Lorem Ipsum

I am in the process of buying a new, 2018, F150 Lariat. I am wondering if the Fx4 option makes sense on this truck. I am buying the Lariat vs the XLT because I like the leather seats, the ride is smoother, and my wife says it is quieter than the XLT (I can't tell because my hearing is bad). This truck will be my daily commuter vehicle and we plan to use it on long trips to off road camping destinations. I am assuming the roughest roads we'll travel will be fire roads and gravel mountain passes. We will not be competing or doing any extreme rock climbing.

• Is it worth the extra dollars to get the Fx4 option?
• How would Fx4 option to change the ride of a Lariat?

Thanks

Phyer Phyter

mhendrickson81

Are you comparing FX4 to a 2WD or to a std 4x4? If you compare an FX4 to a std 4x4, then you get skid plates and locking differentials. The ride will be the same. If you compare either the 4x4 or the FX4 to a 2WD, then yes the ride will be different. If you need 4x4...then get it. I would go FX4 so you have the skid plates. I have the 4x4 xlt...and added aftermarket skid plates.

acdii

Waste of money. Skid plates are cheap, you can get better ones for the same price or less, and the downhill assist button costs like $15 and a forescan tweak to get working. It has "off-Road tuned" front shocks, whatever that means.

Here is a skid plate kit that fully protects the engine, trans and transfer case, which the OEM does not, https://www.stage3motorsports.com/F1...e-Package.html

Here is the fuel tank skid plate, https://www.stage3motorsports.com/F1...lon-Tanks.html

More than likely if you do plan to off road, the shocks will be replaced as well, so what would you gain by optioning the FX4 package? a set of stickers?

jp360cj

The FX4 also gets you different gears (3.55s I think). But you can get a lot more bang for the buck with the Max Tow package and still get the 3.55 e-locker. Then the only difference (as far as I can tell) is the HDC (which is cheap to add) and skid plates (which you can get better on the aftermarket, probably for cheaper than the FX4 package). Oh, and stickers.

I don't think there is any difference in adding the FX4 to an XLT or a Lariat as far as what you get.

acdii

Exactly, the Max Tow is a much better, actually one of the most economical, options you can get on the 3.5 EB truck, but can't get it on the 5.0. Years ago FX4 was a unique trim package, and I think too many are looking at it as being the same, when in reality, its just a cash cow for Ford. Notice there is no FX2 package, yet, there used to be one.

Lorem Ipsum

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I didn't think to list all the options I have specified for this truck.
My factory build plan:
F150, Lariat, Crew Cab, 4x4, 5.5' bed, 3.5L EB.
Options:
501A, black leather seats, Sports Appearance, Max Tow, 36 gallon tank, wheel well covers, tail gate step, Tow Mirrors

On the fence about:

• 501A vs 502A. Heated rear seats and steering wheel are a not big deal to me. Premium sound seems like something I could improve myself later. Is there something else that would push me to 502?

GP-SE

502 is worth it, you get LED headlights/fogs, B&O stereo with sub, BLIS/Cross traffic alert, auto high beams, auto wipers, heated wheel. FX4 is unto you, the front struts are softer, and the truck does ride a touch softer compared to a non FX4 truck. I had two 2018's, and my FX4 is smoother over heavy bumps. The FX4 package gives off road tuned front struts (softer for off roading)

acdii

+1 on the 502a. LED headlights are the best! Just that alone is worth the package.

Gene K

Elocker - NADA Avg Wholesale $0
FX4 - NADA Avg Wholesale $450
If you will trade in 2-3 years your better off with the FX4 if it's a non-MaxTow.

With Max Tow I wouldn't order FX4 as you pay for the Elocker twice. No discount when ordered together.

The back shocks are the same. The FX4 front shocks are valved softer not stiffer than standard shocks. This to keep the front tires from skipping off-road. It's like the difference between a street bike and a dirt bike shock although the difference is much milder. You will get a softer feel on initial turn in on the street with the FX4.

No Axle Ratio upgrade is included in FX4. Cost me $50 to go from 3.31 to 3.55.