Aluminium Transmission Bash Plate — Ford Ranger PX1/PX2/PX3 (2012–2022) / Mazda BT-50 (2011–2020)
Gearbox & Transmission Housing Protection
Installation Manual - Click here
Weight: 7 kg
When you're navigating the storied Birdsville Track, where scorching heat and sharp gibber make underbody protection not a luxury but a necessity, your Ford Ranger or Mazda BT-50's transmission housing sits directly beneath the cabin floor — low, exposed, and expensive to replace. A single well-placed rock strike can crack the gearbox casing, drain the fluid, and leave you without drive in country where the nearest mechanic is a day's travel away. The RIVAL 4x4 Transmission Bash Plate delivers precision-engineered protection for your gearbox housing — a precision component that's both expensive to replace and vulnerable to rock strikes. At just 7 kg of deep-stamped 6mm aluminium, this plate is one of the lightest ways to prevent one of the most expensive repairs.
- ✓ High-Strength 6mm Aluminium Alloy Construction
- ✓ Precision Fit — Vehicle-Specific Design for Ranger PX / BT-50
- ✓ Complete Gearbox Protection
- ✓ Corrosion-Resistant Powder Coat Finish
- ✓ Ventilated Design for Airflow & Debris Drainage
- ✓ Bolt-On Installation — No Drilling Required
Key Features
- Material: 6mm Deep-Stamped High-Strength Aluminium Alloy (5251 grade)
- Thickness: 6mm
- Weight: 7 kg
- Finish: Textured Matte Black Polymer Powder Coat
- Mounting: Direct bolt-on to factory mounting points — no drilling or chassis modification required
- Fitment: Ford Ranger PX1/PX2/PX3 (2012–2022) / Mazda BT-50 (2011–2020)
Why Choose Aluminium Over Steel?
- Weight Savings: At just 7 kg, this aluminium plate is approximately 40% lighter than an equivalent steel design — preserving your Ranger's payload for the loads that earn your living or fund your adventures.
- Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel, aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide layer. Combined with powder coating, your bash plate won't rust — even after years of water crossings, salt exposure, and outback dust.
- Energy Absorption: Aluminium's natural flex absorbs and distributes impact energy across the plate rather than transmitting jolts to the gearbox housing and bell housing.
- Modern Vehicle Design: The Ranger's 6-speed auto (or manual) gearbox is a refined unit. Aluminium protection matches that refinement with lightweight, effective coverage.
What's Included
- ✓ 1x RIVAL Transmission Bash Plate for Ranger PX / BT-50
- ✓ Complete Mounting Hardware & Fitting Kit
- ✓ High-Tensile Bolts & Fasteners
- ✓ Installation Instructions
Installation
- Difficulty: Easy — suitable for home mechanics with basic tools
- Requirements: Standard socket set, jack & stands or vehicle hoist
- Bolt-On Design: Mounts directly to factory mounting points with no drilling, cutting, or permanent modification. Fully reversible installation.
Built for Australian Conditions
The Ford Ranger PX and Mazda BT-50 are the backbone of Australian ute culture. Tradies, tourers, farmers, and families all depend on these vehicles — and all of them drive on surfaces that can damage an unprotected transmission. From the gibber-strewn Birdsville Track to suburban construction sites, RIVAL protection covers the full spectrum of Australian driving.
Deep-stamped construction creates stiffening ribs for up to two times the impact resistance of flat plates. Powder coat resists UV, salt, and the abrasive conditions these vehicles face every single day.
Perfect For
- Long-distance outback touring — Cape York, Gibb River Road, Simpson Desert
- Coastal driving where salt air accelerates corrosion on exposed drivetrain components
- Tradies and fleet vehicles on construction sites, farms, and mining roads
- Serious off-road adventures including rock crawling, river crossings, and rutted tracks
- Daily driving with peace of mind knowing your transmission is protected from road hazards
Compatibility
Vehicle: Ford Ranger PX1/PX2/PX3 (2012–2022) / Mazda BT-50 (2011–2020)
Engine Options: 2.2L TDCi, 3.2L TDCi 5-Cylinder Turbo Diesel, 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (PX3)
Variants: All cab configurations and trim levels. Verify fitment with your vehicle's build date and chassis number if unsure.