complete ranger history

[brother rat]

is there a more complete ranger history available?
i am considering getting back into a ranger after having been out of one since the mid 90's.
i'd like more details on the specs and the differences between the trim options (edge, FX4, Level II, etc.) with photos. I have seen pictures of trucks with an FX2 sticker on the bed. Was this really an option from the factory? what did it include?
thanks for the help.
and sorry for the newbish question!

 

[06RangerXLT]

well you have everything from base to xlt, edge i dont believe is made anymore, it was replaced with sport, fx2 is likea 2wd offroad and fx4 is the offroad package. theres about 20 or so combinations, but nowadays 4x4 only comes in the 4.0L. i have a 2wd xlt 4.0 extended cab. you can get 2wd in the 4 cylinder, 3.0 and 4.0. im pretty sure you can get auto or manual in any engine, as well as if its regular cab or extended. the only differences is suspension, rims size, engine size and cab size. everything else is basicly standard. i believe the sport models still us torsion bars for suspension, bu my xlt does not. it uses standard coilovers.

if i missed anything let me know.

 

[brother rat]

if i missed anything let me know.

the details.

i understand the cab/drivetrain configurations. that's not what i'm asking.

what is the difference between an Edge and non-Edge model?
what makes the FX2 like an offroad 2WD?
what makes the FX4 an offroad package versus a non-FX4 4WD?

 

[goodie85]

fx4 is rancho shocks and bigger tires stock thats my $.02

 

[straycat]

Just google 'History of the Ford Ranger'. There are some really neat sites out there with photos.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

the details.

i understand the cab/drivetrain configurations. that's not what i'm asking.

what is the difference between an Edge and non-Edge model?
what makes the FX2 like an offroad 2WD?
what makes the FX4 an offroad package versus a non-FX4 4WD?

An edge model basically just is a 2wd with 4x4 suspension so it looks like a 4x4 but without actually being one, They also have 4x4 edge models which have fancier things on them I guess.

An FX4 will come with a 31 spline 8.8" rear axle (w/trac lock and 4.10 gearing) while a non FX4 will come with a 28 spline 8.8" rear axle (w/ optional trac lock and 4.10 gearing). An FX4 will also have 15x7 premium alcoa wheels and 31" tires standard while a non FX4 will have regular 15x7 steel or alloy wheels or 16x7 alloy wheels and a variaty of tire sizes, and thats basically it. (also an FX4 used to come with the option of a manual gearbox and transfer case).

The FX2 is just a 2wd version of the FX4.

Any option you can get on one truck, you can get on any other ranger. Except now all come standard with certain options like traction control (which replaced L/S diffs) you can't get standard cab 2wd 4.0L rangers, you cant get extended cab 4x4 2.3L rangers, Basically if you get the 4.0L its going to be extended cab and a 4x4 and if you get the 2.3L motor it has to be 2wd and can either be extended cab or (for fleet only?) standard cab trucks.

 

[dasfinc]

well you have everything from base to xlt, edge i dont believe is made anymore, it was replaced with sport, fx2 is likea 2wd offroad and fx4 is the offroad package. theres about 20 or so combinations, but nowadays 4x4 only comes in the 4.0L. i have a 2wd xlt 4.0 extended cab. you can get 2wd in the 4 cylinder, 3.0 and 4.0. im pretty sure you can get auto or manual in any engine, as well as if its regular cab or extended. the only differences is suspension, rims size, engine size and cab size. everything else is basicly standard. i believe the sport models still us torsion bars for suspension, bu my xlt does not. it uses standard coilovers.

if i missed anything let me know.

98+ 2wd rangers are coilsprung in the front, 4wd rangers are all torsion bar.

the '4.0' has several variations for the OP, OHV and SOHC, the later of which became standard in early 00's and had more power and better fuel economy, but aren't quite as well known for their tank-like reliability as the 4.0 OHV motors.

1998+ Standard cabs gained 3 inches of rear-ward seat travel for us big fellows

the 3.0's only came with a 4speed auto and a 5speed manual, while the 4.0's switched to a 5 speed autobox.

The 3.0 and 2.3/5*4cyls* Shared the same transmissions with different bellhousings, making the 4 cylinder transmissions nearly indestructible as they were built to handle quite a bit more strain.

'off road' packaged 4x4 rangers *I think this includes the FX2 and FX4* typically had an additional 2 inch factory lift from spring blocks in the tail, and I do not know how, if at all, in the front.

half way through the build year of 00 the 4X4 system ditched the vacuum/spring assist stuff in favor of perminantly locked front hubs.

98+ super cabs had suicide rear doors on both sides

Stepside beds are all fiberglass

and 5.0's swap in comfortably, ask me how I know

 

[brother rat]

thank you all for the responses and the clarification!