Acela Expands Chassis Portfolio to Ford and Ram
The company now offers severe-service 4x4 platforms for Class 3-5 trucks with advanced suspension.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Trucks
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Acela Truck Company has expanded its severe-service chassis portfolio to include 4x4 platforms for Ford and Ram trucks. These vehicles now feature the proprietary DuraLink suspension system.
Why it matters
The new design provides an alternative to conventional lift kits for specialty vehicle manufacturers and upfitters. It specifically targets commercial, government, and defense clients requiring high-mobility capabilities.
The new platforms accommodate tires up to 42 inches in size and are backed by a 5-year warranty. The chassis are engineered for Class 3-5 Ford and Ram configurations.
The players
Acela Truck Company
This manufacturer specializes in severe-service chassis and high-mobility platforms for commercial and defense applications.
Ford
This global automaker produces a wide range of commercial and consumer vehicles including the Class 3-5 trucks integrated into this platform.
Ram
A prominent brand under Stellantis, it manufactures trucks frequently used in commercial upfitting and specialty vehicle markets.
The details
The DuraLink suspension utilizes a multi-rate four-link design with Bilstein coil-over and racing-tuned shock absorbers to increase wheel travel and ground clearance. It modifies original equipment geometry to maintain functionality for VDC, ABS, and speedometer systems.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Acela announced the expansion of its chassis portfolio.
Roadmap
The move to integrate Ford and Ram platforms signals a strategic push by Acela to capture a larger share of the heavy-duty upfitting market. This expansion positions the brand to compete more directly with conventional aftermarket lift providers by offering fully engineered, warrantied chassis solutions.
Commercial fleet operators and defense upfitters will have access to a standardized 5-year warranty on these modified high-mobility chassis. This simplifies maintenance requirements compared to using mixed-source aftermarket suspension components.
The takeaway
By utilizing a multi-rate four-link design with racing-tuned shocks, Acela aims to standardize performance for heavy-duty vehicles requiring high ground clearance. Fleet managers should evaluate how this integrated chassis design might reduce long-term maintenance costs versus custom-lifted alternatives.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Manufacturing.
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