Distinguishing a ‘02 Ranger from XLT or FX4?

[TacticalPad]

Are there any real easy ways from a quick inspection to determine if a truck with an FX4 sticker is really an FX4? Cause I’m afraid I’m looking at a poser...

And has anybody else ever had to go through this before?

EDIT: Truck is a 2002. 4DR. 4x4. Automatic. 4 Seats/Has center console. Power windows and locks.
—Anything further than that I haven’t checked out yet, I may be able to answer specific questions.

 

[Ranger850]

it would probly be more helpful if we had more info. as in what the truck has and/or doesnt have and year model. fx4 has different options depending year

 

[TacticalPad]

it would probly be more helpful if we had more info. as in what the truck has and/or doesnt have and year model. fx4 has different options depending year

2002 year, first time they made them if I am correct. I had it in the title, will edit it into main post along with more info when I get it?

 

[RonD]

2002 FX4 Off Road will have manual transmission and manual transfer case
Always bucket seats on the 2002 FX4

2002 XLT Off Road would be automatic trans and electric shift transfer case, although it could be ordered with manual trans, but not manual transfer case
60/40 seat

No manual transfer case = no FX4 in 2002


Good article here: https://www.therangerstation.com/stock-ranger-specifications/ford-ranger-fx4-off-road-and-level-ii-by-the-years/

You can crawl under it to see if it has a Torsen rear axle, should have a tag that says "synthetic oil" also a larger axle tube that barely tapers down at each wheel
Article on spotting a Torsen Ranger axle here: https://therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2017/how_to_spot_a_ford_ranger_fx4_31-spline_axle.shtml

 

[TacticalPad]

2002 FX4 Off Road will have manual transmission and manual transfer case
Always bucket seats on the 2002 FX4

From my reasearching I found that the 2002 had an optional automatic transmission, although that could be wrong. I’ll check the transfer case though.

 

[RonD]

Yes, you could order any Level II with automatic trans, never seen one that way but it was an option 2003 and up, not sure on the 2002 FX4, but Ford is in the business of selling cars and trucks and they have automatics that fit, so...........if someone wants to pay they get what they want, lol

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Ron, the axle tube tapering down at each end doesn't tell you much. My 2001 Ranger Edge standard cab 4.0 4x4 (rare truck in it's own right, even more rare is the manual trans version) has the 8.8" rear axle, but it's 28 spline, and it still tapers down at each end..

 

[kunar]

'02 fx4 definitely had the option of an automatic, i happen to have one sitting in my driveway. as for identifying an fx4 vs an xlt, the front tow hooks are pretty easily distinguishable, the seats are different, and it should have 15" alcoa wheels.

 

[RonD]

Sorry should have said less taper

 

[TacticalPad]

Got some photos to upload.

 

[RonD]

Manual transfer case?
Not an 2002 FX4

Look on the door label to see build date, maybe its a 2003 FX4 Off-Road

 

[turbo91xlt]

That is a real '02 FX4. Seat pattern & black interior, is a dead giveaway. Stainless tow hooks & Alcoa rims are another giveaway. If you want more proof look for a front skid plate & bilsten shocks (if they havent been replaced).

Manual transfer case?
Not an 2002 FX4

Look on the door label to see build date, maybe its a 2003 FX4 Off-Road

Only a 5 speed manual '02 FX4 & '03 FX4 Level II would have gotten the manual transfer case. All automatic transmission trucks & '04+ manual trucks just got the electric transfer case.

 

[Uncle Gump]

My 02 fx4 had an automatic transmission and electric transfer case. Had those seats and alcoa wheels too. I never did look at the build date though when I had it... I never questioned it because I bought it new.

 

[kunar]

Yep, looks just like my truck, but in much better shape. I agree, it's a real fx4.

 

[TacticalPad]

Thanks all y’all for the help. I was running in circles trying to find answers before now. Will make another post if I end up getting it.