what is the differenve between the 2 packages? Is it a differnt level of off road pkg?

 

Not positive but I Think as far as an edge 4x4, and an fx4, it's just some trim and creature comforts. Not all edges are 4x4, you can get an edge 4x2 if you want, but why would you want to have the torsion bar suspension, if you could get coils on a standard 4x2. Also the fx4 levell II's have an 8.8 rear end with a torsen limited slip, and bilstien shocks, and some came with the manual t-case. Not sure about the edge, but my levell II also has a engine, t-case, and gas tank skid plates. And they come with 31.50x15 tires on alcoa forged aluminum wheels.

 

When you compare the two models, you really need to be careful about generalities because the features that both models were equipped with changed every year. About the only thing you can be sure of is that the FX4 had 4WD and 4 liter engine. Tire sizes, wheels, rear ends, interiors, etc. changed year to year for both models.

I was always puzzled about the Edge equipment level myself. So many times when looking for parts, I've seen the phrase "except for Edge".

 

how can i tell if i have the 8.8 or 7.5 axle?

 

In the Tech Info section are 2 threads you should find helpful:

Door Sticker Decoder
Truck Specifications

 

The EDGE trim was/is a trim package. It was along the same line as the SPLASH, SPORT, and to an extent, the STX. It was available in 2WD and 4WD and fell in the middle as far as standard options went. The order went: XL, EDGE/SPLASH/STX/SPORT, XLT, FX4, FX4 Level 2. The XL was your base work truck with barely any options and the FX4 being loaded.


The oldest, early 90's STX's were 4X4 standards. The 2000's STX were (ugly, IMO) 2WD only street packages. The late 90's SPORT packages were on the same line as the EDGE (3.0l V6 base engine) available in 4X4 or 2WD whereas the 2010 SPORT is now the top of the line Ranger, with the 4.0l V6 standard.

The FX4 was the off-road package, and the biggest engine available in the Ranger is standard, the 4.0l V6, and had all the options as standard plus 2skid plates, the (I think) 3.73 axle, grey/black seats,etc and the Level 2 had 3 skid plates, two-tone color seats, BF Goodrich tires, Torson rear diff., a 4.10 rear axle and was the closest thing to a "real" off road truck that Ford offered untill the F150 Raptor was released.

And may I add that Im down right PISSED that Ford stopped making the FX4 and the FX4 Level 2 and made the SPORT the new top-of-the line model. The FX4 and Level 2 were some of the COOLEST trucks Ive ever seen.

Hope this helps. If you need any info Ive got a lot on Rangers. Ive owned 3 of them