Ford Ranger Supercab FX4 Level II
If you took a Ranger to your local 4x4 shop and wrote a healthy check to bolt on Bilstein shocks, Alcoa wheels, BFG tires, and a Torsen limited slip you'd get an idea of what the Ranger FX4 Level II is all about. Unlike the F-150 and Super Duty where the FX4 package is an option, the FX4 Level II is a completely separate line for the Ranger. In fact our test vehicle didn't have a single option. The option we would have liked to check off for this truck would be for a new Ranger platform to add the FX4 package too. This is basically the same truck as the '93 Ranger with the A-arm suspension from the '98. Judges were critical of the outdated foundation this truck has to work with. The cramped front seats and the cruel joke rear jump seats were competitive 10 years ago but are very dated today. One judge even went as far as to say, "It would be more comfortable to ride in the bed than in the back seat of this truck." In the driver's seat, judges found their left leg would hit the armrest on the door, and more than half the judges complained that the transfer-case shifter would rub their right leg in low range.
The new Bilstein shocks and revised spring rates made for a good-handling/riding pickup on the pavement that was well suited to the go-fast off-road sections. Too bad the frame flexes so much. We're grateful our Ranger came with the five-speed transmission with the cool shifter and manual transfer case. Combined with major articulation from the rear axle the manual made this Ranger the surprise crawler of the test, placing second only to the Wrangler in most judging books. The preloaded Torsen differential also helped and was rated the best limited slip of the test. As an added bonus the 8.8 axle in the FX4 Level II uses a stronger housing and beefier shafts than found in other Rangers. We don't know when the Ranger will get a redesign, but our testing showed us that the FX4 Level II hardware makes the current Ranger worth a second look.
General
Manufacturer: Ford
Model: Ranger Supercab FX4 Level II
Base Price : $25,095
Price as Tested : $25,705
Options as Tested: None
Engine
Type: SOHC V-6
Displacement (liters/cubic inches): 4.0/245
Bore & Stroke (inches): 3.9x3.32
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Induction Type: Sequential, multiport fuel injection
Fuel Required (octane)/Capacity (gallons): 87/19.5
SAE Peak Horsepower: 207 @ 5,250 rpm
SAE Peak Torque (lb-ft): 238 @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission
Type: 5-speed manual overdrive
Model: Mazda R1 HD
Ratios: First: 3.40:1; Second: 2.05:1; Third: 1.31:1; Fourth: 1.00:1; Fifth: 0.79:1; Reverse: 3.40:1
Transfer Case
Type: 2-speed part-time, manual shift
Model: Borg-Warner 1354
Low-Range Ratio: 2.48:1
Axles
Front Type: IFS with Dana 35 differential
Rear Type: Visteon 8.8-inch with Torsen limited slip
Hubs: N/A
Ratio: 4.10:1
Suspension
Front: IFS with upper and lower A-arms/torsion bars
Rear: Live axle with leaf springs
Steering
Type: Power rack-and-pinion
Turns Lock-to-Lock/Ratio: 3.5/18.7:1
Turning Radius (feet): 43
Wheels
Size (inches): 15x7
Material: Forged-aluminum
Tires
Size: LT31x10.50R15
Brand: BFGoodrich All-Terrain
Brake System
Front: 11.2-inch discs with ABS
Rear: 10-inch drums with ABS
Weight (pounds)
Curb Weight: 3,707
Advertised GVWR: 5,440
Mileage
EPA Estimate (city/hwy. mpg): 16/19
As Tested (mpg): 11.42
Acceleration
Standing ¼-mile (seconds @ mph): 17.85 @ 77.31
Braking
60-0 mph (feet): 146
Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 126.5
Overall Length: 203.5
Overall Width: 80
Overall Height: 68.75
Front/Rear Track: 58.5/58
Front/Rear Overhang: 33.25/43.5
Minimum Front Ground Clearance: 9.125
Likes
*Pre-loaded Torsen differential
*Rear axle articulation
*Manual transmission and transfer-case shifters
Dislikes
*Small interior
*Engine needs more low end
*Too much frame flex
Bottom Line
A factory engineered off-road package for the 4x4 enthusiast