2003 Fx4 Level II twin stick restoration

[HarryTasker]

I sold my last ranger in 2005 thinking it was the end of an era. But then I was cruise FB market place and saw a bright red 03 FX4 Level II with twin sticks, 96,000 miles and no rust. It was purchased in October 2003 and stayed there until the Owner passed away in January. No rust and no serious body damage. I already ordered a new arm rest, 5th alcoa wheel for a matching spare front and rear bumpers as both have a little damage, factory Fx4 Level II decals, and ranger all weather floor mats. And it is already rolling on 31x10.5. The hubs need replacing and I will likely have it get a tune up and new brakes and pads.

When it is done I will list it for original MSRP as I have no desire for it to sell.

 

[bobbywalter]

nice. great rig.

 

[HarryTasker]

nice. great rig.

I have been watching the prices of rangers with less than 50k miles on BaT and they are just 60/40 bench 4.0/4x4 and a few have gone for high 20's I figured if anything should be a collectors item it would be the last manual transfer case ranger.

 

[bobbywalter]

I have been watching the prices of rangers with less than 50k miles on BaT and they are just 60/40 bench 4.0/4x4 and a few have gone for high 20's I figured if anything should be a collectors item it would be the last manual transfer case ranger.

there will be a new manual transfer case ranger.

 

[bobbywalter]

but you will have to buy the parts from Australia to have it here.

 

[HarryTasker]

there will be a new manual transfer case ranger.

Are you manifesting one in the universe? Or was a press release made?

 

[bobbywalter]

Are you manifesting one in the universe? Or was a press release made?

we have to make it.

 

[superj]

super cool truck.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm a bit jealous on the find. Enjoy the truck!

 

[MaicoDoug]

Great find! Looks as if it was re-painted at some point. Me personally, I would keep it as stock as possible. If you like working on the truck, keep up on the maintenance, fluids, leaks, typically all the wear areas / items. That will keep it as ready for resale as possible....but don't sell it.

My '07 FX-4 off-road Level II currently has a couple of small leaks (rear Torsen diff, valve covers, so them I'm getting 33s today Mine is a fairly rare one with the leather buckets. In '07 there were only 600 some level IIs made that year. Looks like you lucked out Harry! WTG.

Yes, I've had quite a few interested turning down $12,800 last year. Has only 177,Kmi. But I'm happy with owning and maintaining what Ford has created with little mods. The interior has an Explorer console with a forward open section for gloves, jacket & whatever. Yea, it's an auto ~

Keep us all updated on what happening with your L2. Oregon is a nice place to own one!

 

[gw33gp]

Nice Ranger. Looks just like my 2002. I don't know why MaicoDoug thinks it was repainted. That Bright Red Clearcoat paint holds up amazingly well with proper care. Mine has over 300K miles and still runs and looks great. I have no desire to sell mine either even though I bought a new Bronco to replace it. I doubt anyone would make a reasonable offer for it with over 300K miles anyway. I do get notes on it occasionally with a wanting to buy message. I ignore.

 

[sgtsandman]

Nice Ranger. Looks just like my 2002. I don't know why MaicoDoug thinks it was repainted. That Bright Red Clearcoat paint holds up amazingly well with proper care. Mine has over 300K miles and still runs and looks great. I have no desire to sell mine either even though I bought a new Bronco to replace it. I doubt anyone would make a reasonable offer for it with over 300K miles anyway. I do get notes on it occasionally with a wanting to buy message. I ignore.

Ford Red paint has certainly held up better than the usual with other vehicle manufacturers.

 

[HarryTasker]

Just got it back from the detailer. All I have left to do is get the rock chips in the windshield replaired, repair the dents in the bumper, and wait for the Marti report and then I will post it up on Bring a Trailer.

 

[MaicoDoug]

Congrats on a very sweet Ranger, she looks very nice!

My yellow is holding up as well, sort of. I was thinking it was some how repainted because of how well it looks, and if possibly it had a level II decal behind the front wheel. But I just got re-edguhumicated and saw the examples here on TRS of exactly what the early 2000 models looked like. They did not have the 2 tone paint & any other decals except the "Off Road" was the clue. Been finding more level 2s here locally, especially one fella who had no idea of what he had, his was a 2003, but has an auto transmission.

 

[HarryTasker]

So I ordered a Marti report and I must say for $88 and taking 52 days to arrive when they claim most order are completed in 14 business days, I am underwhelmed.

The stats are

238,539 Rangers were built in 2003, of those 51,028 we 4x4 4.0 V6 4-Door Supercab, 8,755 had a 5-Speed Manual transmission, 1,341 of them were bright red, 324 had ebony/red cloth, 174 had the trailer tow package.

So for 2003 there were 324 FX4 Leve II with the twin sticks made. If that same amount was equal for all colors, then ford only made about 1600 two stick that year.