03 FX4 LII noises

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Feb 24, 2004 | 05:55 PM

bjolie

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From: Sanford ME

03 FX4 LII noises

I recently purchased an FX4 LII with a manual transmission and a manual transfer case, however, I find that this truck makes much more noise (sounds like tranny noises...) than my previous truck (a 98 3.0L 4X4, manual tranny)
Anyone else have one of these and think that there is an abundance of transmission or transfer case noise?

Currently I have 1200 miles on my truck (brandy new!)

Also, I drove 3 of these before I bought one and they all sounded the same....

Feb 24, 2004 | 07:02 PM

WXboy

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From: Central KY

It's interesting that you say this. When I was looking for a new truck, there was a 2002 FX4 manual tranny/t-case (identical to what you have) and it was listed for 15,900 dollars. The dealer couldn't give that truck away! The original owner had traded it after only 10,000 miles. Someone finally bought it, and three months later I saw it on another dealer lot in the next town. I guess they had gotten tired of it too. That caused me to go with the automatic.

From what I could gather, apparently that truck had a serious issue. I guess it was the tranny. Odd thing is...it's the SAME tranny used in all the other Rangers. The only difference is the t-case. So I wonder...could the problem with the manual FX4s lie within that T-case??

Feb 25, 2004 | 12:07 AM

B C fx4 Level II

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Did your 98 have a manual transfercase?..I have a level II like yours ( 5 spd manual tranny and transfercase )with 10,000 miles and the manual transfercase does howl a little, but I think most manual transfercases do. I had a 90 ranger that I put 175,000 miles on it, with a 5spd manual tranny and transfercase that sounded exactly like my brand new level II. It never failed me once. I am very happy with the manual transmission in my Level II, It seemed a little stiff when I first got it, but at 10,000 miles it seems to be breaking in very nicely along with the rest of the truck. Give that 4.0L another 6,000 miles and you will really notice the difference between your New ranger and the old one with the 3.0L ....

Feb 25, 2004 | 04:10 AM

PW01

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I was wondering why they removed the manual T case in 04!

Feb 25, 2004 | 05:46 AM

bjolie

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From: Sanford ME

Indeed, the noise is not so loud that it sounds like an issue, just loud enough to be heard at times. I will give it some miles and see how it breaks in....what else can I do? :-)

....besides, the manual t-case was the biggest reason I went for this truck and I do love the difference in power from my previous truck with the 3.0L!!

Feb 25, 2004 | 02:09 PM

PW01

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You definitely have a sweet truck, if the FX4 II was available in 01, thats what I would have bought.

Feb 26, 2004 | 02:05 PM

MGT351

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From: Munford Tn

I noticed the noise in my FX4 II also I figured it was just part of being 4x4. I have really enjoyed my truck so far and have only one complaint. The shifter boot on the transfer case lever rattles, I guess it is the leather making noise, not a big concern though. I currently have 13k on mine. The manual T case was my main reason for choosing it over a 04 also. THe truck has good power and likes to rev, wish the 93mph wasnt there though.