FX4 Differences?

[Bjorn Toulouse]

I recently bought an '08 FX4 "Off Road". While looking for a nice Ranger I saw a couple earlier Rangers advertised that were badged as FX4 "Level II".

I never went to look at the earlier units as one was heavily tarted up and the other was heavily rusted. I considered both to be waaaaaaaaaay over priced.

What are the differences (other than marketing doo-dah) betwixt an early 2000s "Level II" and a later "Off Road" ?


Rex

 

[RonD]

2002 FX4 was first year and had most of the options, so FX4 in 2002 was a Level II there was just no "level II" designation yet

In 2003 and up is when there was a difference between FX4 Off Road and FX4 Level II
Off-road will have better suspension and larger tires, better interior trim
Level II will have that plus 4.10 axles, Torsen limited slip in the rear and often a Manual shift transfer case but these did have problems so were changed to the standard electric shift at some point

There were also tow hooks and brush plates on the under side

Good read here on Ranger history: http://www.therangerstation.com/resources/history_of_the_ford_ranger.shtml
And models and options

 

[Bjorn Toulouse]

Thanx for the link, Ron.
It's interesting to see how standard features become options, and vice-versa, from year to year.


Rex

 

[RonD]

Yes, manual transmission used to be base model, it is still even called a "standard" transmission.
Now you have to pay extra for a manual, Automatic is the base model, the "standard" transmission.

 

[stmitch]

In addition to what Ron mentioned, Level II's got special tow hooks, Alcoa wheels, and black interiors too. I believe there was a unique center console option as well.

 

[gw33gp]

Don't forget the L II also came with Bilstein shocks. I think that is one of the most important features for improved off-road performance. Of course, they can be installed on any Ranger. Ford just saved you the trouble if you bought the L II or 2002 FX4. The Torsen was probably the best improvement though.

I did feel the Ford tuning of the Bilstein shock was a little soft. It improved ride but was kind of bouncy on moderate rock crawling. When I replace mine at 100K miles with Bilstein tuned version, I was considerably happier with them.

I especially like the manual transfer case that was available in 02 and 03. I like knowing when I shift into 4WD, I am actually in 4WD and don't have to rely on a light to tell me. The electric shift transfer case seems to have had more problems. The manual shift does require knowing how to put it in 4WD. There are some conditions that can cause damage if you try to shift into 4WD or low range at the wrong time. The electric shift will not let you do it until condition are right.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Towards the end of the run the Level II died out and the regular FX4 kinda absorbed some of the features.

And I like my manual t-case too.