FX4 Ride Height Differances Fact or Fiction???

NightmareFX4 · #1 04-08-2010, 11:46 AM

There seems to be an assumtion / belief that 08+ FX4 Rangers are lower in ride height than 07- FX4 Rangers. Most are in the belief that this is dew to the Torsion bar Key differance between these models. And that 08+ FX4 models were dropped in ride height dew to a feul savings attempt by Ford.

Let's find out?

I have done some research and here are my findings (visited my local Canadian Ford dealer to obtain these measurements):

Note: all measurments are front end ride heights, measured from the ground and center of the wheel to the bottom of wheel well. All vehicles tire sizes and types are the same Goodyear RT/S 255/70R16's (2007 and 2008 were off lease and stock with 40-50,000km / 24-31,000miles on them and 2010 are new). And yes I even checked all the tire pressues and set them all to 38 P.S.I. (I am friends with the Ford dealer owner).

Measured 3 x CND 2007 FX4 Rangers at 33 1/2"

Measured 2 x CND 2008 FX4 Rangers at 32 3/4"

Measured 3 x CND 2010 FX4 Rangers at 33 3/4"

The results show me that indeed the differance between 07 and 08 FX4 Rangers models was a 3/4" drop in ride height for the 2008 FX4 Rangers. So indeed the Torsion bar Key differance seems to be True.

(I was unable to locate any 2009 FX4 Rangers to compare, but I will keep seaching to update my findings to include the 09 FX4 Ranger models).

But when it comes to the 07 and 2010 FX4 Ranger comparison the Torsion bar Key differance is Not True. As there is a 1/4" increase in ride height for the 2010 FX4 Rangers, over the 2007 FX4 Rangers.

So to say 08+ FX4 Rangers are effected by this Torsion bar Key differance is a partially False statement in Canada (except in the U.S.A. were there are no 2010 FX4 Ranger models to compare, 08+ is true). In Canada you can say 08-09 (not 08+) FX4 Ranger models were lower but not 2010 FX4 Ranger models thier 1/4" higher than 07 and 1" higher than 08.

Hope this may clear things up, for those of you that may have been wondering the same thing as I was. Your more than good to go when it comes to 2010 CND FX4 Rangers ride height. No need for a 2007 Torsion Key mod. Your actually gaining 1/4" over the 2007 FX4 Rangers. I LOVE IT lololol.

Before anyone says it! Yes the 07 and 08's in my comparison have a bit of milage (tire wear / not much though as the RT/S's don't wear fast at all and these tires as stated only had 40-50,000km / 24-31,000miles on them) and there is an age differance (ride hieght may have settled a little bit over the 2-3 year age differance) on them compared to the new 2010's. But if anything at all it would maybe make the 2007 CND FX4 Rangers ride height and the 2010 CND FX4 Rangers ride height even when both compared absolutly new. So have the CND 2010 FX4 Rangers gone back to the 2007 FX4 Rangers Torsion bar Key? Certainly looks that way to me.

Go figure lolol!

NightmareFX4 · #2 04-08-2010, 12:34 PM

Here's a another comparison of the CND 2010 FX4 Ranger and the CND 2010 XLT and CND 2010 Sport Ranger (4X4).

Note: measured from the ground and center of the wheel to the bottom of wheel well. All vehicles tire sizes and types are the same Goodyear RT/S 255/70R16's and all 2010's are new. And all the tire pressues are set to 38 P.S.I.

Front Wheel
2010 XLT / Sport 33 3/16" 2010 FX4 is 33 3/4" (same as 33 12/16) = 9/16" Higher

What this confirms to me is the CND 2010 FX4 Model is 9/16" Higher in the front than other 2010 Ranger 4x4 models. So there is even a greater differance in ride hieght here to, interesting.

STL · #3 04-08-2010, 01:49 PM

Nice write up.

There was a big thread before on R/F about this. That is why the 08+ trucks usually do the pre key mod. Even if hey crank the t-bars they cant get as high. But if they swap out the keys they can

NightmareFX4 · #4 04-08-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STL

Nice write up.

There was a big thread before on R/F about this. That is why the 08+ trucks usually do the pre key mod. Even if hey crank the t-bars they cant get as high. But if they swap out the keys they can

Thanks STL.

08+ US Rangers and 08-09 CND Rangers need the pre key mod.

