I was just wondering what is the difference between these two trucks. Im looking to buy a newer one and need the 31 spline 8.8 axle so i can install an ox-locker in the rear end. I know the level II has the 31 spline. Do the models that just say FX4 offroad also have the 31 spline? So i assume the difference is the options or something the the truck comes with?

 

the regular FX4 doesn't have the 31-spline rear axle installed, nor the skid plates, nor the Torsen limited slip in the rear, and they don't have the option of a manual transfer case.

the FX4 Level II's have all of the above standard along with a set of Bilstein shocks.....

if you just want a 31-spline to install a locker, then save the money for the FX4 Level II package and get an XLT Ranger and swap in an Explorer 8.8 31 spline axle.....it is a pretty easy swap and it has the 31 spline ALONG with disc brakes (a Ranger doesn't come with disc brakes..)

 

Ok thanks, thats exactly what i needed to know!

 

FX4 comes with skid plates mid and aft. Aka middle and back. They lack the front skidplate, but its a piece of ford **** anyways. FX4 has a very nice interior package and has nice amenities.

So you could:

Get an FX4, swap in an explorer 31 spline 8.8 with disk brakes(rangers have drum brakes in the rear), either buy a ford ranger skid plate or make your own(if you have any fab skills this is easy). Then the benefits of FX4 lvl 2 would be the manual tranny/tcase. If that's a benefit to you, that is.

-Aaron

 

Id love to have a manual transfer case shifter but honestly i think it would get in the way with the plans i have for the truck. I want to install front and rear ox-lockers and install the shift levers for the lockers right where the tranny and transfer case shifters would be. Of course the truck would be SAS with a DAna 44 front axle! So even though it would be awsome to have a 5 speed with a manual transfer case shifter i might have to settle for a auto with the automatic transfer case. Unless i could find somewhere else to install both locker shift levers!

 

The price difference is minimal between the Level II and the FX4 Off-Road. It sounds like you've got some big plans for the truck anyways, so I'd go with just an XLT 4x4 or the FX4 Off-Road package since most of the stuff in the level II package would be getting replaced anyways.

 

exactly what i said....

 

shift levers? Are they cable operated lockers?

You're doing so much offroad modification you should just buy the cheapest 4x4 ranger you can find and go from there. Oh, but go for the 4.0 engine, yah.

 

Second thread this week on the versus.

 

Sorry about that, i definately didnt search first. ill take the blame for that one. And yes they are cable operated lockers. They wont fail like a arb or other electronic locker!