Here in Western Australia, some vehicles are more than just transport. They are tools, business partners, and tickets to adventure. They’re part of the landscape, caked in Pilbara red dust or navigating the tight laneways of a Perth worksite. Right at the top of that list is the Ford Ranger. It’s the undisputed king of the modern ute, a machine built for hard yakka and weekend escapes.
But what happens when a workhorse can no longer run the race? For over 15 years, WA Auto Parts has been answering that question. We believe that even when a vehicle’s journey on the road is over, its best parts deserve a second life. We are Perth’s leading used auto parts buyer, seller, and wrecker because we see the potential and value where others might only see a wreck.
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on our process. Come and join us in the yard as we introduce our latest arrival: a 2016 Ford Ranger PX MkII. This isn’t a eulogy for a written-off ute; it’s the origin story for hundreds of high-quality, affordable parts that will keep other Rangers on the road for years to come. Welcome to the one-stop shop where value and reliability meet.
The Assessment: More Than Just a “Wreck”
This Cool White Dual Cab Ranger didn’t arrive under its own power. It came to us as a statutory write-off, the unfortunate victim of a rollover. To the average person, the buckled roof and pillars told a terminal story. But for our team, this is where the treasure hunt begins.
Our senior technician, Dave, grabbed his clipboard and began his methodical walk-around. This is a critical first step honed by years of experience dismantling everything from Japanese Kei cars to American muscle. It’s an automotive autopsy, determining what can be saved and given a new purpose.
“The roof’s a goner, obviously,” he started, making a note. “But look lower down.” He ran a hand along the driver’s side doors. “Straight as a die. No impact here. Glass is good, mirror’s intact.”
He continued his circuit. The front end? Untouched. The powerful turbo diesel engine sat there, seemingly unfazed by the drama above it. The rear tub had a few scratches in the liner—signs of an honest working life—but the tailgate was straight, the handle functional, and the reversing camera was still perfectly in place. The interior, protected from the main impact, was in remarkable condition.
This initial assessment is everything. It allows us to see beyond the damage and build a clear picture of the life left in the vehicle. This Ranger wasn’t just a wreck; it was a goldmine of genuine Ford components, and our job was to harvest them with the care and precision they deserved.
The Drivetrain: Harvesting the Heart
For any Ranger owner, the heart of the beast is the legendary P5AT 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It’s the reason so many people buy these utes—for its low-down torque, its reliability, and its towing muscle. Securing a healthy one is our top priority.
Before a single spanner touches the engine bay, the real work begins. We hooked up our advanced diagnostic scanner to the OBD-II port, checking for any stored fault codes in the engine’s ECU. The report came back clean—a fantastic sign.
Next, the crucial test. We checked the fluids, connected a temporary fuel source, and turned the key. The 3.2L engine fired into life instantly with that distinctive 5-cylinder grumble. We let it run, bringing it up to operating temperature, listening intently for any unusual noises, watching for any smoke from the exhaust, and ensuring it held a steady idle. It performed flawlessly. With just over 112,000 km on the clock, this engine was just getting warmed up.
The same rigorous testing was applied to the 6-speed automatic transmission. We engaged all gears—Drive, Reverse, Sport mode—ensuring each shift was smooth and decisive. The 4×4 system was also checked, engaging the transfer case into 4-High and 4-Low to confirm its perfect operation.
Only after passing every single one of these tests did we give the green light. Our mechanical team then began the painstaking process of disconnecting the wiring harnesses, fluid lines, and mounts. The entire engine, transmission, and transfer case assembly was lifted cleanly from the chassis. This complete, tested, and warrantied drivetrain is now ready to be the solution for someone facing a catastrophic engine failure or a costly transmission rebuild, potentially saving them thousands of dollars.
Beyond the Engine: Salvaging the Best Bits
With the mechanical heart safely removed, our focus shifted to the rest of the vehicle. A modern ute is a complex puzzle of electronics, durable panels, and comfortable interiors, and we salvage it all.
The Tub, Tailgate, and Exterior Panels: A damaged ute tub is a common sight on Perth worksites. A replacement from the dealer can be eye-wateringly expensive. This Ranger offered up a perfectly straight well body, complete with a factory plastic liner and tie-down points. The tailgate, with its integrated handle and camera, was removed and is ready to go. The four doors, all undamaged, were carefully unbolted. We sell them as complete units (with glass, window regulators, and speakers) or as bare shells, giving our customers maximum flexibility.
The Tech and Interior Comforts: The work ute of today is a mobile office. This Ranger was an XLT model, equipped with the desirable SYNC 2 infotainment system. The 8-inch touch screen, the command centre for navigation, audio, and phone calls, was tested and removed with its corresponding modules. This is a hugely popular upgrade for owners of lower-spec models with the basic radio.
The interior itself was immaculate. We salvaged:
- A complete set of seats: Clean, supportive, and free from rips.
- The steering wheel: With all its buttons for cruise control and audio fully functional.
- The entire dashboard assembly and centre console: Providing a massive range of parts, from air vents and switches to the console bin and lid.
These parts are perfect for refreshing a tired interior that’s seen a few too many dusty boots and spilled coffees.
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes: A full set of genuine Ford XLT alloy wheels were removed. While they had minor marks, they were straight and fitted with decent all-terrain tyres. The standard suspension—front struts and rear leaf springs—was also in great condition, perfect for an owner looking to return their modified ute to stock specifications.
The Result: From One Ute, A Thousand Solutions
The process is now complete. The bare shell of the white Ranger, stripped of all its value, will be responsibly depolluted and sent for recycling. But its legacy is now sitting on our shelves, catalogued and ready.
What was once a single, written-off vehicle has been transformed into hundreds of individual solutions. The tested engine will bring another Ranger back to life. The straight door will fix an accident victim’s ute. The SYNC 2 screen will bring modern tech to an older model. This is the essence of what we do at WA Auto Parts. It’s the most sustainable, cost-effective, and intelligent way to keep the vehicles of Western Australia moving.
We specialize in parts for a massive range of Japanese, European, Australian, Korean, and American cars, trucks, SUVs, 4WDs, vans, and dual cabs. This Ford Ranger is just one example of the quality and care we put into every vehicle we process.
Parts Now Available From This 2016 Ford Ranger PXII
Looking for a part for your Ranger? We have a huge range of high-quality components from this vehicle and many others in stock right now. Key parts from this Ranger include:
- Complete Engine: Warrantied P5AT Turbo Diesel.
- Drivetrain: 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, 4×4 Transfer Case, Front/Rear Diffs.
- Interior: SYNC 2 Head Unit, Complete Seat Set, Steering Wheel, Console.
- Exterior: All 4 Doors, Tub/Well Body, Tailgate, Side Steps, Tow Bar.
- Wheels: Set of 4 Genuine XLT Alloy Wheels.
- Mechanical: Alternator, Starter Motor, Turbo, A/C system components, and more.
Don’t get caught paying full price for new parts. Get the genuine article, tested and guaranteed, for a fraction of the cost.
For pricing, availability, or any other parts you need, trust the team with over 15 years of experience serving Perth. Call WA Auto Parts today on (08) 9358 1392