Does anyone know if there is any noticeable difference in the ride quality between stock and the Rancho shocks that accompany the FX4 off-road package?

 

I've never noticed any difference

 

If the 2017 version are the same as every other generation, the "Rancho" shocks are not really Rancho shocks. They are cheap junk Ford shocks painted Rancho colors that are MUCH worse than the standard Ford shocks. They even have Ford's part number stamped into them. This is why they are officially known as "Rancho Branded Shocks" in Ford's lit. If you want the FX4 package, plan to dump them in favor of your favorite aftermarket shock on delivery. Three of my four were blown at 900 miles and I replaced all with Bilstein 5100's. Been very happy since...

 

I don't think so. We have FX4 on the new F-150, and the shocks are "off road tuned" but still black like standard units. Ride is quite good.

I've avoided FX4 because I've heard the "Rancho" shocks are not good.

I prefer the standard 4x4 sticker on the bedside, and the "skid plates" are flimsy thin aluminum, plus plastic for the fuel tank.

Only interesting thing is the hill descent control, which in real life is worthless, but at least adds another lit up button at night, and a conversation piece to tell admirers you have the same off-road capability as a Land Rover, lol.

 

Agreed, my BMW car has hill decent control. Only time i used it was to see what it did. never needed it.

 

I hope Ford has listened to all this negative feedback about there stock painted and stickered shocks that they address this issue on these 17's..
I mean come on Ford how long does it take to put a good shock on the FX4 off road pkg!!

 

Even Chevy uses bilstien Jesus

 

Does anyone know if the Chevy Bilsteins are real, off-the-shelf Bilsteins or simply Chevy shocks rebadged as Bilstein a la Ford-Rancho shocks?

It's amazing how people think the FX4 / Z71 packages actually improve the off-road capability of the truck - they do not.

 

This perception is what makes the FX4 package worth the $275 dollars. Because of the perception, it adds more than that to resale. That sticker does a lot of talking...

 

It is indeed a nice graphic - but the only "real" advantage is the rear e-locker, which can be had outside of the FX4 package.

 

Skip the $275 fx4 that gets you bogus shocks and skid plates and spend $100 for the skid plates only

 

Agreed. The plates, albeit thin, are the reason I got the FX4 pkg. on my last truck. They've since allowed the plates to be had independently which is how I will go next time around...

 

The skid plates are nearly worthless as well. The "skid plate" on the fuel tank is plastic, and the ones on the engine and transmission as very thin aluminum.

In my years driving Land Rovers off-road, the aftermarket aluminum skid plates were sturdy enough to scrape the vehicle over a rock, or even balance the weight of the vehicle with minimal denting.

I'm certain dragging the Ford skids over a major rock would result in the skid plate buckling; the plastic skid on the fuel tank is designed to crush like an extra pad, but not prevent deformation damage.

Maybe the Ford setup is better than nothing, but for serious off-road driving, you would want something else.

 

You guys convinced me, I have having the dealer remove the FX4 from my build sheet.

 

Here is what I ended up doing:

Remove the FX4 Off Road Package (17X)
Remove the Tough Bed spray-in liner (85S)
Remove the Twin Panel Moonroof (43V)
Remove the Ultimate Trailer Tow System (874)


Add the Platinum Ultimate Package (96P)