Let me start off by saying YES, I've searched. I saw one thread on it (exact same title) but the replies were all about what this guy wanted to buy, and some dudes arguing about buying an f150 instead.

I read that the only difference is the STX has a sportier, Mazda bed?

I'm talking about earlier ones too, like 95-98s, or whatever that body style was.

Is there much difference? I mean, would anything be noticable between an XLT 4x4 with a 4.0L and an STX with a 4x4 and 4.0L if you got rid of that logo on the side?

 

if you are talking about the brand new stx, u cant get them in 4x4. i believe it has a lowered supension to give the truck the more sporty look.

 

i believe the older stx say like 93 have a different suspension and came stock with a little bigger tires maybe 31's but am not positive. A friend of mine has one ill try to rember to ask him and post it if possible

 

the newer ones come with the mazda bed and they have an out of place airdamn....

the earlyer ones i think were like the edges with bigger tires and stuff

 

the new ones you can get a dealer installed supercharger on the 3.0L and its still covered under warrenty. 245 horsepower or something

 

The STX package was first offered in 1986 and was available on both 2WD and 4WD trucks. Essentially it was XLT trim with STX badges or graphics. Some models came with black grilles and black painted bumpers, but that wasn't the case for all trucks. For a little while, 4WD STX trucks could be optioned with a small brush guard, roll bar, off road lights and/or a slight lift in the front that leveled it out with the rear...but none of those options were available after 1991 (some may have been dropped even earlier than that). In 1995 the 2WD STX was dropped. The package was also toned down some. The graphics were much more subtle. The STX package was dropped completely after the 1997 model year. The current package includes a Mazda bed, a different front bumper, step bars and a different grille. It is actually the most unique STX IMO.

The Splash package was available on Flareside trucks only from 1993 to 1998 (not a typo, there are 1998 Splashes). It included a body color grille and bumpers along with Splash lettering. The interior was just the XLT interior. IIRC, 2WD models were lowered by 1" or so (maybe not in 1998, I'm not sure).

The Sport took the place of the Splash in 1999. It also included a body color grille and bumpers, but was available on styleside trucks as well and had no suspension changes.

The Edge replaced the Sport in 2001. All Edges have a torsion bar front suspension and 4WD ride height along with a body color grille and bumpers.

 

Good info Alan.

I think in the thread he was referring to we were talking about the 06's and how they look like mini F-150's.

The bed is stupid, the front bumper is way too big, if it had the sideskirts it started with it may look good and step bars on a "lowered" sport truck, wtf. I think they are there to make the front bumper not look so freakin huge.

 

Dang, so basically my STX is an XLT with different graphics.

woohoo.

 

Pretty much, though every STX I have seen has been loaded. I think every 95 - 97 STX I have seen has had bucket seats, a floor console, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors. You could option an XLT the same way though and have everything but the STX graphics.

This is the STX most people think of...


Here's its more humble brother...still an STX though...


A lot of people were unhappy that the new STX package wasn't an off road package, but there have always been 2WD STXs.

 

why the hell couldnt my truck be like that! freaking 2wd stx

 

At least your truck isn't that color!

 

I agree. The new STX just seems incomplete.

 

man i like those older style rangers, i wouldnt mind one....

 

For anyone interested, this is the '98 Splash. Even the mirrors are body color.

They are really rare.

Yeah, I have a lot of Ranger pics, lol.

 

They didn't technically 'make' a Splash in 1998. 1997 was the last year for an actual Splash. I believe those were designated as a 'Sport', though they didn't have either sticker on the bed.

The Splash'es from 1993-1997 were factory lowered by an inch, chrome wheels, body color mirrors, bumpers, grill and a cool sticker/stripe. Also, they ALL had power mirrors, no matter power windows or locks.

They could be had with a variety of engines from the 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0. Any engine choice could have the 4-speed auto or the 5-speed manual. Standard and Super-Cab's were offered. You could ONLY get the 'Step-Side', 'Flare-Side' or 'Splash' bed.

Different grill's graced the front of the Splash'es as well, also body colored.

Other than that, they were regular Rangers.

 

just the 2wd splashes were lowered.

they also come with embordered seats and special graphics.

 

Well, I figured that was common sense.I noted the stripe/sticker. Enbriodered seats? How say? Mine don't have no embroidery or anything...?

 

I have a '98 Ranger brochure that has two pages dedicated to the Splash. They use the Splash name (as well as "866A") and it's definately the '98 - '00 body style. The trucks all have Splash written on the bed. There is no mention of a Sport anywhere in the brochure. The brochure was printed in June of '97 though, so the Splash definately could have been dropped during the model year. They definately did build some '98 Splashes though.

 

my cuz's old 93 had factory blue 40/60 seats with splash on top. i know they were stock cuz i seen a red one with em up where i go to college...maybe it was a older model thing?

 

What about XLT Lariat Rangers? Anyone ever heard of them? Just curious cuz that's what I have.

 

Yeah, mines like that. Power everything, bucket seats, towing package, etc.

 

ok well i was wrong, sort of. the embrodered part of the seat up top had RANGER, not splash. oh well, i knew it had something :-D

 

I think the Lariat package was a dealer thing. They just put graphics on loaded XLTs.

 

Ahh. I googled it and couldn't find anything.