F-4 vs 4x4

[PlumCrazy]

The Torsen L/S unit also had a recall in the manual trans trucks at some point.

The Torsen is just a fancy open diff IMO....lol. There are two types of differentials In my world... Locked or open. That's it.lol. (and selectable.... But it still fits one of the above regardless of where the lever is positioned)

Sent from my XT907 using Crapatalk

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

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

No difference in ride height, just Bilstein shocks and the later ones cames with Rancho shocks.

 

[gw33gp]

The Torsen L/S unit also had a recall in the manual trans trucks at some point.

The Torsen is just a fancy open diff IMO....lol. There are two types of differentials In my world... Locked or open. That's it.lol. (and selectable.... But it still fits one of the above regardless of where the lever is positioned)

Sent from my XT907 using Crapatalk

The recall was on the very early 02 FX4s with manual transmission. Mine was recalled and they replaced the complete rear axle including brakes. No big deal for me, the dealer ordered it and installed it. It is still working perfectly with 180K miles on it.

A locked differential certainly gives better traction in bad conditions but to indicate a Torsen is no better than an open axle far from reality. Locked differentials are very unsuitable for the street. Automatic lockers have some quirks but are better on the street. A Torsen has almost no undesirable quirks on the street. A selectable locker is the best for both worlds of street and off-road.

I tried for many years to find a selectable locker for my front differential without success. I was even ready to try to modify one for my Ranger until I found out Torsen has a differential for my Ranger. I now have Torsen front and rear. I go through some pretty tough stuff off-road and so far Torsen has done well for me. I am sure an open axle would have gotten me into trouble many times.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I'm not saying the Torsen won't help blast trough some mud or up a hill. But the way I wheel... I would be stuck on the first pebble.

Sent from my XT907 using Crapatalk

 

[baja619]

I get that it has a Torsten limited slip in the rear, but what specifically are the specs on the front differential?

 

[JoshT]

Nothing special about the front diff on them. Gearing to match the rear (IE: 4.10 for the LII) and open.

 

[gw33gp]

That is right. The front differential on any FX4 (L1 or L2) is the same as any 4WD Ranger of the same model year, as supplied from the factory.

 

[JackDW]

Interesting discussion.

One of my sons just rolled a 04 FX4 Off Road (don't know about the LEV1 or 2) due to ICE. Daughter has an 03 Edge 4x4. Is there anything on the FX4 that would be worth the effort to transfer over?

BTW, he just bought a 08 Sport 4x4 to replace the FX4. It is Grabber Orange. I am not sure how well I like that color. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

 

[naford]

The recall on the rear axle was for axle wrap. The diff housing would crack on the manuals.

 

[gw33gp]

Axle wrap may have caused more stress on the FX4 axles with the Torsen differential that were recalled but the recall was for a design flaw that created a weak area in the housing or carrier. The wording I was given is something like; a situation where slipping tires would suddenly gain traction could cause enough stress to break a part of the housing/carrier with a potential to lock up the axle. Apparently the torque converter with the automatic was considered to absorb some of this shock and the risk of damage to the housing/carrier was minimal. I still have heard of automatic FX4s with the design flawed Torsen differential failing, although very few.