To FX2, or not to FX2, that is the question

[wanted33]

I've been all over the place on deciding which way to go. I thought I wanted a new Bronco, but I would have to do away with my Jeep JL to make the Bronco fit into the usable category. Thing is I like the Jeep to much to get rid of it just to own a Bronco. So I've moved to the idea of a Ranger, because I can't do without a truck. So, I'll sell my '92 Toyota pick-up project, and get a 2wd Ranger to fill that need. All I need is a XL, and I guess I rambled on just to ask this question. Can anyone tell me what difference in the ride would an FX2 package make. I would like the truck to have a bit tighter ride, but I don't know if the FX2 is what I need. Thanks for your help.

Jim

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[Abjectwoe]

I've been all over the place on deciding which way to go. I thought I wanted a new Bronco, but I would have to do away with my Jeep JL to make the Bronco fit into the usable category. Thing is I like the Jeep to much to get rid of it just to own a Bronco. So I've moved to the idea of a Ranger, because I can't do without a truck. So, I'll sell my '92 Toyota pick-up project, and get a 2wd Ranger to fill that need. All I need is a XL, and I guess I rambled on just to ask this question. Can anyone tell me what difference in the ride would an FX2 package make. I would like the truck to have a bit tighter ride, but I don't know if the FX2 is what I need. Thanks for your help.

Jim

I'd just get a base XL and replace the coilovers and rear shocks yourself. Much better ride quality compared to FX4/FX2.

 

[wanted33]

I'd just get a base XL and replace the coilovers and rear shocks yourself. Much better ride quality compared to FX4/FX2.

Very interesting Marc. I didn't even think of that. I will keep that in mind sir.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

FX2 buys you snazzy graphics, AND a locking rear diff. Ride is pure SHT, excuse the french. FX shocks are horrific, hard impact damping and no reboud damping. Even a small bump kicks you in the kidneys. My girlfriend and i were in fear of like 2" asphalt bumps. Good news is that either the Eibach of Bilstien kit fixes it for around 400 bucks. I went with the Bilstiens, and it is a completly different truck. I have not owned a reg suspension Ranger so can't compare it to that suspension. Things i've done to my FX2- replace the fake plastic 1/2 skid plate with a real one- requiers also replacing the tow hooks with 4x4 hooks and added the trans skid plate, and the shock only (reuse the springs and other gear) suspension upgrade. Also get the tow package, and add a tow brake controller, or you can only tow 1500 lbs. 7500 with the controller, but the package is a must have, bang for the buck. The suspension upgrade was both a life saver and great bang for the buck. I'm a happy camper now, and having the locking rear diff is cool for dirt roads.

Give you another tip, per Livermos tuning, use premium gas for full power. 87 your down a bunch. Very true.

 

[wanted33]

FX2 buys you snazzy graphics, AND a locking rear diff. Ride is pure SHT, excuse the french. FX shocks are horrific, hard impact damping and no reboud damping. Even a small bump kicks you in the kidneys. My girlfriend and i were in fear of like 2" asphalt bumps. Good news is that either the Eibach of Bilstien kit fixes it for around 400 bucks. I went with the Bilstiens, and it is a completly different truck. I have not owned a reg suspension Ranger so can't compare it to that suspension. Things i've done to my FX2- replace the fake plastic 1/2 skid plate with a real one- requiers also replacing the tow hooks with 4x4 hooks and added the trans skid plate, and the shock only (reuse the springs and other gear) suspension upgrade. Also get the tow package, and add a tow brake controller, or you can only tow 1500 lbs. 7500 with the controller, but the package is a must have, bang for the buck. The suspension upgrade was both a life saver and great bang for the buck. I'm a happy camper now, and having the locking rear diff is cool for dirt roads.

Give you another tip, per Livermos tuning, use premium gas for full power. 87 your down a bunch. Very true.

Thanks Chris, I've had trucks that ride like a brick on for tires, and now that I'm a bit more mature (reld) I really don't want one of those again. Great suggestions, and they help a lot.

Jim

 

[AzScorpion]

Honestly I would go to the dealer and try both for yourself. Everyone has a difference of opinion on what's a stiff ride and what's not. There's been many threads about the Fx4 being bouncy which I never found that to be true.

I'm not sure if it's only on the Fx2 or an add on but I would just make sure you get the locker as it could/would come in handy.

