4x4 vs FX4
 

I’m considering buying a new truck. Since I’m an old man who doesn’t plan on any off roading, just traveling and occasionally pulling a travel trailer. I want a nice ride! However, many of the trucks I seen are FX4, which have a lot of off road stuff that I would never use, and I am worried that the suspension with be not as smooth for these old bones.
MY REAL QUESTION IS: is the ride quality compromised with the FX4 package?

I can't answer your question specifically, but I'll share with you that adding 200-300lbs in the bed of the truck smooths out the ride "real nice". I've towed to and that's even better.

FX4 = Some junky Rancho shocks that blow out, different tires that will wear out no different than other OEM tires, a couple of largely useless skid plates, and some stickers. My first truck had this option because it was on the lot. Those that I've ordered since have not.

I think it's worth looking for a 4x4 just to save $1000 and some payload, certainly was worth it in my case.

I would say that you couldn’t really tell which version, fx4 or 4x4, you were riding in if you took a blindfold challenge. The fx4 package costs about $1100. With that you get a rear locker (that’s worth $500 right there), nice floor mats (yeah I know some people will disagree), hill decent mode, off-road tuned front shocks and monotube rear shocks, skid plates (good enough for on road hazards). And very sexy stickers that make the ladies swoon and gives you morning wood.

My truck is a pavement princess so fx4 isn’t really needed. I bought off the lot and damn near every truck my dealers sells has the fx4 package. If I was to order I’d probably not get the fx4 package but around my area seems everyone wants fx4 trucks.

But back to the ride quality. Everyone I’ve had in my truck on the highway comments on how well the truck rides. I have 20” rims. If you want a better ride go with the 18” rims.

My 4x4 2023 also has rear locker, is it different in 4x4 vs. FX4? It's the 3.73 not sure if that's the difference.

For what's it's worth, I'm going to be 68 in a couple of months and I'm on my second Platinum with the FX4. It's as comfortable on the road as my old Mercedes S500 as long as there's some load in the back. The 2024 that I just took delivery of is super quiet with more insulation than the 2017. It's an amazing road trip machine.

My .02

Greg

I got FX4 Platinum, and I hated the ride and those FX4 flimsy skid plates (with transmission "skid plate" being actually some sort of felt crap).
Ride quality has improved since I moved to Fox2/0 Roush shocks, and all factory skid plates are now replaced with real deal - RCI skidplates.
If I knew that from before, I might have chosen 4x4 instead...

I had the FX4 on my old 2002 F150 and wanted it on my 23 Lariat. I don't know why at this point and what actually came with the package but the sticker looks cool. I'm not sure about the ride quality between a FX4 and a 4x4 but I am really impressed with how comfortable the new trucks are and I think you will be too Paparoe.
Take one for a test drive.

my 21 was an FX4, my 2024 is just a standard 4x4. Ride is MUCH better in my 24