I am looking at a 17 platinum with FX 4 package. A buddy of mine got a platinum a couple weeks ago and it was just 4 x 4 ,no Fx4 . My buddies seems to ride maybe a tad bit better without that FX 4 package. I cannot find one anywhere without it. I realize this is a very cheap option, but I'm wondering if that makes the ride harsher? I don't think I need to FX 4 package as I will not be doing heavy four wheeling. I'm sure this truck can handle more than I would throw at it . Please give me opinions from those of you that have driven only the 17s with and without this package, and your thoughts. Thank you

 

havent drove one with that package off road but if that is your concern after purchase gut the shocks with fox shocks and you will have an amazing ride.

 

only difference that may contribute the the ride would be the shocks. the rancho branded shocks have a reputation of being junk
with the fx4 you get the option of the locking rear diff and hill decent control

 

I agree that the shocks are the culprit. I probably wouldn't notice the ride difference so much if my last truck (also a CCLB) didn't ride so well. Undecided on what shocks I'll go with, but thinking I'll be looking really hard at the Rancho 9000's when they're ready.

 

hill descent yes, but locking diff can be had either way.

 

Go with bilstein

 

I have a platinum fx4 and on dirt roads it rides like crap. Seems to bounce all over. Ive been thinking about going with some new shocks but can't seem to pull the trigger since I've only got about 800 mi on the truck.

 

I did not get the FX4 package but the stock shocks just did not hold up to the rough country roads around here especially when hauling a load or towing. By 30k the truck bounced all over on the rough roads and porpoised very bad over expansion joints on highways when towing. It was almost to the point of being dangerous. I have a 2011 F250 with 115k and replaced the stock shocks with Bilstein 5100 at 30k. They are starting to show a bit of wear in rebound after 85k but have really made the truck a lot smoother (for a Super Duty). I highly recommend them. They were $200 installed.

 

Thanks all. My real concern is not so much off road as much city and highway

 

Yup, shock upgrades seem to happen sooner with the FX4. Mine so far has been good, but only 2600 Km so far. I will eventually change to an aftermarket brand.

 

The fx4 shocks and the stock normal shocks aren't that different. Neither stock option is going to be great compared to aftermarket. In all honesty I am guessing it was some other option on the truck that made the difference in ride quality; spring choice, sway bar, etc.

edit* also did you drive his truck right before/after driving the other one? It might be that you weren't paying close enough attention to his when you were riding in it if it wasn't a back to back comparison.

 

What Chris said ..... The Fox 2.0 were the ticket on my truck. Completely different ride.

 

Does the Fox 2.0 get rid of the harsh ride driving over seams on a concrete highway?

 

I've noticed the same things with my FX4. Stock shocks are terrible, very stiff and you get lots of bounce. I'm going to level and go with full shock replacements as soon as I can determine what I want to use.

 

As terrible as the stock shocks can apparently be, I've found the new FX4 I have to have a considerably better ride than the 2014 FX4 I traded in. I'll have to look at upgrading shocks some day to see what kind of difference folks are talking about.

--Nathan