Hi Guys

I test drove a 2012 F-150 Lariat and loved the drive. Also wanted to test drive an FX4 as a comparison due to the stiffer suspension, but the dealer doesn't have one in stock.

I was wondering if anyone can chime in if they've test driven both models and if the FX4 has a noticeably or very-noticeably stiffer suspension on the road?

Thanks
Mike

 

I test drove two Lariats before I finally ordered my fx-4, all three were 145" wheelbase models, one crew and one supercab, my fx4 is a supercab, the ride is identical in all three, the only difference that I found was that steering effort is higher than on the two lariats, all three had the ecoboost engine and run pretty fast. I also ordered a max tow package that increased the gvwr and that did not seem to make any difference in the way it rode. all three had 18" wranglers on them. Just clicked 10,000 miles on mine and I am still smiling!

 

Absolutley go to another dealer and drive an fx-4, as these things are very expensive and you want to be happy with whatever it is that you buy!

 

Great to hear!

 

It's a 4 hour drive to the nearest one! I was hoping that you guys could save me some time.

 

As far as I know the suspension is the same across the board. Unless you get a raptor.

 

I'm not sure if that's true?? I always thought the FX4 came with different shocks and skid plates underneath because it is built more for off road use. I personally bought one because i like the blacked out grill and tinted headlights. Also liked the fact that there is no wood grain in the interior on the FX4.

 

From all I could read on fords website it appeared that an XL 4x4 suspension is identical to a lariat or FX4, minus the skidplates. Dont think they build them "specialized" like an FX4 for offroad or Lariat for soft ride. I did just do some research and it appears the FX4 has a different part number on the front shock but other than that there is no difference between springs and all. And who knows if the different front shocks really even matter, I've noticed my truck rides pretty good minus the rear end is really jumpy when empty. My personal opinion is that wheel size and tires will be what makes a truck ride smooth or rough. Mine has the 20s on it and you can feel every bump in the road. I'm sure if it had 17s it would be better but I like the look. That is also why I went against a Lariat was that I hated most of the color combinations and the wood grain interior is hideous.

 

I have a '10 FX4 and I have driven other XLTs and Lariats. My FX4 paperwork states that it has specially tuned suspension, but I really have not noticed much difference. The only differences that I could attribute to any ride difference was the different size wheels.

 

Thanks guys for all the feedback. What it seems to boil down to is if there is a difference, it's marginal.

 

You are correct.