Lenn

I like my Lariat just fine. I test drove the FX2 and FX4. The FX's were nice but rode too harsh for me. I wanted the FX4 so bad I could taste it but I decided that I spend too much time on the road to have stiffer suspension. NTM- the Lariat can do anything an FX can in real world applications.

tr20sdrummer

so im looking at buying an f150...im having trouble picking one also...can you guys please help me out?? i have been looking at a lot of xlts because they are cheaper than the fx4.. im looking for a supercab..i know some of the xlts have the 4x4 switch **** deal instead of the manual switch, which i want the ****...ive came close to buying two fx4's now....i know the xlt's dont have the skid plates? right? and they have different suspension?? but do they have switch on the fly??? so tell me guys, what would be the differences between the two and which one would you choose???

MHC-F150

From my understanding, the following items are FX4 upgrades not available on the XLT. Oh, and the only suspension difference I know of are the shocks, nothing else. And this is on 04-08 F150s, not 03 & prior or '09s.

1. Shocks
2. Skid Plates
3. Decals
4. Center Console Shifter
5. Gauges
6. Limited Slip - Standard (XLT Optional)
7. 9.75 Rear End (XLT is 8.8)
8. Luxury Pkg (leather and such items similar to the Lariat)

Please correct me anyone if I missed anything.

My '02 F150 was a Lariat FX4 and when purchasing my '06, I found really no benefit to the FX4, other than cosmetics. The Skid Plates on the '04-08 are a plastic type material, where my '02 were metal/steel. Center console shifter looks nice, but takes up usable space. Got Limited Slip on my XLT and really don't need the upgraded 9.75 rear end. The FX4 gauges do look great, but again just another cosmetic item. Didn't need all the bells and whistles the Luxury pkg offers, plus the cost gets up there. Just my 2 cents.

Buckstruck

Gota love the FX4s. They are great trucks all around. The ride is not any stiffer than the lariat, in my opinion.

tr20sdrummer

well ill be doing some mild off roading here and there, as far as performing off road, does any know if there is really that much of a difference?? i suppose thats my main concern..and is there any way of telling by looking at the xlt if it has the optional limited slip or not?

tr20sdrummer

the cosmetic things dont concern me.. ill mod the truck to my liking any ways..im just looking for off road performance..

LariatInTheMud

same here, i have a lariat that has most of the features that the FX4 including skid plates.

PawPaw

Same here, skid plates, 3.73 LS on my Lariat.

07f150driver

If you can afford it & you like it...GO FOR THE LARIAT!! The Lariat is the classic king on the road. Before the King Ranch or Harley Davidson Edition came along & now the 09 Platinum Edition...the Lariat was the best. I love my Lariat! It has good looks & numerous premium features that come standard unlike many other F150 models. Don't get me wrong though...any ford f150 is a great truck to own & drive. Choosing how you wish to drive in style is totally up to you. Good luck & welcome to the F150 family!!

MHC-F150

My '06 XLT has been through the same terrain my '02 FX4 went through, no problems. Truthfully for off-roading I can only see the skid plates and stiffer shocks as beneficial over the XLT models. Now if you wait for the Raptor, that truck is significantly upgraded for off-road purposes. The '09 FX4 does come standard with a locking rear diff., which is beneficial for off-roading, but it doesn't look like you're wanting new. If you're willing to add aftermarket shocks and skid plates, then I think the XLT would be just as capable off-road as the Fx4. Just depends on if you want some of the style aspect the FX4 offers over and above the XLT.

Now to determine which rear end the truck has, you'll need the chart in the link below and to look at the door jam of each truck for the "Axle Code". Simply keep in mind the axle code is 2-digits. If it is two numbers (17, 19, 35, etc) it is a Non-Limited Slip model. If it is a letter then a number (B9, B6, B5, etc) then it is a Limited Slip model. Also it's easy to read, if the 2nd digit is a 7 then it's a 3.31. If the 2nd digit is a 9 it's 3.55, if the 2nd digit is a 6 then it's a 3.73 and if the 2nd digit is a 5 it's 4.10.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...de_Chart_.html

Hope this helps.