I kind of am wondering what the real difference between the XLT and the FX4 in the 2005 model is. It may be a really stupid question, but its something that im curious about. All I know is my xlt cost 15,900 brand new, and the fx4 level I or II was much much much more.

Sorry again if this is a dumb question.

 

the FX4 only comes with a 4.0 and 4x4, also has the Alcoa rims with BFG tires. larger rear axle (31 spline vs 28 in all other 8.8's). Level II had a manual transfer case. Interior had upgrades such as leather bucket seats, all black plastics (instead of gray or tan).

Theres more specifics such as upgraded shocks and what not, but Ill let the real Ranger nerds take if from here lol.

The FX4 was/is much better equipped than the XLT... in my opinion.

 

Level II: Front, transfer case, and gas tank skid plates, Alcoa wheels, 31x10.5 BFG AT/KO's, Bilstein shocks, stainless knuckle style towhooks (on 02/03), twin sticks option (02/03), 4.10 gears, 31 spline rear axle, Torsen rear diff, two tone seats (black interior), #1 Torsion Bars, Silver gauges, anything else?

 

stickers!!!

 

Limited slip rear end.
Not sure about 02/03 but the newer ones the level II has a better limited slip. FX4=clutch style - FX4 level II=Torsion style.

 

SEARCH

 

Hmm. I dont have leather. I have two tone clothe. Torsion L/S (sucks ***), Bilstiens stock, skid plates front mid rear, manual tcase, sexy tow hooks, Alcoas, 31" BFGs stock( i have 33s now ), 31 spline 4.10 8.8" rear.

Nothing to exciting. Mine is an 03.

 

This came closest to getting it all. The only thing I can add is; a rear tow hook (with no receiver), the manual transfer case only came with a manual transmission and the fender flares as well as the front valence are black instead of dark gray.

I think the Torsen limited slip is a very good system. It does not wear out like a clutch LSD and it has a higher torque bias. Apparently, there were a few bad ones out there. I had mine replaced through a recall but I have had zero problems with it before or after replacement. I think if Ford would have recalled all of the early Torsen differentials instead of just the Rangers with the manual transmission, more people would be happy with the Torsen.

 

Why do you say the Torsen L/S Sucks?

 

Mostly cause i want a locker hehe. Torsen just kicks in wierd it feels like. And if you loose traction it doesnt always kick over the other wheel. Hence i got stuck snow, only my passanger rear and my driver front spun.

thats all maybe i am doing it wrong. lol

 

For most offroading any limited slip diff sucks. You get a tire off the ground and that it. I know the early Torsen diffs had a slight problem with falling apart. LOL

 

It is a torque multiplier it needs some resistance on the slipping wheel to work. 0 X random # = 0 . I hated the torsen cause it was worthless on ice. In the time I owned mine, the Limited slip effect only came in when I didn’t need it or want it. Good for burnouts (cool but pointless) and when I was driving on the interstate and I came to an icy patch it would kick in and pitch the truck sideways (dangerous and why I do not like Limited slip for winter driving, wouldn’t happen with a One wheel wonder) It was the worst Limited slip I have ever owned for average driving. I Loved the eaton I had in my Impala.

Oh and 04 Level II’s still had the stainless Knuckle type hooks.

~HJ

 

im not sure if its been done, but this issue needs to be made a sticky

 

yea i loved the Torsen L/S till it went out, and ford wouldn't cover it. They said it didnt qualify for the recall. Even tho the recall described my truck. pretty gay

 

Why would limited slip be bad for offroading and winter driving? I've always thought the more traction the better? Please explain cause I've been looking for a L/S axle, and theirs open diffs everywhere. Sorry if I'm thread hacking.

 

He means L/S sucks offroad compared to a locker. for winter drving it isnt the best though. It can pitch the rear sideways a bit but not near as bad as a locker does. just get a selectable locker, best of both worlds.

 

Lockers are pretty pricey. So an open diff. axle is going to be better all around? except for peeling out.

 

A limited slip is better for off roading than an open one, but a locker is where to go if you are serious. But I think L/S's are dangerous in snowy and icy conditions if in 2WD. Here is my example, Say you are driving 50 down the freeway and you come across a hidden icy patch, with a regular diff, the right wheel will start slipping while the left will just trail along in a straight line keeping the truck from pitching sideways. A Limited slip in the same situation, both wheels will end up spinning and the rear of the truck will naturally try to drive past the front. If you aren't on your game you could put yourself into a spin. I have had two rangers that were identical for all practical purposes and my 01 with an open diff, I rarely if ever used my 4WD on the interstate in snowy weather. The 04 with a torsen, Pretty much as soon as I felt the need to go slower than the posted speeds, the 4WD was switched on. without it, the truck felt unstable.

~HJ

 

Get an open 8.8 4.10 and get a locker for it. You will be so happy. Like he said its toque based limited slip. So if my tire is freely spinning hence snow and ice my L/S will not kick over. Same when my drive tire were to get off the ground it wont transfer power. Locker is all power all the time.

 

Thanks alot! this helps. Done thread hacking.

 

Just push your E-brake in a few clicks. That will usually help with the rearend.

 

whats that do to help?

 

It tricks the limited slip into working by putting some torsional resistance. Then it will work like designed.

~HJ

 

Is the ride quality of the FX4 stiffer or more luxurious with the other brand of shocks? I know my truck seems very stiff, but I do like it. Did these shocks allow for more payload capacity in the bed? I am kind of looking, if there is a way to add more weight holding capaicty in the truck. I am a general contractor, and am still using a compact pickup.. I know, its about time to find a fullsize but i am looking to just have no payment since I already own my truck out right.

This is why i started this thread :) plus, I just never knew the difference between the two besides the big price tag.

 

Basically, all 4wd Rangers should have the same rear suspension. IIRC, the only difference was some of the XTLs and 2wd's had one fewer leaf. I installed a set of airbags in the back of mine and that right there will make a huge difference for anyone hauling a load in their Ranger. They are fairly cheap and better than add-a-leafs, plus you can adjust the air pressure in accordance to the load weight. As an example, I have a 1200+ lb camper in the back of mine and at 70 psi the rearend sits 2" higher than stock! 0 psi it sits flat on the bumpstops. The only time it sits close to level at 100 psi (max) is when I have both the camper and ATV trailer hooked up, which puts around 2000 lbs extra on the rear suspension.

Another note about the Torsion - yes you need proper resistance to make them work. It always sits open diff at all times until you need the extra traction (and yes they do occasionally kick in odd), but they will easily lock up tighter than a trac-loc LS if done right. You need to load them up properly and keep the load on them, usually with the brakes if one tire loses traction. I typically use the brake pedal a bit to load it up, and having an auto definitely makes it easier as you can keep the brake applied and keep constant torque applied to both tires so that it can stay locked up. It doesn't need much, just enough to load up. Some guys use their e-brake (which works the same) but I find its simple to just use the brake pedal. LR