Hi, folks. I've been lurking for awhile and appreciate all the knowledge shared here.
I've got my preliminary feelers out for a 4x4 Ranger, preferably manual transmission. Not really doing any off roading but would like to do light snow plowing with a poly blade in winter (nothing commercial; just my driveway). Saw an FX4 off road (can't afford it, but it's nice and already has a plow with wireless controller *drool*. Dealer wants $17K which I know is high) and was wondering what the difference is between this and a Level II. Also, many Rangers I see listed are automatics. Does anyone know the relative numbers of manuals to automatics manufactured? Many thanks in advance and sorry for a question that's likely been asked before. I did search the topic and see lots of Level II vs. base threads but not "off road" threads.

 

A 2001 fx4 off-road is basically a level II. Has all the level II goodies.

Other than that year, the level II got a torsen limited slip rear diff, 31" bfgs, Bilstien shocks, bucket seats, special interior color/trim, and "level II" stickers. Some years got j style tow hooks, some years had two tone paint. Most of the stuff is just appeared based.

01-03 also had the option of a manual tcase

 

The manual transfer case only came with manual trans as well, automatic with manual transfer case on FX4 would be a real rarity.

Automatics are now the "standard" transmission, manual trans is now the option
But FX4 Level II may have had a higher percentage of manuals because of the market they were made for.
But having 4-wheeled for many years automatics can be better in some situations, lol.
Working 3 pedals at the same time can tire you out

For your use any Ranger 4x4 will be OK, most Ranger 4x4s came with Limited slip on rear axle, but for plowing you would probably chain up anyway.

Look at Door Sticker to see if it has Limited Slip, axle codes here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...le_codes.shtml

Electric shift is OK as long as you use it once a month, you don't have to even move the truck, just shift to 4hi, then 4lo then back to 2WD just sitting in the drive way, that keeps the electric motor brushes clean(common reason for failure) and it keeps gears and shift rod free to move

 

There was no FX4 in 2001. The FX4 did not come out until 2002 and it was the same thing as the level II but it just had Off-Road decals. The level II came out in 2003. The manual transfer case came with the manual transmission in the 2002 FX4 and 2003 Level II. They were hard to find and I had to go all the way to San Diego to get mine when I bought it new.

 

You guys are amazing! Thank you so much all of you for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate you sharing your expertise. It helps a lot.