Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

4x4 offroad vs. FX4.

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Old 06-17-2006
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4x4 offroad vs. FX4.

I just bought a 2002 Ford XLT ext cab short bed with the 4x4 offroad package. I know the first year of the FX4 for the ranger was the same year. What is the upgrades that the FX4 package has over the 4x4 offroad package? I've heard a couple of different things like shocks, and tires. What would I have to do to my 4x4 offroad to make it an FX4? Would it be worth the money?
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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Search the forums man! There's a search function at the top menu bar on the right. Search "fx4" or some other terms.

Don't worry about not havin FX4. It's not that much better. Unless it's an FX4 lvl 2 which has manual tcase/tranny and comes with bigger tires. But for the price you can make your truck better.

Aaron
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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Old 06-18-2006
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Ok. Thanks for the links. The information was very helpful. I'm thinking I'm just going to keep mine as is. I love the R7 axle (8.8 4.10 limited slip) in my ranger. My buddy has a 2004 Ranger with the 5spd manual, 4.0L, XLT, but his code is 97 (same axle but not limited slip). He has more lights than a 18 wheeler though. I'll see if I can't get some pics of his truck.
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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well the limited slip is fine for not having a locker. I have an open rear end, which of course m eans nothing. so if i had a choice i'd go locker since it's worth the extra money.

If there is any junkyards around you you could look for (i believe) a BW 1354 manual transfercase which you could swap into your ranger. Also, a good upgrade for you would be Manual hubs, which are the most reliable hubs.

Aaron
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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i want a locker on mine.....anything, actually, thats better than one wheel drive...

my 4.0 5spd reg cab NEEDS it
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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Originally Posted by Red_Ak_Ranger
Also, a good upgrade for you would be Manual hubs, which are the most reliable hubs.

Aaron

Oh yea? I didn't know you could add manual hubs to live axles

=]


btw, there's a factory LS for sale in the classifed's for a 28 spline i believe.
 
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Old 06-18-2006
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Originally Posted by l2en
Oh yea? I didn't know you could add manual hubs to live axles

Yah, damn im thinkin of 98-00 PVH axles like i had.

Aaron
 
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Old 06-19-2006
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The 4x4 offroad package in 2002 is exactly like the fx4 package 2003+

the 2002 fx4 = the 2003+ fx4 level 2 package.
Unless it's an FX4 lvl 2 which has manual tcase/tranny and comes with bigger tires.
They dont come with bigger tires.. they come with bfgs and forged alcoa rims.
they arent all manual transfer case/transmission either.
 
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Old 09-27-2016
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I have a 2006 FX4 Off Road ... I'm trying too figure out if it's a so called level II ? Regardless... it's got auto trans and transfer case ... does anybody know if it's a good as is Off roader)?? Rear end looks beefy:. Has trans cooler... just got it.. like new... has never touched dirt... wondering if I need mods before I hit Paniment Valley... any help would be great... Dave
 
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Old 09-27-2016
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Originally Posted by DVDave
I have a 2006 FX4 Off Road ... I'm trying too figure out if it's a so called level II ? Regardless... it's got auto trans and transfer case ... does anybody know if it's a good as is Off roader)?? Rear end looks beefy:. Has trans cooler... just got it.. like new... has never touched dirt... wondering if I need mods before I hit Paniment Valley... any help would be great... Dave
Assuming it hasn't been rebadged, it would say level II somewhere on the exterior of the truck (either below the "fx4" sticker or on the body doors below the body line). You should also be able to tell from the VIN or the door tag.

Stock rangers are fairly capable off-road. I wheeled mine pretty hard before the lift. Just take it easy and know/learn your limits.
 
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Old 09-27-2016
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You can get a Ford Dealer to print you the "window sticker" for your VIN, they may charge a few dollars so check first

Like this one: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1332290296

It will tell you what you have and the added options

You can also get print out of any warranty or other work done by a Ford Dealer to this truck.

Pretty much all FX4 have the FX4 decal on the side of bed
If it has OFF ROAD under it then it is an FX4 off-road
If it has LEVEL II under it then it is an FX4 Level II

Like these
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/images...gXw/s-l225.jpg

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...xOwN6VZtbQ.jpg
 
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