Back Story On the FX4 Brand

[Zaph]

Awesome story, Thanks for bumping the thread or I wouldn't have seen it.

So... where's the story about the Sport 4x4 that's going to make me feel good that I bought that instead?

Sponsored

 

[2.7EcoBoost]

Would love it if detroit locker offers a front TrueTrac for our trucks in the future.

 

[Ranger's My Middle Name]

Phil,

In your opinion do you think the FX4 package still holds true to your original vision?

I appreciate your contributions to this forum!!

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Phil,

In your opinion do you think the FX4 package still holds true to your original vision?

I appreciate your contributions to this forum!!

Hi R

I have not gone off roading yet in my Ranger 4x4 due to wife's medical problems...just paved roads to and from the various doctor visits, so have to hold on the decision if it lives up to the heritage. This time will come shortly, I hope and I will head out into the desert...will let you know. The sense I have is it will show to be capable. There are other folks that have posted positive responses but I still look forward to taking the Ranger up into Box Canyon... Sure wish I still had access to the Michigan Proving Ground 4x4 course...but right now they are dealing with this white stuff and I moved down here to sunny AZ to get away from that stuff and the terrible road salt...

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[gpsdualsport]

Phil you maybe able to confirm if this story is true. I attempted to send you a message on this topic but I'm not allowed to for some reason.
I spent some quality time working in the auto industry myself. 9 years at Toyota Technical Center in Torrance CA working in the NVH Lab. During this part of my career I heard stories about major malfunctions and classic screw ups at other car companies. Maybe you can confirm if this story is true.
This happened at Ford during a Senior Management review of the pre production vehicle that would become the two seater sport compact called the EXP on the Escort platform.
At this time the vehicle was a 4 seat hatchback. With any management review there is large group jockeying for chance to sit in the car. Both doors are open and the rear hatch is open.
One of the senior VPs was in the rear seat checking out the leg room when someone else decided to close the rear hatch.
This VP was tall enough to experience the negative clearance for headroom when the hatch was closed.
The VP was knocked out cold and the EXP instantly became a two seater.
Any Truth to this Story???
Sincerely,
Dan Y, retired vehicle development engineer

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Phil you maybe able to confirm if this story is true. I attempted to send you a message on this topic but I'm not allowed to for some reason.
I spent some quality time working in the auto industry myself. 9 years at Toyota Technical Center in Torrance CA working in the NVH Lab. During this part of my career I heard stories about major malfunctions and classic screw ups at other car companies. Maybe you can confirm if this story is true.
This happened at Ford during a Senior Management review of the pre production vehicle that would become the two seater sport compact called the EXP on the Escort platform.
At this time the vehicle was a 4 seat hatchback. With any management review there is large group jockeying for chance to sit in the car. Both doors are open and the rear hatch is open.
One of the senior VPs was in the rear seat checking out the leg room when someone else decided to close the rear hatch.
This VP was tall enough to experience the negative clearance for headroom when the hatch was closed.
The VP was knocked out cold and the EXP instantly became a two seater.
Any Truth to this Story???
Sincerely,
Dan Y, retired vehicle development engineer

Hi Dan,

Yeah...I turned off PMs...clogging my email and so l mostly lurk on the forum until I read one that I feel I can contribute.

That is a new one for me...never heard it...I was around at the time of the EXP but never heard this account...I spent all my 30 years in Ford Light Truck, but something like this would likely spread through the engineering community, but I may have missed it... Sorry...can't verify or debunk!

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Michel Jeanneau]

Haha! I used to own an 84 EXP with the (laughs) HO 1.6L....But I also owned the precursor to the FX-4, mine was the 98 "off road" package, which didn't amount to much; a couple of skid plates (except up front where it counts), "off road" tuned shocks and 16" rims with 245/75/16 firestone wilderness AT. To be honest, open diffs and all that truck never let me down off road...and boy did I put that thing through the motions. I guess that was not one of your babies, eh Phil?

 

[Glocker]

Very cool read. The FX4 package was a must for me when I was shopping for my 2019 Ranger. It's also my first 4x4 (that I've owned).

 

[2stroke]

It's an old thread but a good one by Phil. I'm waiting for a 22 Scab FX4 ordered last November... should arrive soon I'm told. My previous Ranger was a new 08 FX4 with a 5-speed manual, 4l. That was a great little truck including some light off-road use. Wish the new Rangers also had a manual trans option.

 

[AdamHarris]

Phil, unlike some of these other assholes, I will Never remove my FX4 stickers!!! ?

 

[Mokume]

So...I'm guessing the FX2 package is a brainchild of the marketing folks?

 

[deleriumtremor]

Phil, unlike some of these other assholes, I will Never remove my FX4 stickers!!! ?

Ha, I was going to remove my FX4 decals tomorrow. Not now.

So many interesting back stories by Phil, should have his own thread, " Phil's Back Stories"

Totally agree, but maybe a sub-forum, a thread for each story. Great stuff.

 

[Megawatt]

 

[P. A. Schilke]

So...I'm guessing the FX2 package is a brainchild of the marketing folks?

Hi Jeff,

It would appear as a marketing Spin Off with the FX2 content unkonwn by me as to what it entails beyond the side decal....

Best,
Phil

 

[NotBudule]

Does the "F" and "X" stand for anything ? ?

Sponsored