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I think more people would have a use for hill decent than they think. Rather than offroading, I use it the most when descending down a steep hill in snow/ice. I agree that the fx4 shocks are nothing impressive - spend a few bucks and upgrade to fox or similar. The skid plates like people say are like 100 dollars. Personally I think its easier to spend 400 for this stuff than worrying about forscan, adding interior buttons, then installing skid plates -etc. If your dropping the cash on a new superduty, I highly doubt youll notice 400 dollars.
To me the FX4 package is worthwhile. Skid plates are a must. Hill descent control is a must. The shocks are doing just fine and the ride is great. The sticker is no problem.
Electronic locking rear axle is a separate option and a must.
Actually I am thrilled with everything about my truck except the double honk warning.
So.... I do not have the FX4 package, I do have the locker and added the HDC switch, the cost of the skid plates, bolts and my time alone exceed the cost of just buying the whole package up front, sure if your just going to add one or two of the skid plates it will be cheaper, but if you add them all its NOT, Not even close. Do a kbb on a non FX4 and then an FX4, you will retain 80% of the cost upon selling or trading.
Bottom line do you want a corvette or a corvette ZR1, there is a huge difference later.
Right now used trucks are bringing a HUGE premium, those with options are even more desirable, yes this will change but if $400 makes a difference in an $80k truck that's another question.
Wow, if your making payments $400 does not make any change, if your paying cash and $400 makes a difference then priorities are not in the right place.
So.... I do not have the FX4 package, I do have the locker and added the HDC switch, the cost of the skid plates, bolts and my time alone exceed the cost of just buying the whole package up front, sure if your just going to add one or two of the skid plates it will be cheaper, but if you add them all its NOT, Not even close. [...]
I think you might be comparing apples to oranges.
If your only option were to buy the skid plates and then install them yourself, then definitely get the FX4! However, that's not your only option. The skid plates are a factory-installed option for about $92. Literally, the only component of the FX4 that requires the owner to buy and/or install after delivery is the Hill Descent switch.
The old rule of thumb remains true: if you want factory skid plates on your truck, make sure you order them with -- adding them later is both expensive and difficult.
In my post above #36 I explained why the FX4 is worthwhile for me.
In the very next post Fatz stated another reason why the package was worthwhile for me: “the cost of the skid plates, bolts, UPGRADED SHOCKS, HILL DESCENT SWITCH, FORSCAN MODIFICATION AND INSTALLATION (my additional info) and my time alone exceed the cost of just buying the whole package up front.”
I will add a bit more - when I arrived home with the new truck the elements of the FX4 package were already installed and working. My truck is also equipped with engine braking.
Then in the very next post 67L48 added another great reason: “The old rule of thumb remains true: if you want factory skid plates on your truck, make sure you order them with -- adding them later is both expensive and difficult.”
When talking about a brand new truck, I prefer to pay for a desired or necessary feature rather than omit a feature and then struggle to add it and pay more for parts and get free headaches.
In my post above #36 I explained why the FX4 is worthwhile for me.
In the very next post Fatz stated another reason why the package was worthwhile for me: “the cost of the skid plates, bolts, UPGRADED SHOCKS, HILL DESCENT SWITCH, FORSCAN MODIFICATION AND INSTALLATION (my additional info) and my time alone exceed the cost of just buying the whole package up front.”
I will add a bit more - when I arrived home with the new truck the elements of the FX4 package were already installed and working.
Then in the very next post 67L48 added another great reason: “The old rule of thumb remains true: if you want factory skid plates on your truck, make sure you order them with -- adding them later is both expensive and difficult.”
When talking about a brand new truck, I prefer to pay for a desired or necessary feature rather than omit a feature and then struggle to add it and pay more for parts and get free headaches.
Well said *****, that spread some sunshine on the topic.
I wasn't going to add the FX4 package when I ordered my truck. I was getting 4x4 and locking rear is standard with the 3.73 & 7.3 gas. I was upgrading the stock A/S tires to the A/T tires at $265, I was adding the skid plates on at $100 so theres $365 for $35 dollars more why not just add the entire package as a whole.
Based on some of the posts there still seems to be a misunderstanding as to what is actually included in the FX4 package for $400....." includes: • Hill Descent Control™ • Off-Road Specifically tuned front/rear shock absorbers • Transfer case and fuel tank skid plates • Unique "FX4 Off-Road" box decal"
The skids(2) can be factory ordered alone for $100 and the down hill assist button can be added later for $25(?). What you have left are shocks and stickers for the additional $275. Not a lot of money, and at invoice or bellow even less. But, for those who will be ordering the truck, plan to swap the shocks and could care less about the sticker, a few bucks can be saved.
Scraprat - Thank you for reminding us of that issue. I recall there being an offset that dramatically reduced the net cost of the FX4. Now I think I remember that the FX4 package also included the upgraded all terrain tires. So if a guy was not upgrading the tires elsewhere the tire upgrade would be part of the value in the FX4 package. Thanks again!
Kellem - It is easy to be happy about our new truck. It has been exciting and wonderful all during the dreaming, research, shopping, acquisition, and use. We really appreciate and love this beast.
I wasn't going to add the FX4 package when I ordered my truck. I was getting 4x4 and locking rear is standard with the 3.73 & 7.3 gas. I was upgrading the stock A/S tires to the A/T tires at $265, I was adding the skid plates on at $100 so theres $365 for $35 dollars more why not just add the entire package as a whole.
Exactly. People forget to factor also their time and also if they are not mechanically inclined then that $250 savings to add those cheaper options like a button and shocks to pay the labor. In effect, you are maybe better to order it equipped.
Based on some of the posts there still seems to be a misunderstanding as to what is actually included in the FX4 package for $400....." includes: • Hill Descent Control™ • Off-Road Specifically tuned front/rear shock absorbers • Transfer case and fuel tank skid plates • Unique "FX4 Off-Road" box decal"
The skids(2) can be factory ordered alone for $100 and the down hill assist button can be added later for $25(?). What you have left are shocks and stickers for the additional $275. Not a lot of money, and at invoice or bellow even less. But, for those who will be ordering the truck, plan to swap the shocks and could care less about the sticker, a few bucks can be saved.
It's not so much of what's "included" as to what's " required" as can be seen here,
That's why when building your truck it might be "cheaper" and easier to just add a package than peace mealing it afterwards.