Folks,

Anyone have a Super Duty with the FX4 package? The book shows that it includes skid plates, "hill descent control" and a set of Rancho shocks. About what type of Rancho shocks are these? Are they the equivalent of RS5000's or RS7000's or something else?

In my case I plan on carrying a slide-in camper so I'll probably swap them out at some point for RS9000's but I was wondering how good (or bad) the OEM Rancho's might be.

Here's another question; does the hill descent control have a defeat button on the dash? I've always been able to drive down a hill OK without some computer doing it for me and I'm sort of at a loss to figure out what this feature actually *does*.

Thanks,

Joe

 

The "Ranchos" in the FX-4 package are really nothing more than "Rancho" branded Motorcraft shocks. For the most part, they're terrible. Most owners end up changing them out in relatively short order to either Bilsteins or actual Rancho RS9000s.

As for the HDC, it's not active until you activate it via the button on the dash. It works under 20 MPH. Over 20 MPH, it's still activated but does not control descent speed.

 

+1 to John's comments.

The truck feels so much more planted to the ground with different/upgraded shocks.

I would get the FX4 package again, I think trying to buy the skid plates alone is more expensive than just adding the package in the first place. I've experimented with hill descent on a couple of occasions but it wouldn't be anything that I couldn't do without.

 

Actually, the FX4 package is more expensive than the skid plates alone;

17X FX4 Off Road Package $295
41P Skid Plates, Transfer Case & Fuel Tank (4X4 Only) $100

Those are the MSRP prices. The difference is only $195 and for that you get the Hill Descent Control, the Rancho shocks and a big sticker on the rear of the truck.

Since the Ranchos seem to be, well politely, *not worth it*, I'm going to save the $195 and put that towards a set of either 9000XL's or Bilstein 5100's and drive down hills the same way I always have.



Joe

 

I just looked at the online parts book. Apparently the Rancho shocks are listed as "Premium off road" And have a separate PN. As usual Anyone with a brain can get better than OEM shocks. I'd go with a Nice Heavy duty Gas personally. The Rancho Brand isn't the Best Off road shock and I'd rather not go down that Rat hole. I just wanted to tell folks.

Jim

 

I'll put it right out there...and say that the Rancho shocks that come with the FX4 package are total JUNK!!

Good luck...


biz

 

Last time I was home, I took my '11 250 to a shooting spot up in the hills. When I got there, the state had regraded the dirt road and changed it a bit. Needless to say I got the front end airborne. My front left shock blew out from the impact of landing. If you can imagine a hole a .22 would leave in a shock, you're on the right line. This wasn't one of those duke's of hazard moves either. I was doing about 15 mph because the road was different. I just didn't notice the giant drop until it was too late. The 'Premium Off Road Shocks'.....HAHAHAHA. FX4 is only worth the skid plates. If you can get the plates cheaper separately I'd go that route and just buy some aftermarket shocks somewhere else. I bounced all the way home, straight to the internet to order some Rancho RS9000's.