Okay, so I have an 02 FX4. Now I know that its basically the same as the 03+ FX4 level II's, but I dont see a few key things. IE, rear tow hooks, and my front tow hooks look like they are painted silver. Its got the shifter and everything, and the Bilistens, and I'm going to check the axles for a 410LS code today, but what else is diffirent? Or do I have a poser FX4?

 

Both interiors are predominately black. The 02 FX4 has gray-pattered seat inserts and a black radio bezel and I think a black cluster face. The 03 LII has either red or blue seat inserts, and a silver cluster and a silver radio bezel.

From the factory, the front tow hooks were the same stainless double J-hooks on both models. The rear hook is standard on both models but it is deleted with a factory trailer hitch on either one because it won't fit.

Mechanically, the two are almost identical but the 02 4.0L has EGR and the 03 4.0L does not.

 

I remember reading a post about a guy with an 02 FX4, and he said they didnt have alcoa logo on the wheels (if anyone cares lol)

 

Yeah, I dont have that logo either...

Also the 02's had tan interior as an option.

 

Right! Forgot about that one.

 

Isn't the torsen in the rear axle a different part for '03+? Or the carrier, something like that. The 02's w/ the manual trans got a recall... but not the autos!

 

Your slippin Bob! Jeesh.

 

shhh he is getting old.... you know i love ya bob

 

burn

 

Yes, Bob you are right. The 02 FX4 cluster background is black.

The 02 FX4 wheels also do not have Alcoa stamped on them as was suggested in a previous post.

 

Recalls on what exactly? Because I have the Manual.

 

The rear differential (or diff carrier/housing, something-or-other) was recalled.. Ford's fix for the matter was to swap out the entire rear axle on these trucks. However for some reason they decided not to do this for trucks w/ the auto trans, only those w/ manual trans'. .. There's some way to tell if your diff was replaced. A yellow tag on the axle or something.

You can read all about it by searching over at ORR. Some of the guys that live over there actually initiated the recall. One works for Zexel, the company that makes Torsens..

 

Only the early 02 FX4s with manual trans were recalled. As I remember the recall was around Feb of 2002. FX4s bought after that time already had the updated axle in them.

Problem they were having was the differential was breaking under certain conditions due to a weak area. Apparently the automatic had enough give or cushion from the torque converter during a shock torque load that they would not break the differential. I subjected mine to some harsh loads before the recall and did not break it but apparently several did. Ford discovered the problem and put a stop sale on FX4s until they solved the problem.

 

There should be a purple tag on the axle if it has been replaced. As stated elsewhere in this thread, just because you have a 2002 FX4 manual, it does not mean that you were eligible for the recall. That was limited to roughly the first half of the model year. An OASIS check of your VIN at a Ford dealer should tell you for sure.

2002 Ford Ranger NHTSA Recall ID Number: 02V035000

Recall Date: FEB 04, 2002
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Potential Units Affected: 1096
Summary: ON SOME MANUAL TRANSMISSION TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE FX4 PACKAGE, THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL CASE COULD FRACTURE UNDER A HIGH TORQUE EVENT SUCH AS WHEN CUSTOMERS ACCELERATE RAPIDLY FROM A STOP OR WHEN A SPINNING TIRE SUDDENLY GAINS TRACTION.
Consequence: DIFFERENTIAL FRACTURES COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN WHEEL LOCK-UP.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY,

 

There's one way to guarantee a Bob posing: spread half-assed misinformation!

Thanks Bob, knew I had half the story there..

 

Are you calling me a poser??