From the outside of the truck, how can you tell the difference between the models?

I am looking at the pictures in peoples galleries, but the difference doesn't really stand out. I want to be able to tell the difference when I am driving down the road.

I already know I have the best looking truck on the forum , but I'd like to be able to say that's a 2001 or that's a 2002.



TIA,

Tom

 

As far as I know, the only way to tell is to ask to see the owner's payment booklet and see how many payments have been made.

I think the exterior is identical.

I am not sure, but I think the folowing is true....
In the 4x4's,......

'01 has "4x4" sticker on the bed (no ORP package available)
'02 has either "4x4" or "Off Road 4x4" sticker on the bed
'03 has "FX4" sticker on the bed

As I said, I am not 100% sure, but I think this is correct.

 

ive got an 02 with the fx4 package.

 

One thing is the back glass (unless it's been replaced like mine)

I have an 01... it had a gasket that literally hung out the edges around the back plastic piece whereas the 02+ has a hard plastic and rubber gasket around the back glass...

Hard to explain.. corner a couple that you know are 01 vs 03 and you'll see the difference...

01 didn't offer the FX4 package either...

I believe there are a few other differences but, they're not coming to me at the moment...

RP

 

pic ***** to the rescue LoL

1st pic is of the 97-01 style seals



this pic is of the 02 and up style seals after they revised the design so they don't pop out and in all around the trim piece. but like RP said, its not a definate way to tell 01 from 02/03 cuz alot of these have been changed under warranty, like mine was

 

Some differences i have noticed.


01) Round head rest front, no head rest back
Trailer Tow does not have 4 pin connect
Off Road 4X4 sticker
17 in chrome wheels
Plastic stearing wheel cover
buldging window seal (stated above)

02) Adjustable head rest front and rear
Trailer Tow 7pin and 4pin connect
FX4 sticker and FX4 wheels
Power sliding window

03) Adjustable head rest front and rear
FX4 sticker, wheels, and ranchero shocks
Power sliding window
Trailer Tow 7pin and 4 pin
automatic heating & air

The 01 is easy, look at the head rests. For the 02 and 03 with FX4 look at the shocks. I believe there is also a change in the Lariat mirror turn signal, but I'm not shure. I think the 03 signals from behind the glass. In know the 01 does not.

 

just rememberd another one. on the 01-02's, at the top of the windshield they have the factory tint strip. ford got cheap in 03 and decided not to put them on anymore

 

You can identify a 2001 positively if it has no back seat headrests. This does not mean if there are backseat headrests it is not a 2001 (could be a Gen III).

With that in mind, if it has the rubber rear window seal, it is not a 2003.

FX4 package means it is a 2002-3. (Thanks Serotta)

Of course all of the above assume this equipment is stock (anything can be switched out).

Anyone know any other positive identifications?

 

FX4 package means it's an 02 or 03.

 

I have a 2001 Gen III S'crew with:

Back seat headrest.
4x4 Off Road Package.
17" Alloy wheels

The only difference I can tell between a Gen III 2001 and the 2002 or the 2003 is the FX4 sticker replaces Off Road Package.

I believe that most (all) of the changes between the Gen I, II and III for 2001 were in the interior.

 

Yep, my 01 Gen 3 also has the 4 pin trailer wiring connector.

 

Yep...screwfun is correct. I have the same, except I've removed the decals.

 

'01 has rounded grab bars and the '02 , '03s have squared off ones.

 

early 02's also have the rounded *o ****** handles. most of the 02's have the squared ones though

 

Geesh, you are a pic *****... LMAO...

RP