I was researching what the difference was between the FX4 package shocks and non FX4 shocks. Depending on where you read and from who, I found where the front and rear are different to only the front and then there are no difference between the shocks on the FX4 and non.. With researching some of the OEM ford parts places, I do not even see a FX4 listed, but when I get the numbers off of the shocks I have installed, these are also not listed. Still no clarity.
What I found on the white sticker that I still have on my rear shock is:
138 4038
1A19376A
GL34 18080
I also can't find any reference to these number. It makes a bit more sense that the fronts are the only ones that may be different from a FX4 and a non FX4 (But on the ford site, it specifies off road tuned front and rear shocks). I am just deciding which I want to replace first, I realize the fronts will help level the truck but the rears will take out some of the bounce. Only going to do one set then 3 months later do the others.
Anyone have any actual info that I am missing?
Thanks

 

I can't help you too much with part numbers but what I can say is I had fx4 shocks (as my truck is an fx4). And there was still plenty of rake when it was stock. If your goal is to level it. I would just recommend factoring that cost...I put Bilsteins on mine. I had a spacer level but felt that replacement struts is really a better and more permanent solution.

 

I believe they are the same exact parts. I recommend the rears first, that's what I did. It makes the ride SIGNIFICANTLY different. What you're doing is actually right on with what I did, except I waited about 5 months between them.

 

Both FX4 and non FX4 shocks suck.

EDIT: Forgot to mention but you should do the rears first.

 

Your part number is 18080. I have a post explaining Ford part numbers somewhere in my history (Edit: https://www.f150forum.com/f118/trail...4/#post5246429). That being said, you can't find 18080 for sale by Ford because that is a manufacturers part number, not a Ford part number. Usually they are cross referenced... this one is not. On ford parts it will be PN 18125 I believe.

 

Fl3z 18125 brings up the shocks but still nothing noting fx4 or not

 

Do you like the Bilsteins over the spacer lift? I have the RC spacer but am not happy with the stiffer ride. I have been thinking of doing a full 4 inch lift or just getting a set of four Bilsteins. I love the look of my truck and all but would love to improve the harshness of the ride.

 

After a bunch of looking and not finding anything specific toward the FX4, I can only assume that the shocks are the same as a 4x4 model. I have to go into the dealer next week, may annoy the parts guy with a bunch of questions and see if I can positively find out. Thanks for all the responses.

 

Just a quick update in case anyone wants an answer to the shock question. I was at the dealer and asked the parts guy if the FX4 had different shocks than a standard 4x4. He punched some buttons and said yes. Seems all of the FX4's come with a premium off road front shock (Strut) but only some come with a premium off road rear shock. He looked mine up by VIN to say I had the premium shocks all around so I asked what was changed from the standard shock to make them a premium which he was not sure. I also inquired who made the premium shocks but again he was not sure. This by no means is stating that the premium shocks are any good so don't need a bunch of people telling me they all suck as I am shopping for Bilstein shocks. So there may be some FX4's out there with standard rear shocks.
Just a FYI

 

Here are FX4 rears. Replaced with 5100s.