I was wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between the knuckles on these years? does one change the ride height a little bit or is it just something minor? I didn't want to use some of the parts off one and mix them with the other year and have something off a little.

 

Brake caliper mount holes. 01-03 use a slightly smaller brake rotor than the 04+

 

ok. I didn't think there was much difference. I read somewhere that the lower ball joint was a different distance from the center of the wheel bearing. I cant find the site now where I read it but I thought they were wrong. thanks.

 

ya as far as I know in my experience its just the caliper mount. Never actually compared the 2 side by side though

 

I have a set of 2wd spindles from an 01 Sport Trac. they are almost identical (except 2wd) to my 2000 Ranger 4wd steering knuckles,,,,but the axle centerline is higher by 1/2" which would lower the truck. Between Rangers and Ex's there may be some differences over the years, that's the only one I know of.
Getting back to the 01 vs 04, yes its only the caliper mount holes. I did the 04 swap to my 2000 to get the larger rotors.

 

I am pretty sure 03 has the same size rotor as 04. I know my 02 has smaller rotors but the change came in 03.