Differences between 2009 Ranger XLT and FX4 frames/suspension/driveline

SDRanger2009 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 05:34 PM

Don't get me wrong, I understand what the brochure says. I bought a 2009 XLT 4X4 2-door w/4.0 V-6 and 5-speed manual. It was the only reasonably new medium sized pickup I could find and it had to be shipped from Colorado to South Dakota where I live. Its an ok truck but I want to make it better. I plan to drive off-road and thought it would perform better with some attention. I wanted to add the limited slip diff or the Torsen diff, the increased rate springs and Rancho shocks. I have tried dealing with the dealer but all they would say was NO. They said because of the VIN number, none of the parts will fit my frame and besides according to Detroit, since none of the parts were originally installed, they would only warrant them for 12 months. I know that the parts I want were either standard or optional on the 2009 FX4 and according to the ford.com website the FX4 is not available for 2010 nor is a limited slip differential. Is there anyone out there who can tell me if I'm being fed a line or not. I suppose the bottom line is that if I don't like the off-road performance I'll just have to after market with the parts. Facts and opinions are welcome.

g_k50 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 07:37 PM

Well, since you asked for opinions I'll give you mine, you might not like it because it's not what you want to hear, fair warning.

Keep it stock, if it's not the truck you want, send it back and get the one you want. That might get Ford's attention sooner than later. Keeping it stock will enhance the value down the road when you try to sell it. Imagine what problems would develop if it had FX4 parts and somebody was trying to repair it using the standard Ford Service Manual.

R031Kona · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 03:12 AM

Well you will cry...the FX4 is still available in Canada as a 2010 model, don't know if it gets limited slip though. Ford is winding down production of the current Ranger so they are trying to make things simpler for themselves. In theory we will get the "World Ranger" in 2012.

reddog99 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 09:42 PM

Well, if I had been contemplating buying a new Ranger, Ford has killed that notion with these actions. It appears that I can never replace my present FX4 with an equal model. No leather seats. No 31x10.50/15 tires. No LSD, let alone a Torsen! I can hardly believe that a LSD isn't even an option. What are they thinking?

The only good thing would be that the open diff would make installing a locker much easier. But then I have to wonder if maybe an LSD is incompatible with their roll-stability control...

Big_Al59 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:53 AM

Just add your own aftermarket parts. Put in a detroit tru trac if you want a lsd, if you want a locker buy a richmond gear powertrax no slip or lockright.
Factory shocks and tires are easily replaced. The fx4 was not that big of deal, standard ford lsd, skid plate and some stickers. The fx4 level 2 was a pretty decent setup but I think it went away a couple years back.

SDRanger2009 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddog99

Well, if I had been contemplating buying a new Ranger, Ford has killed that notion with these actions. It appears that I can never replace my present FX4 with an equal model. No leather seats. No 31x10.50/15 tires. No LSD, let alone a Torsen! I can hardly believe that a LSD isn't even an option. What are they thinking?

The only good thing would be that the open diff would make installing a locker much easier. But then I have to wonder if maybe an LSD is incompatible with their roll-stability control...

reddog99, I read you reply to my whining. What can you tell me about the roll-stability control? Is it supposed to be on my 09 XLT 4X4? Didn't see anything about it in the brochure?

wendell borror · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:19 AM

The parts will fit your frame. You can get the geaar driven LSD from torsion or you can get thr detroit tru-trac from the after market for your 8.8 rear end. You may need to get the tru-trac as the FX-4 rear end with the torsion has 32 spline axles and big bearing rear end. Eaton makes a tru-trac that will fit your 8.8, it's gear driven like the torsion/ I have a tru-trac in my jeep, it's awesome, every bit as good as the torson in my 09 FX-4 ranger.

SDRanger2009 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 12:07 PM

Wendell, do all of the 09 Rangers except the FX4 have the 8.8 28 spline rear axle? Is there any way to verify that on my truck without pulling one of the axles? I was talking to a 4X4 specialist shop yesterday about ordering a LSD and he said that there should have been a parts list generated when the truck was built which might help. I called the dealer here and he didn't know and could only pull up certain information with the VIN. He said that if the rear end ever went bad, all he would do is order the parts need for that VIN number. I went to ford.com and tried to look up the rear axle based on VIN number and the site said that my VIN number was not supported. Is there any other website that would help me?

Tom Beno

reddog99 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 09:57 PM

Tom, sorry for mis-leading you with my comments. It's the 2010 model that has the "roll-stability control" that I was speculating may be the reason for the deletion of the LSD option.

Only the 4 liter models come with the 8.8" axle, and only the FX4 has the Torsen 8.8" axle that has the 32-spline axle. The 4-cylinder models have a 7.5" axle.

You might search under the seat cushions for the build sheet. I didn't find one for my 2004, but I did find the sheet in my old '91.

wendell borror · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 05:45 PM

From my understanding, the only 09 FX-4 that has the big spline axles are the ones ordered with the torson LSD. Any other FX-4 other than the torson equiped units have the 28 spline axles.

reddog99 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendell borror

From my understanding, the only 09 FX-4 that has the big spline axles are the ones ordered with the torson LSD. Any other FX-4 other than the Torson equipped units have the 28 spline axles.

Thanks for that correction, Wendall. It used to be that the Torsen only came with the Level II FX4, then (I guess) is had to be specially ordered, and now for 2010, you can't get an LSD with any model. In my opinion, an LSD is MUCH more useful than any stability control. It's hard to judge because they release so little info. But, then again, I don't live in snow country, so maybe it would be useful in Canada ??...

wendell borror · #12 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 08:32 AM

In 09 you could get one of two LSD's, the gear driven torson, or the old ford trac-lock with clutches. The torson came with the good axles. I have no idea what they have going for 2010, I haven't checked it out.