Hello,
I know that the differences between FX4 and Lariat with 4x4 have been discussed but I have some specific questions I was hoping some experienced off roaders could answer. As far as I can tell, the two real performance features that make the FX4 stand out are the locking rear differential and the stiffer springs (I'm already getting the max trailer tow package so I'll have the same gearing regardless). How beneficial/necessary are these two features. I live in the PNW so I definitely see driving in mud a lot but I'll probably never go rock crawling.

Thanks for your help

 

Limited slip front and rear = better traction on all roads
Bilstein shocks and skid plates your good to go !

 

No limited slip in the front of any of them although it would be nice.

To the OP, the main difference between the 2 is appearance. You can configure both nearly identical. Use the build and price feature on ford.com and it'll answer lots of questions.

 

The benefits over the standard "off road" package.

You get much cooler low profile 20" street tires that offer less traction, on nice rims.

You get a cooler grille
You get a cooler sticker
You get a better set of shocks
You get leather and a center console and no option of not having it.
You get a power outlet in your center console.


You get the same flimsy *** skid plates that fold up when they touch a rock.
You get the same flimsy *** running boards that fold up when they touch a rock.
Your spare is still mounted underneath...what a great idea on an "off road" truck.
You get the same rear locking diff .
You get to pay a few grand more. nothing wrong with that if you want those features.

 

Most of the people commenting on here will post their opinions of which is better. Ultimately it's up to you.

Differences:
FX4 has standard flow through console, PTM bumpers, black grille, black interior, choice of cloth or leather and probably some things I'm missing.

Lariat (since you mentioned it) has flow through console or 40/20/40 front seats, chrome grille, 2 tone option otherwise chrome bumpers, choices in interior color, standard leather, bigger choice of rear ends and probably some things I'm missing.

Similarities:
Both are the same bodystlye, same engine choices, same transmission, same company, etc. It's all personal opinion on which looks better or provides better for everyday driving.

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that both came with the locking differential. I have been checking Ford's page and been to the dealer but I've found the information incredibly muddled. I still can't find where it actually tells you the shocks are stiffer on the FX4 (The dealer sort of mentioned this in passing). I was also concerned about having one less skid plate. Maybe getting aftermarket skid plates and some other items is the way to go. All I really know about off roading from my limited exposure is that I like it.

 

It has "offroad" shocks but if you get a heavier payload package it'll do the same thing. Best would probably be to just replace them yourself and get aftermarket skid plates too. A member on here builds and sells skid plates that are a really good value but can't remember his name off the top of my head. Something like joshp967 or something.

 

Sry my corrections on the front limited slip , I added that on my truck and electric locker for the rear . Bilstein racing shocks and Daystar bump stops .

 

Joshp767. And from first hand experience he does awesome work! Have his plate in the nose of mine and I couldn't be happier with it!

 

So close! I've thought about getting some put just can't convince myself. I'm offroad all the time but no rock crawling or anything, just farm roads