Except the Canadian 2010 FX4 does not need the pre key mod. Their already 1/4" higher than 07 FX4's and 1" higher than 08 FX4's. That's what my write up findings prove.

I just did a torsion bar crank on my CND 2010 Fx4 today. I turned the torsion bar adjuster bolts 3 turns each, on both sides (scribed original bolt locations / while jacked up). And took it out for a good long drive to settle the suspension back in good. And now I have a 1/2" gain in ride height up front. And there's lots and lots of bolt left to be threaded. That evened it out a bit for now. Truck sits now at 34 1/4" up front and 34 3/4" in the rear (1/2" differance).

I will be cranking it more after I install my Belltech 6400 shackles. I figure by the amount of thread I used and the amount left, I should be able to get another 1 1/2" to 2" at least. For total front ride height gains of 2" to 2 1/2" Minimum. But I only will do 1 1/4" more (see below).

The Rear end of the truck measures 34 3/4" stock + Shackles 1 3/4" = 36 1/2"
Front end of the truck measures 34 1/4" (with my present crank of 3 turns). Means 36 1/2" rear - 34 1/4" front = 2 1/4" more front lift to be completly level. But I will be leaving my truck a bit raked 1" less in front. So I really only need 1 1/4" more lift in the front for my needs. I tow trailers quite often and carry loads and would like the truck level while towing (not pointing to the sky lol).

Then the 1" BL goes on, yessss. 37 1/2" rear and 36 1/2" front when I'm done. Can't wait.

Then comes the 32" or 33" tires have not decided yet. I keep waffling on that one. More height lol.

Fx4wannabe01 · #5 04-08-2010, 04:55 PM

NO RIDE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE between XLT 4x4's and FX4 4x4's.

Only tire differences that fool the eye to make the truck look taller..because it actually is being on 30's instead of the standard 28's. Plus...there's TONS of other variables......spring rates(torsion bar rate and leaf rate), wear, etc.

NightmareFX4 · #6 04-08-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fx4wannabe01

NO RIDE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE between XLT 4x4's and FX4 4x4's.

Only tire differences that fool the eye to make the truck look taller..because it actually is being on 30's instead of the standard 28's. Plus...there's TONS of other variables......spring rates(torsion bar rate and leaf rate), wear, etc.

Hey Shane

There is definitly a ride hight differance between them. Proof is in the results. I measured over and over again to be absolutly certain. And there is no other variable here there all new 2010 Canadian models XLT, Sport, and FX4

Note: measured from the ground and center of the wheel to the bottom of wheel well. All vehicles tire sizes and types are the same Goodyear RT/S 255/70R16's and all 2010's are new. And all the tire pressues are set to 38 P.S.I.

Front Wheel
2010 XLT / Sport is 33 3/16" 2010 FX4 is 33 3/4" (same as 33 12/16) = 2010 FX4 is 9/16" Higher

The differance must be in the torsion bars ratings / torsion keys. Obviously the 2010 Sport and XLT are getting weaker rated torsion bars or lesser stepped keys or thier dialing down the torsion bars more. Compared to the Canadian 2010 FX4. As well I got measurements from a US guy on his new US 2010 XLT that match up to the measurements of the CND 2010 XLT and Sport at 33 3/16".

Don't know what else to tell ya but the Proofs in the pudding, sorry to bust any bubbles here but fact is fact.

I really do wish the USA had a 2010 FX4 model for you guys to compare apples to apples like I have.

NO RIDE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE maybe true of 09 and down models. Or 2010 US models (as US has no 2010 FX4 to compare to 2010 XLT / Sport). But in 2010 CND models the differance and comparison is there.

Fx4wannabe01 · #7 04-08-2010, 09:50 PM

Drop out a torsion key and post pics to fully prove the point. All the differences in height you're listing could most definately be due to a different preset adjustment bolt on the torsion key....

Include the stamped part numbers in the post, number of threads the adjustment bolt is deep. Get back to the dealer and grab the SPR ratings of the truck to determine what bars it's got. Snap some pics of the LCA angle to the ground.

I've got pics of both US spec 98-07 keys AND 08+ US Spec keys to show the difference. I've got access to the Ford parts department computer for cross referenceing and parts sourcing.....everything at least here in the states shows the 98-07 keys as being the same and all 08-10 keys as being the same. Same with the adjustment bolt. Same with the torsion bars(with respect to different ratings). Same with the shocks. Same with the ball joints. Same with the CV's.

