B4manek

Hi I'm from the 97-03 section. My dad is looking for a used 09-current truck. He either wants an Fx4 or Lariat. He currently has an 04 fx4 flareside and he swears that the Fx4 will tow better than the lariat. I was wondering how the Fx4 tows compared to the lariat.

klumb15

The FX4 has "offroad" shocks which may be the difference he's noticing. Everything else is equal. As far as the two packages, which does he prefer, color matched exterior or chrome? Also the FX4 interior is more sportier and the Lariat interior is more luxury with woodgrain and such. Regardless of Lariat or FX4, have him find a truck equipped with the Max Tow package. That should impress him.

GatorMedic

If you get the same gear ratio Lariat you'll get the same towing capacity as a similarly equipped FX4. 09+ FX4s come with 3.73s so look for the same ratio in a Lariat. Regardless it will tow much better than his 04 due to the 6 speed transmission

frankashaw

I drive an FX4, love the truck but I would love it more if it had A/C seats. That is the only thing I see that the Lariat has over the FX4.
The FX4 does have different suspension and a standard 373 rearend, but I think those are available on the Lariat as well.

fxdr

2012 fx4's now have a/c seats if you want that option. Then again, the op's dad may have a hard time finding a used 2012.

The ac seats are amazing btw.

GatorMedic

The '12 FX4s due come with cooled seats, prior MYs didn't. Lariat is available with the same "offroad" shocks and 3.73 locker if you want or you have the ability to choose a different set-up too. The '12 Lariat has Auto 4wd in addition to 2H, 4H, and 4L. Plus a copy other features like middle seat pull down armrest/cupholders in the back seat, etc