Correct me if I am wrong, aren't all 4X2 Rangers equipped with coil springs in front? 4X4 models are all torsion bar?
Referring to those with A arm type front ends, of course
I have been to a few parts websites where 4X2's are listed with torsion bars, makes no economical sense for Ford to have both setups, coil and torsion bar, what do you think?

 

No not all 4x2's have coil springs. Edges have torison bars.

 

Thanks for the response, totally forgot about the Edges, I suppose that is why the ride height is higher on those models.
While on the subject of front ends, has anyone experienced short ball joint life besides me? I had to replace all 4 @ 50K, despite religious lubrication.
Truck is a '00 supercab 4X2 4.0 auto.

 

I had to have a set replaced within 3 days!

Can anyone beat that? lol

 

Guess I shouldn't complain, bit I'm certain your scenario was unique, to say the least.
Here I thought it was the atrocious roads we have here, seems as the the local gov't spends as much to repair motorist's cars as they do to 'maintain' the roads!
To top that off, we don't have to contend with frost here........

 

50-70k is usually life span of a stock ball joint then upgrade to a Moog..

yes there is the Edges that are basically 4x4 trucks lacking the front axle and cv's obviously the "knuckle" is different because its a spindle type but same set up..


why ford did both well the Ford Explorer when redesigned for SLA suspension had only T-bar for 4x4 and they had to remain same height for 2wd so they used a T-bar set up for it as well.. being that the explorer came first when the ranger came with SLA in 1998 there was 4x4 T-bar and 2wd coil sprung then the "Trailhead" was introduced being a T-bar 2wd truck the first to have it for ranger...