FX4 OFFROAD OR LEVEL II

[1987 Ranger]

I'm looking at a 2003 Ranger. From what I've read, everything about it tells me it's a regular "Offroad" model.

It looks exactly like this one except for it has no "FX4" decals. The seller says it's regular "Offroad" model, but the Carfax report says it's "Level II." I'm leaning towards believing the Carfax is wrong. Any reason I should think otherwise?

 

[Uncle Gump]

My guess is it isn't a FX4 at all.

They didn't make any FX4 with a flare side bed.

 

[1987 Ranger]

My guess is it isn't a FX4 at all.

They didn't make any FX4 with a flare side bed.

That was my guess, but the Tech Library here says they were available.

 

[SenorNoob]

I thought all 03 FX4 were the same as the later year level 2? Only way to be sure is to physically check for the chrome shifters and Torsen...

 

[rubydist]

The Level II all had the 31 spline Torsen differential. You can look at the rear axle and tell if it is that or 28 spline because the axle tubes on the 28 spline are the same diameter the entire length, and on the 31 spline the tube is larger but reduces down at the end where the brakes mount. The door tag should also give you a different code for the Torsen axle, but I don't recall those codes off the top of my head.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I thought all 03 FX4 were the same as the later year level 2? Only way to be sure is to physically check for the chrome shifters and Torsen...

Chrome shifters are optional, an automatic with electric 4wd won't have them.

Look for mischief, if the carfax says it is a FX4 but the truck says it isn't... there may be some funny business with the VIN that is best avoided.

 

[sgtsandman]

With any luck, the metal tag might still be bolted to the rear differential cover. If it has a limited slip, there will be a #L## on the tag. If it doesn't it will be #_##.

The # represent the gear ratio, such as 3L73 or 4L10 for 3.73:1 or 4.10:1. If there is no L and just a blank space, it doesn't have a limited slip.

I believe the axle code is on the tag as well. If it is, you can compare that code to what is on the door jam sticker.

 

[1987 Ranger]

Chrome shifters are optional, an automatic with electric 4wd won't have them.

Look for mischief, if the carfax says it is a FX4 but the truck says it isn't... there may be some funny business with the VIN that is best avoided.

I haven't gone to look at this truck yet. It's a bit far away. This is the sticky point here. The seller says it's a "FX4 Off Road." Everything in the "Tech" section here tells me it's "FX4 Off Road." The Carfax report says it's a "FX4 Level II."

On a side note, I went to a local junkyard today to check out a 2003 Ranger. The pics on their website showed a "FX4" decal on one side. It was hit hard on left rear. The rear end on that side was pushed forward about eight inches. I don't know what might be of value on these. The interior was gutted. I mainly wanted to check the rear to see if it had a Torsen since these were optional. I opened up the cover and was surprised to see a "Eaton Posi" unit. I went ahead and pulled it and found that the axles were 31 spline. I was confused and took another look around the truck. That's when I noticed the "FX4" decal had "Level II" under it. So, is it possible the truck came from the factory with the Eaton unit, or was it swapped in at some point?

 

[SenorNoob]

I'm gonna say swapped is most likely. Early Torsen diffs were defective. So got replaced with lots of things.

 

[sgtsandman]

The Rangers used a couple of different limited slips. Clutch pack type and gear driven. Torsen and Eaton are the only ones I know to have made a gear driven one that fit Rangers and they are the more desirable ones. I believe only torsen came from the factory. If it had an Eaton in it, it is probably not what came in it from the factory. I'm not sure if any of the Rangers came with an LSD from the factory other than the FX4 models.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'm not sure if any of the Rangers came with an LSD from the factory other than the FX4 models.

Mere mortal Rangers had the normal clutch type as an option.

Very rare but first gens even had it optional in the front as well.

A Eaton is a very good score.

 

[bobbywalter]

was a 4.0 truck or 3.0? see alot of 4.56 gear 3.0 trucks...usually open but one with Eaton. it was obvious the diff cover had never been off because of the tag so i was not sure what package it could have been but we swapped that set into my buddies truck from tas and got the front shafts and drive shafts and rear for 250 bux. he was stoked.... to have it done at a shop was 2700....that was just gears and labor with a trutrac.

 

[gw33gp]

I thought all 03 FX4 were the same as the later year level 2? Only way to be sure is to physically check for the chrome shifters and Torsen...

The 02 FX4 was the same as the later Level II.

 

[gw33gp]

Chrome shifters are optional, an automatic with electric 4wd won't have them.

Look for mischief, if the carfax says it is a FX4 but the truck says it isn't... there may be some funny business with the VIN that is best avoided.

I am pretty sure all 02 FX4s with manual transmissions had chrome shifters. Mine has them and it did not show on the window sticker as an option. I can't speak for the 03 FX4 level II, but I would be surprised if it was an option for them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I am pretty sure all 02 FX4s with manual transmissions had chrome shifters. Mine has them and it did not show on the window sticker as an option. I can't speak for the 03 FX4 level II, but I would be surprised if it was an option for them.

Optional as in you had to get the manual transmission/tcase options to get manual shifters.

Not a standalone option.