Mod: FX4 Shifter in an XLT
Difficulty: 1/10
Time: ~2hours
Author: George Novak (SilverTank)
http://silvertank.batcave.net/index.htm
Please direct all questions and comments to the author of this mod.

This How To covers my install of the Ford Ranger FX4 shifter. I removed my Hurst shifter, but wanted a bent chrome shifter to replace it.
The FX4 has the looks of the Hurst without all the noise. It does not shorten shift distance like the Hurst.
For those that want this mod, here's the part numbers. FX4 arm: 1L5Z7210BC, Shift ball: 1L5Z7213AA.
Best prices were from Bob Utter Ford 866-941-3673(talk to Sam). The shift boot is JC Whitney part number 47ZX5929P


Here's the stock arm and FX4 side by side. Notice how the stock arm bends right at the connection point, while the FX4 arm goes up first. This gives me better shift leverage.


The FX4 is a direct fit. No modification required, other than separating the stock shift boot from the console. Just remove the cam bolt from the stock arm, and install the FX4 arm.


I ordered a Wheelskins leather shift boot from JC Whitney for $20. It's grey and black to match my interior. I didn't want to glue it in, so I used binder clips to attach it.


I left the bottom silver tabs on some of the binder clips, but removed the upper ones to prevent rattles. The mini size clips work the best, and have lots of grip.


I gave the shift boot extra material at the top, so it will balloon over the console and hide the screw holes. You can adjust this to your liking.


Now gently slide the boot over the arm. Careful not to pull out any binder clips. You may want to test fit the boot first, so the hole will stretch out. The FX4 arm is quite thick.


When done, the arm looks great. It may impede using the ashtray on some trucks, but I don't have one in my dash. I find the gray matches my interior perfectly. It's not a precise as the Hurst, but it has far less noise.


The shifter ball is quite beautiful. It has a 3D effect with the shift pattern floating in clear plastic. I though it was expensive at first, but it's worth every penny.


For those that want this mod, here's the part numbers. FX4 arm: 1L5Z7210BC, Shift ball: 1L5Z7213AA. Best prices were from Bob Utter Ford 866-941-3673(talk to Sam). The shift boot is JC Whitney part number 47ZX5929P


I've noticed a few rattles in 1st, but that may be my binder clips. It's also been cold. There's a tiny whine in 5th, but that's the natural tranny noise. The FX4 arm just has less insulation against noise. Any FX4 owners have the same noises

Mod Complete:




Edited by: Jason Gonderman (rngprerunner) for grammar and format.

 

does that shift boot exist anymore i tried looking it up and i cant find anything except one place and they want 50 bucks a little piece of leather thats too much for just a boot

 

you posted in a How To: thread that was written in 2005 and edited over a year ago. why not check it out on JC whitney. if not there try any auto parts store, i found a black leather one local for $15 bucks.

 

I found an OEM boot for 67 shipped on ebay but thats more than the 50 dollar one you found lol

 

I checked jc Whitney And couldn't find it I looked around on google for a while and only found one at redline they custom make them I did end up ordering but it ended up costing like 65 bucks after shipping

 

I dont fully understand new shifters. Do you notice a smoother transition between gears? Is it more for aesthetics or does its performance make the money worth it?

 

I actually just recently installed a '04-11 Fx4LII boot onto my Hurst...splurged but it ain't $50. lol. It's designed for this how-to's shifter.

Clicky: Brand New Manual Transmission Gear Change Lever Boot 2004 2011 Ford Ranger | eBay

This one is purely aesthetics. This one is a short-throw shifter how-to: https://www.ranger-forums.com/engine...-install-8344/