Forgot to add this on my last post, but the 2011 brochure states the XLT can be ordered with many different packages including an "Offroad" package. This gives the 3.73 locking rear and skid plates just the same as an FX4. The XLT I drove also had the productivity screen and was SWEET! Depending on how the price of a loaded out XLT comes in, it may be the way I go now vs. the FX4. The locking diff. in the FX4 was what made me only look that direction, but now I could look at the XLT.

 

only the 3.73 rear end comes with the locker?

 

you can get the e-locker in both 3.73 and 4.30 from the factory. i have the 3.73 with the e-locker in my xlt.

 

The 4.30 is only available in the Raptor. WOW, an offroad package for the XLT is a great idea. I wonder if the FX4 package is doomed in the future. They sell like crazy though.

 

Actually, the Raptor has 4.10 gearing. The only Ford trucks available with 4.30 gearing now are the Super Duties. The 3.73 is available in the form of the e-locker and as a limited slip. The limited slip is what's used in the trucks with Max Trailer Towing and the e-locker is available with the off-road package.

 

i'd think that the "off-road package" is going to take a chunk of sales away from the FX4, i strongly considered an XTR w/offroad package instead of the FX4.

 

You could be right. I'll also bet that the FX4 and the Lariat are battling for sales too.

 

i wish that the locker was an option all on its own! even with 3:55's like i got. but guess i should go after market and do the front as well. but who, where, how?
guess ill be doing a little surfing on the web!

 

I wish the locker was an option on the 4x2 trucks as well.

Oh, and thank for the correction John on the Raptor's axle ratios.

 

Man I hope not. I LOVE the FX4 package. I had it on a Ranger too. Not only because of the locker but the interior design and other little add ons always make it look mean & sporty, yet they provide some upscale options.

When I was looking to buy, it was either between an STX 4X4 or the FX4 (which I got). I like the black grille and interior colors for both. I dont like those incredibly bland colors for the XLTs (Camel and light grey cloth) so dull....

 

I have an ecoboost XLT with the FX4 off road package on order. It came with the 3.73 e locker

However you can get a 4.10 elocker if you buy an ecoboost FX4 truck with 20" rims and max tow and the FX4 off road package

 

I don't think you can order an XLT with the Flow Through center console and shifter like what is standard on FX4. Also, 4.10 gears are available in a Fx4 and the painted bumpers and grille. Fx4 is not going anywhere.

 

Ya, you can't get what Ford calls the "flow through console" on the XLT, however if you order bucket seats ($300 MSRP), then you'll get a very deep center console that would otherwise be a seat.

 

My personal taste wouldn't have me headed towards an FX4 model but you have admit the interior is sweet with the luxury package. The XLT could never be that nice on the inside since you cannot get leather seats. I like the exterior design much more on the XLT than the FX4.

 

I have leather seats on my 99 Expy and the leather on the drivers seat is all torn up. I decided that cloth seats were just fine on a F150 since I was going to cover them anyway with Wet Okole seat covers. I'd probably even add seat covers with leather seats.

BTW, you may know this already, but I think only the front seats on the FX4 will be leather-trimmed with the luxury package? I think the rear seats are cloth (or vinyl)?