F-4 vs 4x4

Nic · Jan 24, 2015

So what's the differance? If always wondered, but have never found out. Anyone know?

Mike Tonon · Jan 24, 2015

fx4 is always 4x4, supercab and loaded. 4x4 can be a base model, loaded or somewhere in between.

The dealer tried to convince me to get an fx4, when I bought my Ranger, but I wanted the long bed and couldn't get that from them with supercab and I didn't want all the extras, just certain extras.

Nic · Jan 24, 2015

Ok, so Fx4 is just fancier. Thanks!

ZMan · Jan 24, 2015

Nic said:
Ok, so Fx4 is just fancier. Thanks!

Yep. Fx4 Level II has a factory front lift, 31s, bilstein shocks (I think?), and a 31 spline rear axle.

mattging94 · Jan 24, 2015

http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/FX4.htm

It's a little more than just fancy bells and whistles. The FX4 is the only post-98 Ranger to get a manual shift transfer case. It also has the full array of skid plates, a sturdier 31 spline axle with a Torsen locking differential, and heavier torsion bars in the front for a taller ride height. They are pretty desirable trucks really, if you can find one. I know I wanted one really bad after I wrecked my 94 and needed a new rig.

adsm08 · Jan 24, 2015

We have a pretty nice FX4 LII on our lot right now. Rear axle has a bearing out, and we are just slapping a whole unit in.

Guess who is about to pick up a 31-spline torsen 8.8 for cheap.

Oh, and all the FX4s had 4.10 gears.

Nic · Jan 24, 2015

Ok, cool, thank you all for the info! That's pretty neat, I want one now

. And matt, how'd you wreck your truck?

Mike Tonon · Jan 25, 2015

The manual shift case and the chrome shifters are nice! But if I remember correctly, you loose the two cup holders with the manual shift t-case. And those cup holders I use a lot, only two the truck has. Except for my coffee mugs, some fit, some don't. The ones that don't, I sit them on the high part of the floor and wedge the handle in between the middle and passenger seats of my 60/40. I always saw my dad do that with his coffee mug on his 87 ranger with 60/40 seats. Although, for what it's worth, I kind of would rather have the manual shift. Sometimes my 4x4 low doesn't go in unless I play with the switch a little.

ZMan · Jan 25, 2015

Just keep in mind that the FX4 and FX4 LvlII are different.

02Fx4red · Jan 26, 2015

ZMan said:
Just keep in mind that the FX4 and FX4 LvlII are different.

In 02 they didn't have level 2. But the 02 fx4 is the same as an 03 level 2.
So any 02 fx4 you see is a basically a level two

ZMan · Jan 26, 2015

I just had this discussion with a guy yesterday. He has an 06 fx4, it doesn't say lvlII, it just says fx4 offroad, he doesn't have a 31 spline axle, just a plane jane 28 spline.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jan 26, 2015

ZMan said:
I just had this discussion with a guy yesterday. Be has an 06 fx4, it doesn't say lvlII, it just says fx4 offroad, he doesn't have a 31 spline axle, just a plane jane 28 spline.

If it was an '02 it would be the same as the 03+ level II though. The '03+ straight FX4 like your friends was similar to the previous "Off Road" trucks.

Aside from the interior and rear axle the LII is wash IMO. The shocks are 10 years old and the skidplates are tinfoil.

gw33gp · Jan 26, 2015

There is a little misinformation in this thread. The FX4 or Level II doesn't have a lift kit in the front from the factory. It does have the stiffest torsion bars but the ride height is set the same as any 4WD Ranger of the same model year. The FX4 LII did sit a little higher from the factory because it came with 31" tires.

The Torsen differential is not a locking differential. It is basically a limited slip differential but doesn't wear out like the clutch style LSD does. The Torsen also has higher torque bias but will still spin one wheel if the other one doesn't have any traction. One advantage of the Torsen is it almost acts like a locker when accelerating.

My FX4 still has two cup holders with the twin sticks. Although, I am pretty sure the console is a little different compared to other Rangers. I think the only thing you can't have with the twin sticks is an ash tray.

The FX4 L II skid plates are not armor plate but are thicker than the standard 4WD Ranger and at least a little better than foil.

There are many things I like about the FX4 L II but one of the main ones is the larger bearings in the rear axle that come with the 31 spline axle. I do a lot of towing and that larger bearing is considerably more durable. I had an 89 Ranger that served the same duty and at around 120K miles the rear bearing, seals and axles had to be replaced due to excessive wear. My FX4 has 180K miles on it and all is still good with those items.

85_Ranger4x4 · Jan 26, 2015

gw33gp said:
The FX4 L II skid plates are not armor plate but are thicker than the standard 4WD Ranger and at least a little better than foil.

There are many things I like about the FX4 L II but one of the main ones is the larger bearings in the rear axle that come with the 31 spline axle. I do a lot of towing and that larger bearing is considerably more durable. I had an 89 Ranger that served the same duty and at around 120K miles the rear bearing, seals and axles had to be replaced due to excessive wear. My FX4 has 180K miles on it and all is still good with those items.

Not much better if you are going to use them as "Skid Plates" The weight of the truck will crush them. Given that my truck doesn't have any and I can't say as I missed them that kinda says something too.

My Explorer 8.8 was $100 with springs and factory disks a little bit of welding and it is ready to drop in. Parts supply is major Explorers>FX4s. And since it has a normal carrier lunchbox lockers are a valid option too.

SenorNoob · Jan 26, 2015

adsm08, what are you gonna do with 2 Torsens?

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