I know you're a bright guy....but did you take into account the amount of fuel in the tank?? Mine moves about half inch from empty to full on the driverside.

NightmareFX4 · #8 04-09-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fx4wannabe01

Drop out a torsion key and post pics to fully prove the point. All the differences in height you're listing could most definately be due to a different preset adjustment bolt on the torsion key....

That's not gonna happen with my truck the keys are staying were they are lol. I do agree as we've both stated it's totaly possible different preset adjustment bolt on the torsion key. As stated in my previous post : Obviously the 2010 Sport and XLT are getting weaker rated torsion bars or lesser stepped keys or thier dialing down the torsion bars more or they have changed the torsion keys in the CND 2010 FX4's. It's one of these reasons. And I'm going to find out.

Include the stamped part numbers in the post, number of threads the adjustment bolt is deep. Get back to the dealer and grab the SPR ratings of the truck to determine what bars it's got. Snap some pics of the LCA angle to the ground.

As for the torsion keys I to have access to the Ford Parts listings that include the 2010 FX4's (I worked for Ford for 5 1/2 years of my 12 years as a Mechanic / I know two Ford Dealer owners / Donnelly (I worked for) and Kanata Ford). I will referance the Ford Parts listings at the Dealer for 2010 CND Torsion key differances if any at all. I do know for sure the CND 2010 FX4's have SPR 11CC (highest rating in Torsion Bars & Springs). I will be going back to the dealer though to find out the Torsion Bars & Springs ratings for the 2010 XLT and Sport models (will post). I could bring my camera and take picks of the LCA's on the three truck models in question. But I really don't think you'd pick up on the 9/16" differance from LCA pic comparisons between the three models though.

I've got pics of both US spec 98-07 keys AND 08+ US Spec keys to show the difference. I've got access to the Ford parts department computer for cross referenceing and parts sourcing.....everything at least here in the states shows the 98-07 keys as being the same and all 08-10 keys as being the same. Same with the adjustment bolt. Same with the torsion bars(with respect to different ratings). Same with the shocks. Same with the ball joints. Same with the CV's.

You have no Americam 2010 FX4 to compare to Shane?

I have seen the differances (pics) in the keys. And there is most certainly a differance between the two. Question is have they changed the keys in the CND 2010 FX4's now? Or simply the CND 2010 Sport and XLT are getting weaker rated torsion bars or lesser stepped keys or thier dialing down the torsion bars more. Compared to the Canadian 2010 FX4. All I do know for certain is the Canadian 2010 FX4's are shipping from Ford to Canada 9/16" higher than the Canadian 2010 XLT and Sport models. And I'm going to find out how.

I know you're a bright guy....but did you take into account the amount of fuel in the tank?? Mine moves about half inch from empty to full on the driverside.

Thanks Shane, I know you know your stuff to. Actually I had thought of fuel load. And was going with the well known (by me and some others anyway) notion that new Ford vehicles are pretty much near empty on delievery from the manufacturer / here in Canada anyway (close enough fuel levels not to throw out my measurements, if at all, this is why I measured 3 of each CND 2010 models, to get a pretty accurate measurement, they all came in at the same per model, so I was pretty convinced and confident of my findings). I've PDI'd tons of Ford vehicles in my time at Ford (we used PDI's as fillers when the shop was slow).

Sorry for the way this post came out. I was trying to answer your paragraphs one by one lol.

Fx4wannabe01 · #9 04-09-2010, 01:38 PM

LOL....yea....my reply's gonna be a little odd too. lol. Bullet by bullet. lol.....

At least here.....there's alot of XLT's and Edge/Sports that got the same #1 torsion bars that the Fx4's got....it's all based on build options...IE xcab/4dr/4x4/4.0. Some got B's while some got #1 bars. Mine got B's while my friends truck that's exactly like mine, same year, got #1's. Mine got cruise/tilt/leather privacy glass and his didn't...yet mine got lessor grade bars. Fx4 Level II's here all got 11CC's like yours.....but it isn't exclusive to the LII, Sports, Edges, XLT's all got that combo depending on how the truck was built out. They're all based on VIN#....so all you really have to do is open the door and look at the tag. Vin# or hitting the parts deptartment is a dead end. They'll tell ya what bars came on what vin#....but not what trucks got what bars.

