I would some clarification in regards to the differences between say a Limited with 4x4 and lower model with the fx4 option. I notice that the Limited 4x4 does not include skid plates ( I could be mistaken). Can someone please chime in...Thanks

 

Maybe you can find an online brochure for the 2021 (I have a PDF of the 2016 brochure) to look at the itemized list that Ford specifies is included in each package.

Looks like this Google search will get you to a Ford site 2021 f150 brochure

The brochure should be definitive as to what exactly is in the FX4.

 

The FX4 has skid plates, locking rear differential, and downhill assist control. If you don’t plan to really go off-road then there is no reason to go for the FX4.

 

Most trims have a lock rear diff that has more to do with the rear end you choose. The real difference is skid plates and hill descent control as you stated.

 

Forget to add off road biased shocks

 

Don't forget the cool sticker!

 

I chose to skip it in my build. It's overpriced for what I would have gotten.

I ordered an HDPP, meaning it does not get unique shocks for the FX4. There is not a shock specific to HDPP FX4, but only to one or the other. All HDPPs get the HDPP shocks.

The hill descent control doesn't seem to have much use to me. Although the F150 has a very tall low range/1st ratio compared to a typical off-road vehicle, you can still find a lot of engine braking in 1st and 4Low. Plus it's easy to add aftermarket.

The skid plates I strongly considered, but for less cost I could get a complete RCI aluminum kit, which, while they aren't designed for severe use, are likely significantly stronger than OEM.

The sticker was a minus for me. I would grab a hair dryer and peel that off the first day I had it. If they stick a 4x4 sticker or other logo on it I plan to peel that off too.

Mud pans I wasn't too interested in either. Easier to just swap in a vinyl floor, or order a vinyl floor with the XL package.

(I've always thought it would be funny to take a short 2x4 and write "2x4" on it and screw it to the side of my current 2WD...)

 

Skid plates are a standalone option on non-FX4 trucks, so they can be ordered with them. As mentioned, you're really just missing out on hill descent control, supposedly "off road" shocks, and a sticker. I'll assume the Limited models don't have Hill Descent Control, since I haven't driven one?

And Ford's skid plates are flimsy with poor coverage. I could probably bend them with my hand if I tried hard enough! Aftermarket would be the way to go if you're serious.

I only spec'd the FX4 for my 2020 order since at that time it allowed me to spec the 3.73 E-locker axle at no extra charge, which I wanted, so it sort of worked for me.

 

I leased an '18 XLT Sport 157" and I currently have a '19 Lariat Sport SE FX4 157". The FX4 definitely rides better both off and on road. Shocks are way stiffer on the FX4 and no body roll like my '18 had. '18 felt like I was driving the old '95 Buick Roadmaster wagon we had for a parts runner at my old job 🤣

 

Don't forget the really nice floor mats!