 

[wanted33]

Honestly I would go to the dealer and try both for yourself. Everyone has a difference of opinion on what's a stiff ride and what's not. There's been many threads about the Fx4 being bouncy which I never found that to be true.

I'm not sure if it's only on the Fx2 or an add on but I would just make sure you get the locker as it could/would come in handy.

Thanks Dave. I haven't been able to find one with an FX2 package in my area yet, but I'm in no hurry. So I can keep on looking, and do that.

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Locking Rear diff and Tow package were on my list of must haves. Pretty sure everything in the suspension is the same except the struts and rear shocks. Many upgrade options for those for pretty reasonable prices. When i was looking in march, the FX2s were just hitting the lots, and locking rear diff, while available as a stand alone add on was pretty rare. I found mine in LA and flew there to pick it up from Galpin Ford, biggest Ford dealer in LA, from the Bay Area. Think he said they had 90 Raptors. Flew down and drove it back.

 

[Bproctor]

I have a 2WD with locker. Have the Eibach stage 1 ordered, some Hankook A/T2 tires, the off road screen enabled via forscan, and the air dam deleted. It looks like all I need now is the skid plates and I'll have an FX2 from what I have read. ?

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

I have a 2WD with locker. Have the Eibach stage 1 ordered, some Hankook A/T2 tires, the off road screen enabled via forscan, and the air dam deleted. It looks like all I need now is the skid plates and I'll have an FX2 from what I have read. ?

FX2 doesn't come with Skid plates! Just some 1/2 azz piece of plastic that's supposed to look like it has one!
For real Skid(s)- front and trans plate, you'll need 2 4x4 tow hooks- the 2x4 ones don't have the brackets the skid needs to bolt to, and 6 bolts, besides the 2 Plates. There are 2 choices for the plates, the standard, which is less then 100, and the silver, which is around 3. I got the silver, has a little more coverage. FX2 is like a 500 option, main thing it has is the locker. FX shocks are garbage, threw mine in the trash instead of reselling them. Get a FX2 sticker! lol.

KB3Z-17A954-A​	Tow Hook​	$70.64​	2​	$141.28​
KB3Z-5D032-B​	Skid Plate​	$278.54​	1​	$278.54​

W505443-S439​

Inner Bracket Bolt​

$1.38​

6​

$8.28​

KB3Z-5B018-A Front Shield <<< this si the Trans Skid plate, like 30 bucks.

 

[Abjectwoe]

FX2 buys you snazzy graphics, AND a locking rear diff. Ride is pure SHT, excuse the french. FX shocks are horrific, hard impact damping and no reboud damping. Even a small bump kicks you in the kidneys. My girlfriend and i were in fear of like 2" asphalt bumps. Good news is that either the Eibach of Bilstien kit fixes it for around 400 bucks. I went with the Bilstiens, and it is a completly different truck. I have not owned a reg suspension Ranger so can't compare it to that suspension. Things i've done to my FX2- replace the fake plastic 1/2 skid plate with a real one- requiers also replacing the tow hooks with 4x4 hooks and added the trans skid plate, and the shock only (reuse the springs and other gear) suspension upgrade. Also get the tow package, and add a tow brake controller, or you can only tow 1500 lbs. 7500 with the controller, but the package is a must have, bang for the buck. The suspension upgrade was both a life saver and great bang for the buck. I'm a happy camper now, and having the locking rear diff is cool for dirt roads.

Give you another tip, per Livermos tuning, use premium gas for full power. 87 your down a bunch. Very true.

I have the locking diff on my XL, no FX2.

 

[Bproctor]

FX2 doesn't come with Skid plates! Just some 1/2 azz piece of plastic that's supposed to look like it has one!
For real Skid(s)- front and trans plate, you'll need 2 4x4 tow hooks- the 2x4 ones don't have the brackets the skid needs to bolt to, and 6 bolts, besides the 2 Plates. There are 2 choices for the plates, the standard, which is less then 100, and the silver, which is around 3. I got the silver, has a little more coverage. FX2 is like a 500 option, main thing it has is the locker. FX shocks are garbage, threw mine in the trash instead of reselling them. Get a FX2 sticker! lol.

I saw that about the tow hooks right after I posted this. I've also been trying to find a part number for a fuel tank skid plate without any luck. And.... No stickers. ??? I've already removed everything fron the paint that's not bolted in, or have a hole behind it besides the hood protector. Maybe a window decal. ?

 

[RangerDangerStranger]

Yeah, I can't find the one for the Tank either, or a picture of it.

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