I'm pretty set on buying an 08+ ranger, just having trouble finding the differences between the xlt and fx4 trim levels other than the obvious fender flares, wheels, and rubber flooring. I know the older fx4's have a torsen lsd, but it's really difficult to find info on the 08+ models due to low sales numbers, every search leads to info about the much more common older models.

Thanks in advance!

 

Xlt's had one body colour. Fx4 could be special ordered in one body colour but the majority had that lower grey two tone. Seating was cloth with the 40/20/40 bench in the XLT trim, fx4 had two tone cloth black buckets with either a red centre or a blue centre section. You already know about the carpet/rubber floors

The LSD for the XLT was a clutch style. I wanna say it was the truetrac. I'm not sure about the fx4.

If I were you I'd look for a truck pre 08. No smart junction box to deal with, no abs or traction control (2010+ I believe). It might not bother you much having the SJB or ABS/TC but it can be a pain if you want to add anything aftermarket such as a power tailgate lock or disk brakes in the rear. Don't even think about a motor swap....

 

Good stuff. I wanna say that 04 was the first year for the sjb.

 

Yes 2004 and up had SJB instead of GEM(generic electronic module).

Ford offered an Off-Road package for a few years then in 2002 Ranger got an upgrade option for the Off-Road package, the first year of FX4 package:
"....4.10:1 ring-and-pinion gears with a Torsen limited-slip rear diff, Alcoa aluminum wheels, 31-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO tires, Bilstein shocks, and heavy-duty springs. Also included are tow hooks, a heavier front skidplate, sport bucket seats, special rubber floor mats, and the power equipment group"

In 2003 Rangers the Off-Road package was dropped and that became FX4 package and a Level II upgrade was added which included all the above and a manual Transfer case, although manual transfer case was problem prone so was dropped after a few years.

So 2002 Ranger Off-Road is basically the same as a 2003 and up FX4
2002 Ranger FX4 is the same as a 2003 and up FX4 Level II

Pretty much all Ranger 4x4s had Ford Limited Slip in the rear axle, at least all the ones I have come across over the years, the Torsen LS was better for sure, but wouldn't be one I would swap in if I was going to do a swap to better LS setup, lol.

 

I was happy the way my XLT performed. I went aftermarket with the skids. I highly recommend RCI skids. They are well worth their weight. From my signature you can I had 3.73's. I do wish I had 4.10's but I made due. I also made sure it came with an LSD and had no problems with it in the 7 years I owned it.

Honestly, if you can't find an fx4 out there, look for just a 4wd truck, throw a set of those skids and an LS and you're good to go.

Chris I could have sworn 07 didn't have them. The guy (Adam but I forget his screen name) who had the black fx4 in London Ontario and I talked once. I could swear he said he didn't have to deal with it but I could be wrong.

 

Ok, that's cool, I figured the xlt just had an open diff. So does anyone know are they the same rear ends just with different lsd styles inside? Were the rear lsd's standard on xlt's?

 

I don't remember. The two axles that were available were the 7.5 which wouldn't come on the fx4 packaged trucks or certain xlt trucks and the 8.8. The 8.8 came in a 28 spline which was in my (and possibly all) xlt truck and a 31 spline which was standard on the fx4 package. Mine had the LSD but I forget if it was standard or if I clicked option

I'm pretty sure the 7.5 only came on regular cab trucks with the 3.0 and any 4banger motor.

 

Ford called there limited slip Traction-Lok or Trac-Lok, GM calls theirs Posi-traction

Torsen, as far as I know, was the only other Limited Slip used on Rangers

All "limited" slip, including GM, have clutch rings and all need a friction additive so they can go around corners without dragging a tire, lol

A true locking differential can't corner very well even on gravel and dirt/mud, because the tires must turn and the same speed, and when you go around a corner..............
So true locking differentials are usually "engaged and disengaged" via electric, vacuum or manual lever

As said most Ranger 4x4s will have Limited Slip in the rear

You can look at drivers door label to get AXLE code and see what a ranger has installed:.
Look here: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes

All the 4x4 Rangers I have seen had a Letter first, so limited slip

 

Ill add this in there. Not all XLTs have limited slip. Ive had 3 4x4 xlt rangers that were non limited slip.

I would say the best thing to do is what RonD mentioned. Check the door jamb for the axle code and that will help.

 

Ron, Reading this, one would get the impression that a Torsen is also a clutch style limited slip and needs the friction modifier. I am guessing you know that is not true and just got the wording a little wrong.

Just to be clear, Torsen uses various types of gears (helical, planetary, etc.) to get the limited slip rather than clutches and do not require friction additive.

 

Sorry, yes Torsen uses a different system, my mistake