HPP springs and shocks - part details.
Rear springs are P FL34 5560 EE, and are an upgrade for sure. Alone they don't justify the cost of the package, but I'm sure this won't squat under load excessively. I strongly considered getting a Lariat 502A and switching to these springs and/or air helpers and firmer shocks.
Front stabilizer is upgraded to FL34 5494 CA.
Rear shocks are FL34-18080-FC.
The ride of the truck was important, but was a leap of faith because there weren't any to test drive. I liked the feel of the normal FX4, but I thought the non-FX4 was too mushy for my preference. The super duty was too much the other way and lacked the nimble easygoing feel (and I have a F350 dually for when I need something heavy). I would say the non-FX4 HPP ride is very similar to the non-HPP FX4. That's an unloaded to unloaded comparison, but I expect the HPP to have much less bobble and mush when it's full of people, gear, and tounge weight.

 

Cooling system:
IF this package bought me "upgrades" to the cooling system they aren't impressive. The transmission cooler is about 3.5" x 20" and an inch thick.
The radiator probably isn't any different than the non-HPP; and I wouldn't want anything less. My old expedition has an upgrade tow package that gave it an impressive radiator and I'd trade for that if I could. This one is only around 36x18x1.5. I've read about guys getting an over temperature power reduced warning when holding a high load for a long time and I'm not surprised now that I see this. We may have ample hp, but there's going to be a limiting factor somewhere and I suspect this is it.

 

Here is what the payload package offers from the brochure

Payload
2.7L EcoBoost Payload Package (available on
XL, XLT and LARIAT; requires 2.7L EcoBoost engine;
n/a with Regular Cab 122" WB) includes 3.73
electronic-locking rear axle, 9.75" gear set,
mechanical parking brake, and Trailer Tow Package

Heavy-Duty Payload Package (available on XL,
XLT 300A/301A and LARIAT 500A; increases GVWR
for improved payload and towing; restrictions
apply) includes 17" Silver heavy-duty steel wheels
with LT245/70R17E BSW all-terrain tires on XL;
18" Silver heavy-duty aluminum wheels with
LT275/65R18C OWL all-terrain tires on XLT and
LARIAT; heavy-duty shock absorbers; upgraded
springs and radiator; auxiliary transmission oil cooler;
9.75" gear set and 3.73 electronic-locking rear axle

 

Stop being a whiner about the upgrades. What did you pay extra - $500.00 more to get better tires, better wheels, a thicker frame, higher GVWR etc?

Worth every penny if you ask me.

 

Driveline:
Check out this goofy thing; I was expecting a one piece aluminum drive shaft and got what looks like a three piece steel complex. I'm not sure if this is because of the crew cab 6.5 box length, or if it really took a lot of engineering to get the power back there. Nice that it is less likely to get high-centered, but I'd hate to ever have to deal with a balance issue. Picture says it all.

 

I should be clear - I'm happy with my choice. But, when I was shopping I was frustrated with the unknowns about the HPP upgrade. I think anyone else considering it would like to know what it gets you and what not to expect. The price of the upgrade clearly gets a frame and suspension advantage. The hardest part about the HPP is how it forces compromise with other options you may really want, and obviously availability.

 

People that want/need higher payload need to give up some of the "Luxuries" offered in the higher packages - IE 501A/502A for lariats

It's all a numbers game with Ford/Dodge/Chevy - A race for top dog. If Ford or others can limited the extras to reduce the weight in the truck, the higher the payload rating. I for one, needed more payload, so I sacrificed some of the luxuries. If payload is not important but the extras are, then you have a choice. Simple.

 

I picked my 2016 with the HDPP on Wednesday, my previous ride was a 2013 with the HDPP. My initial thoughts are I love the interior but the ride feels a bit squishy compared to the 2013 which I'm blaming on the C rated tires. I noticed how much more it bounces around right away and later on the next day it was a breezy ride home and the truck wandered around the road more than the 2013. The steering wheel feels weird as there is a dead spot in the middle where it feels there is no response when you rock it slightly back and forth, almost like you were driving a vehicle with worn out steering components. I am changing the tires this week to E rated tires, which is what I believe should have been on there to begin with not just for load capability but the fact that they don't sway around. I'm not dissatisfied with it just wishing they had done a little more thinking on the tire end of things.

 

Yes, one of the downsides of the 6.5' bed on a SCREW is the multi-piece drive shaft. Not sure if it really means anything, but it was one of the reasons I decided not to factory order the heavy duty payload package. (The HDPP only comes on the Screw w/6.5' or SCAB w/8' bed.)

 

So just curious, how come on all of the spec sheets online / book the foot notes all mention higher limits for max tow, but virtually nothing for HDPL packages? Wouldn't this package be a factor for increased towing capacities?

I didn't know this package existed until after I purchased my truck. I assumed Max Tow was the largest towing package offered from reading the spec sheets.