Wolperdinger

Does anybody have comments about the stiffness of the ride with the FX4 Off Road Package? The Ford website says it includes "Off-Road tuned shock absorbers (front and rear)". Just wondering if there is any noticeable difference between those and the regular shocks. Getting ready to order my 2018 in a few weeks.

LoneWolfTrucker

I love the way my FX4 rides. I do some light offroading and they seem to handle it well.

wme735

Regardless of whether you go FX4 or not, you will probably be changing out the rear shocks at some point for something after market. I have a 2017 FX4 and the rear shocks are garbage and it seems to be a problem on all trim levels. When you hit bumps and etc. the back end just wants to bounce around something stupid. And if you are looking to raise the front end to level you could also look at coilovers that can raise the front end 2 or 2.5 inches.

Their "off-road tuned shock absorbers" are a joke. FX4 will get you the Electric locking rear axle and skid plate at least.

Wolperdinger

Kinda figured that was the case. I put Bilstein 4600's on my Ranger this year and love them. I really only wanted the locking diff on the F150, but then noticed that the Off Road package gets you the skid plates as well. Not sure I'd use Hill Descent control that much. As for the special decals, heck, I can go to a graphics shop and make it say anything I want back there for pretty cheap.

chimmike

I can't personally tell a difference in ride quality between the regular 4x4 and FX4.
Originally the FX4 was a package and included Rancho shocks I think. While Ford's website says the FX4 still has different shocks.......my salesman says they're not different and based on the similar ride and visuals, I tend to agree. Especially for a $700 sticker price on the package, that's hill descent control and skid plates.....

LoneWolfTrucker

I'm pretty sure if that was true Ford would be open to a class action lawsuit.

Wolperdinger

Sounds like I might just go for the locking diff and then throw on a pair of Bilstein 4600 or 5100's then. Most off roading I do is with my son's '91 Cherokee, anyway. Why use my own?

jd50i

On test drives the FX4 was a harsher ride, that was my reason for looking for a non FX4 truck.

chimmike

honestly for the price of the FX4 the skid plates are a nice option. Aftermarket skidplates are NOT cheap.

chimmike

yeah, but remember back when they came with rancho shocks?
I can't tell a visual difference.......and the window sticker just says 'skid plates' on FX4 trucks