Which truck should I choose?

[Ranger_Envy]

This weekend I'm going to pull the trigger on a Ranger. I'm currently looking at either an 03 FX4 auto with 51k, full power or an 03 4wd, 5spd truck with 59k on it and manual everything. As far as price the 5 speed is $750 dollars cheaper than the FX4. Other than the mile difference and tranny the trucks are just about identical. The FX4 would be nice cause of the off road package and fewer miles, but I'm not a fan of autos. In my experience manuals are tougher and more reliable. I only drive probably 3-5k miles a year since I have a company vehicle for work, so probably either would last me a life time but I'm just looking for input. I don't really go offroading but I want a 4wd for KS winters and for hunting. At some point I may put on some slightly bigger wheels and tires on it but thats it. Is the FX4 a good truck? I assume the lower gears hurts gas mileage and adds to wear but the truck should be worth more in the end. Overall I'm a little lost and looking for any input. I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever one I choose. Thanks

 

[Hahnsb2]

I would go with the 5 speed.

 

[swynx]

+1 id go with the 5 speed, its more reliable if u have to tow something, and if im correct u can get a tow package put on ur truck for less then 750 bucks, but im not sure been awhile since i priced that stuff. and with 750 bucks u could buy new tires, or locking hubs, if u wanted

 

[B30004X4]

Personally Id go with the FX4. Skid plates, better shocks, Limited slip in the rear. Its worth more. But if you dont really offroad then just 4wd is all you need.

 

[wahlstrom1]

I vote 5 speed truck as well, more reliable overall in my opinion. But for the amount of miles you travel, either would be a good truck. I've found most trucks are under geared, and more gear (4.10) never hurts.

 

[Shran]

I would buy the 5 speed truck too. You can always mod it and add the skid plates and stuff. The simplicity of manual stuff is also nice.

 

[Ranger_Envy]

Do Rangers run 8.8 rear ends? if so then adding a limited slip wouldn't be bad at all if I wanted to. I'm sure I'll catch a lot of crap for this its just my personal experience that when an auto tranny goes out its never right again. You either have to take it back to the shop 2 or 3 times to get it right, or it only lasts 1/4 of the time the original tranny lasted.
One thing about the ford 5 speeds Ive been around they don't seem to last a long time either. Is that a problem in the Rangers? I've been around and driven many 90's ford vehicles ranging from pickups, to explorers, to a mustang and they seem to have syncronizer problems. My cousin had a 90's ford explorer 5 speed that if you didn't baby it going into 2 gear it would grind. I'm so glad my Camaro came with a 6 spd. That thing has 180k on it with over 400 rwhp and not a problem one with that tranny.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

As long as you keep fluid in it the M50D-R1 won't have a problem... The 8.8" will be a 28spl version...

 

[Mac]

If were planning on towing heavy, go with the auto. I've got about the same as the 5-speed you mention, all manual. If I had to order one, would be the same thing but with the 4 door option. Got 4.10's and 265/70-16 and can get 22 mpg on the interstate in good weather. Like you, basically my Winter driver just to get around.
Dave

 

[Jay FX4]

I'd go with the FX4. Less miles and power windows/locks. It's a better truck right off the bat than the other. And I like my automatic 5 speed. Depending on if you tow anything and how much it weighs, the auto might be better for you anyway. Too bad neither of the ones you're looking at have twin sticks.

 

[Ranger_Envy]

I don't know if I'll be doing much towing but I do own a car trailer and from time to time may need to tow a car.
What gears come standard in a 4wd Ranger? 3.73?

Jay FX4 - pardon my ignorance but is twin sticks?

 

[Toms01PSD]

I don't see the fuss between manual/auto trans. Personal preference I guess. I believe the auto trans in my truck hasn't been rebuilt and it's got 183k on it. All depends on how you drive it. I'd go with the FX4 though, power options are always convenient.

 

[Toms01PSD]

I don't know if I'll be doing much towing but I do own a car trailer and from time to time may need to tow a car.
What gears come standard in a 4wd Ranger? 3.73?

Jay FX4 - pardon my ignorance but is twin sticks?

Twin stickers=some FX4 rangers that had a manual trans also came with a manual t-case. I believe that was in 02?
I believe the FX4 would have 4.10s from the factory with limited slip. My 4x4 has 3.73s.

 

[Ranger_Envy]

Twin stickers=some FX4 rangers that had a manual trans also came with a manual t-case. I believe that was in 02?
I believe the FX4 would have 4.10s from the factory with limited slip. My 4x4 has 3.73s.

Ahh ok. Our company had an old Semi truck that was twin stick but I didn't know what that meant on a Ranger.

Is there any down sides to an FX4? More expensive replacement parts? Is the FX4 just different skid plates, gears, shocks, and limited slip? Did they have beefier rear ends?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ahh ok. Our company had an old Semi truck that was twin stick but I didn't know what that meant on a Ranger.

Is there any down sides to an FX4? More expensive replacement parts? Is the FX4 just different skid plates, gears, shocks, and limited slip? Did they have beefier rear ends?

Plain FX4's were just what you described, FX4 Level II's had a 31 spline 8.8 with a Torson limited slip... better than the regular clutch type.

2.3 and most 3.0's have a 7.5" rear.
Some 3.0's and most 4.0's have the 28 spline 8.8" rear (same axle shafts as the 7.5)
FX4 Level II's (along with Explorers and light F-150's) have a 31 spline 8.8" rear axle.


Personally, I like the sound of the FX4 you are looking at better than the other one.