So I have a 2003 XLT Ford Ranger FX4. I'm a little confused by it because it has no of XLT options, it has manual windows, no cruise control, rubber floors, Etc. And also the 2003 is supposed to be a three door but mine only has two. Is this common to not have features that are listed as standard for the model and trim?

 

I don't know where you are getting your info from, but there is no such thing as a Ranger with three doors. Either you had two doors, or the optional four doors (98-2011). It sounds to me like you might have the value package, which is basically the base model 4x4 Ranger. If you don't have fender flares or fog lights, it's a value package.

 

It was listed in the description I believe on KBB or one of the auto sites when I was looking it up to buy it. It said something about a third door which I assume is that little half door that opens suicide Style. And no it didn't come with fog lights or fender flares. I've been confused about a few things by this when I've gone to buy parts or look up parts. My intention eventually is to put a 9in rear end under it and I'd like to change out the 4.0 for a 4.2 supercharged. I just got into rebuilding Rangers mostly because I have to work on mine all the time anyways. I've already replaced the entire rear frame half and all of the front end suspension parts.

 

 

Sites like KBB are notoriously unreliable when it comes to vehicle info.

That's definitely a value package Ranger. The Fx4 decals were added on by a previous owner or dealer as Fx4's weren't offered as value packages, nor were they offered as 2 door extended cabs.

 

Okay now I'm even further confused. So the only difference between the base 4x4 and an FX4 is luxury trim items on the truck body and interior itself? The engine transmission and rear-end are exactly the same? I'm asking because I intend on changing my FX4 customizing this and I really need to know where to look for parts. I had a difficult time up until this point and always had to specify FX4 anytime I went to look for suspension parts. Just for instance when I went to go get Brake Hardware kit, I had to make sure that I had the 28 spline locking rear end with 10 inch brakes. Everything I could find online so that was an FX4 model option.

 

Is there a website or thread I could put my VIN in and get a complete tech spec for my specific truck? Like whats in tue value packahe and such?

 

You can get a copy of the window sticker at
https://monroneylabels.com/
It costs $7.99

But with your truck being a 2 door supercab, no power options, having vinyl floors, it's not an FX4

28 spline rear axle was standard on all Rangers including FX4 Offroad, the FX4 Level2 had 31 spline axles.
limited slip was optional on all Rangers
10" brakes were standard on Rangers with trailer tow packages

So just because you have a 28 spline, limited slip rearend with 10" brakes doesn't mean it's a FX4
The only so called locker on a Ranger would have 31 spline axles.

 

^Exactly. You have to take what you see on parts websites with a grain of salt. When I worked for Advance Auto, I found way too many errors in their parts listings to make me ever feel comfortable trusting their info. Same goes for any other website that lists compatibility.

The Fx4 package is essentially an appearance option, with a tiny amount of performance sprinkled in a few places. They've never been anything to run home about. People go crazy over the Level II trucks, but the only good qualities they had were the Bilstein shocks, Manual Transfer Case(2002-2003 only), and the rear axle. Everything else on them is just appearance garbage. Ford just put lipstick on a pig.

 

Okay thanks for the info. Honestly the only power features that I miss is the power windows. It's rough having to lean over and roll down a window at a stoplight. Well then I don't feel so bad with my plan to completely rip out the entire drivetrain and replace it the way I want, I also intending on fully boxing the frame. If any of y'all have any advice on how to match up a 4.2 V6 to a 9-inch rear end and what transmission, I started a thread in the drivetrain forum about that specifically. Any info y'all got would be very much appreciated.