I know it's sort of a mute point...we're arguing over something that could definately be just the adjustment bolt being set deeper into the key. At least here, 08-09 Fx4's(XLT's and Sports included) are the same slammed 4x4 height. About the same height as a 2wd coil spring truck.

DUH! Of course I don't have 2010 Fx4's at my disposal...I refer you to your original post! lol. All you've got is a rebadged Sport called the 2010 Fx4. Degrade that Fx4 nameplate Ford why don't ya! lol.

It doesn't make sense why Ford would put a special key in 1 trim pkg of a vehicle they don't really care about especially....keeping it around and putting band-aids on it to make it meet federal standards(the airbag and anti-roll over and tpms crap, DRL's for canada models). Especially when there's variable rating t-bars already. And axing options, etc... I'm leaning way towards different presets on that adj bolt for that specific trim pkg. That's the only thing that makes sense.

NightmareFX4 · #10 04-09-2010, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fx4wannabe01

LOL....yea....my reply's gonna be a little odd too. lol. Bullet by bullet. lol.....

At least here.....there's alot of XLT's and Edge/Sports that got the same #1 torsion bars that the Fx4's got....it's all based on build options...IE xcab/4dr/4x4/4.0. Some got B's while some got #1 bars. Mine got B's while my friends truck that's exactly like mine, same year, got #1's. Mine got cruise/tilt/leather privacy glass and his didn't...yet mine got lessor grade bars. Fx4 Level II's here all got 11CC's like yours.....but it isn't exclusive to the LII, Sports, Edges, XLT's all got that combo depending on how the truck was built out. They're all based on VIN#....so all you really have to do is open the door and look at the tag. Vin# or hitting the parts deptartment is a dead end. They'll tell ya what bars came on what vin#....but not what trucks got what bars.

I know it's sort of a mute point...we're arguing over something that could definately be just the adjustment bolt being set deeper into the key. At least here, 08-09 Fx4's(XLT's and Sports included) are the same slammed 4x4 height. About the same height as a 2wd coil spring truck.

DUH! Of course I don't have 2010 Fx4's at my disposal...I refer you to your original post! lol. All you've got is a rebadged Sport called the 2010 Fx4. Degrade that Fx4 nameplate Ford why don't ya! lol.

It doesn't make sense why Ford would put a special key in 1 trim pkg of a vehicle they don't really care about especially....keeping it around and putting band-aids on it to make it meet federal standards(the airbag and anti-roll over and tpms crap, DRL's for canada models). Especially when there's variable rating t-bars already. And axing options, etc... I'm leaning way towards different presets on that adj bolt for that specific trim pkg. That's the only thing that makes sense.

Here I go bullet by bullet lol.

Only CND 2010 4x4 models is what I'm focusing in on here. Which are all xcab, 4dr, 4.0L configuration, with minor variations in trim and options. Sports, XLT's and of course the elusive CND FX4's. The only 3 4x4 models offered here in CND. There are no Edges, Fx4 Level II's for 2010. I just read about a guy that has a 2008 FX4 and had B rated bars factory???? Wierd ah???? Yep! Door Tag is the place I go for the SPR Ratings to.

I'm muted! not. No arguing here just disscusion Shane. Here in Canada it seems to be different when it comes to 2010 4x4 ride hieghts at least when compared to the CND 2010 FX4's. It could definately be just the adjustment bolt being set deeper into the key. Here's the but, is it to far fetched to think that just maybe they have moved back to the 07- torsion key for the CND 2010 FX4's. It is possible. Seeing as they went away from them they could just as easy come back to them. You can still buy them new from Ford, so they still exist. Getting rid of old stock on us lucky Canucks lolol. Oh did ya hear Ford is going back to the 5.0L in the Mustang to replace the present 4.6L (same differance). I am not disputing the slammedness of 09- Ranger models at all.

Then ya gotta trust me on this if ya don't have a 2010 FX4 to compare. It would be nice if someone else with the CND 2010 FX4 would chime in and back me up here lol. No! I refer you to your original post! My Dads Bigger than your Dad LMAO. Your gonna hurt my trucks one and only feeling if ya keep dissing my truck like that Shane lol. My CND 2010 FX4 nameplate (NICE STICKER EH?) Ford is base off a Sport just like an XLT is. Only differance is my 2010 FX4 stickered truck is 9/16" Higher than the CND 2010 XLT and Sport lmao. I love it!

