Customer Relationship Center is unaware in advance of changes that our Engineering and Design Team may be making and the specific reasons that the changes may be made in the future.

Feedback from valued customers like you enable us to know what our customer needs are. We hope to use this information to improve our services and to enhance the loyalty of our customers.

Thank you for contacting Ford.

Sometimes e-mail communication does not allow us to gain additional information that may be helpful in responding to your inquiry. Should you feel that we have not adequately addressed your questions, please feel free to contact us via telephone at (800)392-3673 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday. Hearing-impaired callers with access to a TDD may contact 1-800-232-5952.

Sincerely,
Sharlene
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company
=====================

Colorado David

03-15-2009, 04:57 AM

I would buy that Jeep Gladiator in a heartbeat if Jeep would only offer it.

psychohawk

03-15-2009, 05:01 AM

Jay,

Comments sent to Ford, thanks for the link.

Carl

jcbrandon

03-15-2009, 05:21 AM

Has ANY one else submitted a letter?

Done.

Here's what I sent:

"Is Ford planning to market the Severe Off Road Package (SORP) on Super Duty trucks to the general public? I currently own a Dodge Power Wagon and would consider replacing it with a SORP Super Duty, if it were available."

Killntime

03-19-2009, 09:33 PM

Here's the deal.

Aggie:
If you believe I'm some kinda sorry-assed salesman that dosn't know what from what, you couldn't be any further from the real truth. I happen to know ALOT more then you think...and no this wasn't spam either. Aggie, I run into your kind everyday, and you know, it's really true what they say..."Ignorance is Bliss!" And from a fellow Texan, it kinda hurt. But, you are just being you brother, an Aggie and not a Longhorn. :Wow1:

All:
Guys/Gals, yes I DO KNOW, this isn't a built up mega rock climbing, trailbusting, sinkhole swimming monster, but you know what? I never claimed it was either. What I presented here, is what you don't see just anywhere. It's a FACTORY BUILT EXTREME DUTY OFF ROAD truck. Nothing more or less. All I wanted to do is extend to you some info about something that's never really seen about the general public...ie: YOU!

PH:
I gave you all the info I had on these. The Maroney Sticker just describes the basic XL F350 with some options. I also posted the "Extra" items too. I don't have scanner or I would have done that. I had to type that all out.

ALL:
To the folks who actually warmed up to this a little and sent out some inquiries to Ford...BRAVO! And thank-you. I hope everything goes well with that. IF you really want to see something, then wait for the Raptor(I will definetly buy that one), can you imagine, a Baja Runner straight out of the box!! Definetly one to watch.

Now, I'm off my soapbox, and off this forum. I have other people who are definetly and sincerly interested in this product.

Good Luck to all, and no hard feelings...it's just you can't please everyone. And I'm ok with that too...

Cheers