FX4 Off Road Package
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
I wouldn't doubt it, they are like the Walmart of shocks. They've pretty much cornered the manufacturing market in NA.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 1
If I could do it again, I would've just done the skid plates a la carte and added the HDC locally with Forscan and the button, since mine was a factory order. Since I went with a lift following delivery, I turfed the "Rancho's" in place of Fox 2.0's. So much like the others, the FX4 package was a waste. The FX4 decals were only on for about two hours, first order of business was peeling them off.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
Of course it's a small sample. If it was large, Ford would have pulled them years ago. It's bigger than the sample of standard shocks though which was my point.
I don't need to search. As to who manufacturers them... Tenneco makes the FX4 Rancho shocks as I said in post 13 of this thread. Tenneco also makes the Ford standard black shocks. Lastly, Tenneco makes the real Rancho shocks. Rancho has nothing to do with the design or specs of the FX4 shocks which is why they were always called Rancho "Branded" shocks. It's a licensing deal. Bottom line is Tenneco makes very good shocks for Rancho. They also make sub par shocks for Ford which Ford paid Rancho a licensing fee to use their name on. One parent company, many different lines.
I don't need to search. As to who manufacturers them... Tenneco makes the FX4 Rancho shocks as I said in post 13 of this thread. Tenneco also makes the Ford standard black shocks. Lastly, Tenneco makes the real Rancho shocks. Rancho has nothing to do with the design or specs of the FX4 shocks which is why they were always called Rancho "Branded" shocks. It's a licensing deal. Bottom line is Tenneco makes very good shocks for Rancho. They also make sub par shocks for Ford which Ford paid Rancho a licensing fee to use their name on. One parent company, many different lines.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
There have been tons of posts on just that point. Rancho even has a rep on FTE that has tried to play this down and offline has told people that they have nothing to do with the FX4 Ford shocks. Perhaps this is why Rancho stopped letting Ford license their name for 2018....
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 7
My last 3 trucks have had the FX4.
Never knew the shocks were a problem until I read here.
That said, my new F450 has them and I am going to use them.
Never knew the shocks were a problem until I read here.
That said, my new F450 has them and I am going to use them.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Lake George, NY
Fox 2.0, Bilstein 5100, or Rancho 9000. All will treat you well. I like the Fox 2.0 more than the Bilstein's I've run in the past as they improve both loaded and empty ride. The Bilstein will be much better loaded but stiffer empty. The Rancho 9000 is adjustable but knowing myself as a set it and forget it guy, I don't see the value there. Also, the adjustment **** can get corroded and frozen by road salt if not kept clean and protected with Fluid Film during northern winters.
I did ther ready lift +2 1/2” coils upfront that came packaged with bilsteins and a 4” block in the rear. Still have the stock rear shocks in there but I’d love to match the bilsteins.
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 13,618
Likes: 1,245
From: Western MA
Conrad, I'm not sure if Bilstein has the rears yet? I know most Fox buyers just swap out the rear lower bushing and sleeve (myself included) but not sure if it works the same with Bilstein. I guess you'd have to call them. Sorry I'm not more help there...
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Lake George, NY
no worries good sir, thanks. Love reading your posts, keep em up!
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
So with the new part numbers I posted, no one is willing to post 2018+ NON FX4 shock part numbers or provide any insight as to why the part numbers are different?
Again, cataloging the same part with a new part number is expensive and woudn't happen just because of the cost so there must be some difference in the 2018+ FX4 shocks.
Any Ford engineers onboard and have any insight?
Maybe we will just be happy knowing they don't say RANCHO? So far my suspension is softer and handles better than my 06 ram 2500 short bed.
Then again, I don't think a CC Long Bed 6.7L is the best off road machine to handle serious off road action.... Bouncing 8k around off road isn't the best of ideas....
YMWV
Again, cataloging the same part with a new part number is expensive and woudn't happen just because of the cost so there must be some difference in the 2018+ FX4 shocks.
Any Ford engineers onboard and have any insight?
Maybe we will just be happy knowing they don't say RANCHO? So far my suspension is softer and handles better than my 06 ram 2500 short bed.
Then again, I don't think a CC Long Bed 6.7L is the best off road machine to handle serious off road action.... Bouncing 8k around off road isn't the best of ideas....
YMWV
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 8
What does bug me. The threads on the steering links are rusty, and I'll have to adjust that mess when I level the truck.