I received a PM from a member on here about trading my Prelude for his 2002 FX4 plus $1500 on my part. Here are some details about his truck:
-2002 Ranger FX4
-Torsen with 4.10's
-FX4 Seats (don't know what he means by this)
-Carpet
-Bedliner
-35,000 miles
-Automatic Transmission : (

What are your thoughts? I think I have read about two things that bother me, timing chain rattle and a recall on the early model Torsen's. Can anyone give me some good insight on either of these? How do the automatic transmissions hold up in this models? I don't really mind it, that way, my g/f will be able to drive it if needed. It has new tires on Alcoa's, but you know me, I have big plans lol. Anyone give me some ideas, such as things I should ask about before finalizing this and driving half way to Arkansas from NC!

 

fx4 seats could be the buckets w/ console, either two toned or leather(dont know if that was an option in 02)

 

Well, the only other thing holding me back for now is that my Prelude in good condition on KBB Private Party goes for 10,200. His FX4 with all options on KBB in good condition Private Party goes for 9,700. So obviously I'm not going to be able to put up 1,500 when it's not worth that. We'll see.

 

The FX4's have a different pattern, you can just see it in that picture.

 

You probably alreayd know this...but 2002 Fx4 = 2003 Fx4 Level 2. '02s had that sorta funky scribbly print on the buckets. You know how your '05 likely had cloth above the armrests on the door panels? 2002's are vinyl. black gauges. black radio bezel. black center console. interior colors were either tan or black(no grey). '03 was some nice new changes. But '02 is good to go.


Only the manual transmission'd trucks had the recall on the torsen diff....talk to thesoundmaster about his ordeal with his '02 Fx4 automatic and the torsen...

No offense to the member, but if your car is worth that much, his that much, and he wants cash on top? that's nuts. me personally....if it were a manual, i'd GLADLY fork that green over for it.....sooo low miles.

I have an '01 4.0L, timing stuff rattled a little bit at about 40k, it went away, and i just turned 90k. The 5r55e or whatever holds up well. good for 35's w/ 4.10s easy.

 

That's not bad. I would say since you're worth more than he is, to just trade and cash ON HIS PART, not yours. Or if it's worth it to you, just a trade. Another one of these people wanting something, but not willing to look at what it's "really" worth... Going off what he wants for it.. ya know?

 

Exactly! Well, I might have to talk to "thesoundmaster" about his problem I'm guessing. Hopefully it's not too crazy. I really would like to have a FX4 Level II with auto transmission and manual t-case, too bad they don't make them that way.

 

Didn't make them yeah... Can be done though lol

 

Just looked up "thesoundmaster" and saw the carnage that happened with his Torsen on his 2002. I am thinking twice about this decision now. The Prelude I have is VERY rare when found unmodified, with stock motor and interior in show room condition like mine. I really hate to give it up for a Ranger that might do me wrong! I might just wait till I find a local FX4 Level II. But I am beginning to think I want an Automatic instead of a Manual, for ease of drivability and towing. The g/f couldn't complain to me anymore about teaching her 5 speed either!

Someone buy my Prelude : )
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/828344995.html

 

my 02 fx4 is rolling 80xxx now, but ive only had it for 10,000 miles now, if you can get him to take some good pictures of it, and i mean everywhere, i would consider it, hell, get him to put the pics up for us, we can help you decide, oh and what color is it?

btw: just looked at your car, man thing is freaking clean thats nice, if i were you id sell your current truck, drive that until you find an fx4 you really like.

 

I don't have a truck now, just the Prelude!

 

get it my torsen works great and i love it. its fine unless u dog it out day after day weekend after weekend. I absolutely love my truck. Interior, exterior, everything and now with the lift and all i love it even more lol and i got 73,000 miles on mine

 

I'm going to see what Craigslist will do for me. I will give it a couple weeks or so, as I am in no rush. It's paid for!

 

stephen i wouldn't worry about the timing chain stuff.. i think that was only a problem in 01.. dont know if you ever heard my truck but it has the "rattle" and its been doing it all 70k miles i've owned it. Nothing has gone wrong with it yet but i've heard its just a ticking time bomb.. Try and get him to get a video of revving it up about 21-2400 rpms and holding it there for a minute or so.. Thats where you hear it in mine.

 

I say keep the Lude. I'd buy it from you if you were closer.

 

05RangerXLT- Make the trade. I've only had the one issue with mine, and that was the torsen blowing up on me. Couple things to look at, only the early 02 FX4's were recalled for the torsen. Mine happened to be build 11/01 so I fell into the early category.

One simple and cheap fix is this- Trac Loc LSD from Summit. I paid $230 for mine, and the difference between it and the torsen is the difference between night and day.

I don't have any issue with timing chain rattle, and I'm pushing 165K on my auto tranny... and mind you I'm not the easiest person on my tranny at all... I race the truck and beat on it pretty hard up in the hills. PM me if ya have any questions.

 

I would think about a trading, but I will not fork over any cash. If we go retail to retail I will be in the hole about 400-500 bucks, and mind you, this is a Honda, it keeps it's value. If you want to compare modifications, I have a $400.00 VERY rare Japan Type S lip installed, a $180.00 OEM Honda rear lip installed, $280.00 for DEPO Projector Headlights, $475.00 for the Koni Yellow adjustable struts, and $150.00 in the Tein H-Tech springs. To put it lightly, I waste too much money on expensive modifications! Oh well, I like spending my money on better brands, that way you won't be disappointed!

 

You check out that Ranger that was posted like 30 minutes ago it was a 2002 Supercharged FX4 with only 40K miles I think for $12,000

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=70932

 

I saw it but it's in Mass... and also has probably been beaten on bad. I'm off to work at the PT job. If anyone finds anything close to NC let me know.

Looking for 2003-2005 FX4 Level II, auto or manual, no bed rails, preferably no tool box (b/c of scratches), no pin stripes or graphics. I'm picky I know, but I'm going to get the one I want this time!

 

what years your lude?

 

2000.

 

Couple of questions... In what year did Ford start offering the leather bucket seats? In what year did Ford start offering the Pioneer system with the sub in the console?

 

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/825360819.html

 

Saw that one, it's fugly and looks NOT taken care of.

 

I wouldn't mind finding a FX4 Dark Shadow Grey Metallic with power windows, locks, mirrors and sliding rear window.