Not everthing makes total sense when it comes to vehicles that I can definatly attest to. The crap I've seen done or not done to vehicles over the years is astounding. If I told ya how many 302's I've rebuilt you'd shit your self. The rings would line up and customers would complain of oil lose and blue smoke puffs when punching it (it was burning oil alright). Ford's solution re & re engine, stripper down, send out block, punch out 30 thousands of an inch, add oversize rings and putter back together. And 302's were in a hell of alot Fords and still are. Don't even get me started on the Merker XR4Ti's turbos I've replaced. And the list goes on and on (as I'm sure you know). Why is it done - bad parts, bad design, idiots again the list goes on and on. There is no ryme or reason for what they do. Why does Canada have a 2010 FX4 and the U.S.A. dosn't, we could ask our selves lol? Lets guess - only because Ford decided it was a good idea obviously hahaha really. Dosn't need to make sense, we should never just assume. I've learned that much over the last 46 years lmao.

My investigation continues.

Fx4wannabe01 · #11 04-09-2010, 06:52 PM

I know we're only talking about CDN '10 fx4's. lol. Are the 3 models offered up there XL, XLT, Fx4? If it's XLT, Sport, Fx4, what is so special about the Fx4? when appearence wise and assumably mechanically, it's just like our Sport model but has Fx4 stickers. lol. Or are Sports only 2wd and Fx4 is the 4wd version of a Sport?

Quote:

I just read about a guy that has a 2008 FX4 and had B rated bars factory???? Wierd ah???? Yep!

Not that weird at all.......Since they axed the L2 and left the LI, it's just like the normal plain jane XLT's with two tone paint. That's what mine is(although older), mine is an equivilent to yours and other "Fx4 Off Road" models minus the '02 fx4 which is essencially a LII. Then for 08-09's, they left the level 2 specialy stuff as options for the fx4. standard they've got the 28 spline/tracloc like what you've got(optional 31spline w/ torsen), base shocks(optional ranchos), etc. You basically just mentioned that I was right. lol. The only Fx4 that I call an Fx4, is a Level II. lol. No offense.....all the other 03+ Fx4 Off Road is just an XLT to me. That might explain some of the things I say in regards to Fx4's and what they got. Don't get me started on the Sportified Fx4 2010 cdn Fx4's. lol. All LII's I've seen have 11cc. Anything else, it varies truck to truck.

I trust ya! lol....I'm not really questioning you at all....more like questioning Ford. haha. WHY is there a difference for that one model in that one country when all these trucks are built off the same production line? It just doesn't make sense to me coming from a production background....axe alot of things, yet make one little change to one model sold in one place.. Broken record here.....

Nice little convo of going back and forth...it's fun! lol. Would you be willing to get me a 2010 CDN Ranger brochure(not in french) and sent it my way? I'd love to flip through it and see the Fx4 all sportied up. lol. I'd also like to find out IF the Sport is a model up there...and if it is, is it strictly 2wd? And the 4wd version of the Sport is named Fx4?? It makes sense to me without actually looking into it. lol. I know I've said it before and others have too.....2010 CDN FX4's appear to be US 4x4 Sports with Fx4 decals on the bedside. I guess I could answer my own question by going to the Ford.ca website? lol. Onward I go... haha.

DangerRanger01 · #12 04-09-2010, 06:55 PM

tldr

Oh shit then i realize you were from Canada and i gave up.
......quit trying... you will never be above us Americans!!!!!
OORRAAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NightmareFX4 · #13 04-09-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerRanger01

tldr

Oh shit then i realize you were from Canada and i gave up.
......quit trying... you will never be above us Americans!!!!!
OORRAAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't read if you don't what to learn! Look at a map lad! We Canadians are above you lmao. Looks like ya need some reading skills. It would probably do you some good AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Fx4wannabe01 · #14 04-09-2010, 07:04 PM

You are our hat.

HAHAHAHA.

DangerRanger01 · #15 04-09-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightmareFX4

Don't read if you don't what to learn! Look at a map lad! We Canadians are above you lmao. Looks like ya need some reading skills. It would probably do you some good AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

above us as in physically speaking???? ahahahaha, you've got to be kidding me. You're Canadian, you are below me. You have less self worth than a pickle. i'm sorry man, but i know your kind gave little during WWII, i'm sorry your kind cound't redeem themselves.

Live long, be thankful you can man up owning a Ranger. Face it, its the only thing you have going for yourselves.

lol wut???