Which truck should I choose?

[Ranger_Envy]

Plain FX4's were just what you described, FX4 Level II's had a 31 spline 8.8 with a Torson limited slip... better than the regular clutch type.

2.3 and most 3.0's have a 7.5" rear.
Some 3.0's and most 4.0's have the 28 spline 8.8" rear (same axle shafts as the 7.5)
FX4 Level II's (along with Explorers and light F-150's) have a 31 spline 8.8" rear axle.


Personally, I like the sound of the FX4 you are looking at better than the other one.

Oh ok. I have a buddy that has a ZR2 and he was telling me everything on the suspension is beefied up compared to the standard S10 4x4, I didn't know if the FX4 is the same. I'm kind of leaning toward the FX4 now. I think I'd like the posi and the extra gears. I know that can be done to a stock truck but I hate the thought of gear noise.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Go with the manual truck. Power things aren't all they're cracked up to be.

My '97 has power windows, they're slow, creak, and really annoying if you have to run outside real quick to roll them up for an approaching storm. When the 4x4 conversion is done, I'm converting to manual locks and windows.

My '84 has barely anything left on it it's rusted so bad, the door is about to fall off (I have to lift it up a good inch to close it) and about 268,000 miles, it had manual everything, and it all still works.

Fewer parts - fewer problems. There's less chance of something being out of whack. Generally why manual things last longer figure the motor has a good 5-6x the parts and complexity, where the manual crank is just a gear on an axle, 3 moving parts tops.

For $750 you could easily get a nice Torsen L/S for the rear - professionally installed, which is even nicer than the one that will be in that particular FX4. Or if you feel you really need skidplates...

I wheeled with a guy that had a ZR2, looked like a stock S10/Sonoma with a factory 2" lift on it.

*edit: There is a way to fit full size A-Arms on the ZR2, I've seen it done. Not sure whats involved though.

 

[wizkid00104]

I'd hold out for a 5 Speed FX4 in 02, 03, or maybe 04. I have the biggest grudge against the electronic shift t-case.....

 

[m8r8j]

pardon my french, but the m50d-r1 shits alllllll over the auto...

5 speed for the win, use the 750 extra to get yourself some nice tires on it

 

[Jay FX4]

The manual t-case was available on manual trans FX4's in 02-03. If I could find one, I'd do the swap in a second.

 

[c_note]

I wheeled with a guy that had a ZR2, looked like a stock S10/Sonoma with a factory 2" lift on it.

*edit: There is a way to fit full size A-Arms on the ZR2, I've seen it done. Not sure whats involved though.

ya but the ZR2 has the oil filter directly behind the composite material skid plate. not a good idea if u wheel it even lightly.

 

[darkspork]

If manual is your preference you'll land up regretting going for the auto from time to time. My truck sounds very similar to the 2nd one you listed (5 speed bought it with 63k miles, XLT, 4wd). It is a great snow vehicle. 18" of snow and I was able to just cruise through town in 3rd gear with 4wheel drive (high range) engaged and it stuck to the road very well. There isn't anything that this truck hasn't been able to handle so far. The FX4 is from my understanding a good truck though and a good bet if off roading is your intent.

 

[darkspork]

I'd hold out for a 5 Speed FX4 in 02, 03, or maybe 04. I have the biggest grudge against the electronic shift t-case.....

I've never had a problem with it, but I do have to be patient for it to get into 4lo (clutch in, brake fully depressed, move switch, wait, wait some more...).

 

[wizkid00104]

I've never had a problem with it, but I do have to be patient for it to get into 4lo (clutch in, brake fully depressed, move switch, wait, wait some more...).

Mine only failed at times I need it most, particularly in the snow. I live on a hill and getting home has been tricky from time to time. If its any consolation, I.m in school for electrical engineering and still hate it. lol

 

[Will]

I've never heard the term twin stick applied to a Ranger. I've seen old Jeeps that have a seperate Hi-Lo, 2wd-N-4wd levers.

The Ranger auto is notorious for needing multiple rebuilds. These problems are 1) in older trucks and 2) the fault of the rebuilder that throws soft parts at it without studying on the issues unique to this tranny. I would have no fear of a 2003 Ranger auto. My daily driver is a stick-shift, my B2 is a stick, my RV is a stick--when I drive my truck,it's a luxury not having to shift. It's 2009, I don't want to shift. By 2009 I figured we'd be miracling our asses wherever we needed to be. This shifting and driving crap is pathetic.

I would pick the truck by driving both, crawling around in both seeing how it will be doing the things you actually have to do. Like I have 4 kids I have to drop off at school. I look at how it is to make the least amount of contortions for me on the occasion I have to help unbuckle someone. And I buy $200 worth of groceries every week and how is that to load an unload? What will you do with it? That's the most important bit.

 

[snake]

That 5 speed might be tougher, but you'll still be pulling it out of there to replace the slave cylinder in a few years. I'd go with the FX4, nicer truck. If the tranny dies, find a low mileage unit from a boneyard and swap it out.

 

[Jay FX4]

I've never heard the term twin stick applied to a Ranger.

Will, what would you call a Ranger with manual trans and manual transfer case? I'm not asking to be sarcastic. I don't recall ever hearing it called that either, but I didn't know how else to word it. Is there a more common phrase?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Go with the manual truck. Power things aren't all they're cracked up to be.

My '97 has power windows, they're slow, creak, and really annoying if you have to run outside real quick to roll them up for an approaching storm. When the 4x4 conversion is done, I'm converting to manual locks and windows.

My '84 has barely anything left on it it's rusted so bad, the door is about to fall off (I have to lift it up a good inch to close it) and about 268,000 miles, it had manual everything, and it all still works.

Lube your tracks, unlike you the window motor can't crank a little harder to get the window to go up at the same speed. Squeeking is because of friction between the window and the tracks, anything will do that, my Ranger with manual windows used to squeal too.

 

[c_note]

I've never heard the term twin stick applied to a Ranger. I've seen old Jeeps that have a seperate Hi-Lo, 2wd-N-4wd levers.

The Ranger auto is notorious for needing multiple rebuilds. These problems are 1) in older trucks and 2) the fault of the rebuilder that throws soft parts at it without studying on the issues unique to this tranny. I would have no fear of a 2003 Ranger auto. My daily driver is a stick-shift, my B2 is a stick, my RV is a stick--when I drive my truck,it's a luxury not having to shift. It's 2009, I don't want to shift. By 2009 I figured we'd be miracling our asses wherever we needed to be. This shifting and driving crap is pathetic.

I would pick the truck by driving both, crawling around in both seeing how it will be doing the things you actually have to do. Like I have 4 kids I have to drop off at school. I look at how it is to make the least amount of contortions for me on the occasion I have to help unbuckle someone. And I buy $200 worth of groceries every week and how is that to load an unload? What will you do with it? That's the most important bit.

right on the money Will and Semper Fi to you on this Memorial Day weekend.
i am so tired of shifting and damn it sucks when your e-brake cable is loose so you have to shut off the engine and leave it in gear when u wanna get out for 5 seconds. PARK is a wonderful luxury.

btw, my manual tranny went out at around 85,000 miles. my cluch has outlasted it.

 

[Ranger_Envy]

Well I got neither of them. Instead I picked up a mint 04 extended cab, 4x4 , manual,that just turned 60k when I got it into the driveway. Now I need to find some running boards for it and paint the head lights on it.