Fx4 package
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 538
Likes: 4
From: Quad Cities Illinois
Did you opt for it?
why did you?
if you did not, why did you choose not too.
Curious what others think, I do not ant hill descent control but as of late I'm figuring if I am going to lift the truck there is no point in having this package.
I dont need to pay 700$ for AT tires, ranch shocks, and skid plates.
Just wondering if others feel feel the same way.
Thanks!
why did you?
if you did not, why did you choose not too.
Curious what others think, I do not ant hill descent control but as of late I'm figuring if I am going to lift the truck there is no point in having this package.
I dont need to pay 700$ for AT tires, ranch shocks, and skid plates.
Just wondering if others feel feel the same way.
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 461
Likes: 3
Based on your previous posts and lift plans, I wouldn't spend the extra $ at the dealership on the FX4 as you will replace the wheels and tires for sure, shocks maybe depending on the direction you go with the lift. Skid plates alone at $100 seem like cheap insurance even if you don't plan to off road.
Sounds like the skid plate stand alone option would be the best choice. But if it's lifted and not going over rocks, even that is unnecessary. ... but you have to have those stickers! who doesn't want those...lol
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 57
I agree again. I wouldn't (and didn't) let the shocks stop me from ordering the package on my 2012. I just wouldn't use having the Rancho branded shocks as a reason TO order the package. If they fail, which they did for me, you just swap them out for something better. I was actually pleased mine failed so I could go to a shock not only better then them but also better than any other OE shock offering. Any excuse to upgrade is fine with me... 
Thanks
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Bilstein 5100 (or 4600) are the fan favorite around here. Fox has quite a few popular offerings for the 17 too. Rancho 9000 are great if you are one for tweaking as they are adjustable like many of the Fox offerings. I think most go Bilstein as they are set it and forget it with no adjustment.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: East of LA
I got the FX4 package knowing that the majority of time it will be on-road use, but being in Southern CA, off road use with hills is a possibility. I live near Joshua Tree, Ocatillo Wells, Mount Baldy and Big Bear. Never thought I'd need HDC until my last truck got pressed into duty as a support truck for a team running the Baja 1000. Got the e-locker on my SRW F350 as well. I realize that the expense may not be fully justifiable, but, in my case, there is no other way to get HDC without it. I can always swap shocks to something more durable/functional.
Interesting side note: the first year my team ran the 1000 was the year Ford ran the Raptor through it, disguised as a lifted F150. The military also ran an LATV through, powered by diesel-electric motors and equipped with planetary axles a la Hummer. It barely finished after multiple mechanical failures. The Raptor was awesome. I'm sure I have pictures of them laying around somewhere.
Interesting side note: the first year my team ran the 1000 was the year Ford ran the Raptor through it, disguised as a lifted F150. The military also ran an LATV through, powered by diesel-electric motors and equipped with planetary axles a la Hummer. It barely finished after multiple mechanical failures. The Raptor was awesome. I'm sure I have pictures of them laying around somewhere.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 57
Bilstein 5100 (or 4600) are the fan favorite around here. Fox has quite a few popular offerings for the 17 too. Rancho 9000 are great if you are one for tweaking as they are adjustable like many of the Fox offerings. I think most go Bilstein as they are set it and forget it with no adjustment.
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 177
From: Vancouver, BC
For me the price was a worthwhile investment (under $500) for the skidplates etc. A lot cheaper than replacing parts that hit a rock. The shocks will get replaced when they stop doing their job.
I don't mind the stickers :P
I don't mind the stickers :P
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Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
On a side note, if you don't mind the color(s), the 4600 are identically valved and built to the 5100's and are less expensive. However they are built for stock height only while the 5100's are for stock height up to a 2" lift. I always liked the 5100 series better for looks so I usually went that route though.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 57
Tom, I don't recall having seen anyone post numbers for the 17 yet but some other brands have said the 11-16 numbers are the same for 17. I'd drop Bilstein a line and see if it's the same for them.
On a side note, if you don't mind the color(s), the 4600 are identically valved and built to the 5100's and are less expensive. However they are built for stock height only while the 5100's are for stock height up to a 2" lift. I always liked the 5100 series better for looks so I usually went that route though.
On a side note, if you don't mind the color(s), the 4600 are identically valved and built to the 5100's and are less expensive. However they are built for stock height only while the 5100's are for stock height up to a 2" lift. I always liked the 5100 series better for looks so I usually went that route though.
Thanks again.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
I plan on running the BDS 4" Radius Arm suspension lift with the Fox 2.0 upgrade they offer. I asked about other Fox shock options but they're not ready - yet. I'm sure they will be available since BDS is owned by Fox.
As for the FX4 Offroad Package it's worth it just for the skid plates.
I will be taking the F250 off road - we go to Anza-Borrego State Park (great place!), Ocotillo Wells (gotta watch the kids on their offroad bikes and quads), Death Valley (most awesome) and the Sierras in the summer. Can't wait to camp and offroad in the Super Duty.
As for the FX4 Offroad Package it's worth it just for the skid plates.
I will be taking the F250 off road - we go to Anza-Borrego State Park (great place!), Ocotillo Wells (gotta watch the kids on their offroad bikes and quads), Death Valley (most awesome) and the Sierras in the summer. Can't wait to camp and offroad in the Super Duty.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA
Remember the skids are available as a stand alone option so if you don't want or need HDC, then no, the FX4 is not worth it just for the plates. If you just want the plates, just order the plates and save some $.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 193
From: AZ
Thanks! But I'd have to order the truck to do that as I can't imagine there are any stock trucks with just the skid plates.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,247
From: Western MA