FX4 or not
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
I have FX4. Shocks are for sale lol. Installed Fox shocks. Skid plates are a nice feature for protection. I may use the hill descent control twice in this trucks life because I live in Louisiana and its all flat. We travel to the mountains every summer for camping and I may try it out there.
I only got the FX4 because the truck came with it. I got a better price on the truck off the lot than ordering so I didn't think much about it.
My F150 didn't have it, and I only really every wished it did due to the skid plates and being on a lot of gravel roads around the oil fields.
I only got the FX4 because the truck came with it. I got a better price on the truck off the lot than ordering so I didn't think much about it.
My F150 didn't have it, and I only really every wished it did due to the skid plates and being on a lot of gravel roads around the oil fields.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
I had the hill descent in a 2013 F-150, and I didn’t like it at all. I do a lot of slow and steep off-roading in the West, sometimes on loose rock. The hill descent would be real jerky, which causes the truck to go fast (relatively) and then slide on the rock. It’s much better to do a slow descent in 4-low, 1st gear and use the brakes.
On my 2019 F-350, I just ordered the skid plates and put aftermarket Fox 2.0’s on all the corners. Much better than the FX4 shocks.
On my 2019 F-350, I just ordered the skid plates and put aftermarket Fox 2.0’s on all the corners. Much better than the FX4 shocks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 185
From: Frederick, CO
FX4 is a $400 list option and it comes with four parts:
- Shocks. The shocks are just OEM sub-par shocks. Not as good as $30 Monroe shocks you can get at Advance Auto Parts.
- Hill descent. Hill descent can be added by buying the $15 Ford switch and installing it in your dash. You activate the feature with FORScan.
- Skid plates. Skid plates can be added as a stand-alone option for $100 if you value them. I don't. I have them on my F150 and they aren't worth much. Remember, Ford is making a profit selling these at $100, so ...
- Graphic/sticker. The graphic/sticker is something I can't help you with. Official Ford stickers can be quite expensive. This is the one thing that probably cannot be added for pennies on the dollar (like the other components).
Trailering
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
What about the e-locker? Doesn’t that come with the FX4 package? If so, that makes it worth it to me. My platinum came with it and I only saw it as a positive. I’ve used the locker several times in the NC and VA mountains and it’s great
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 394
Likes: 75
From: Alaska
The e-locker can be had separate from the FX4. I just ordered a truck and opted against the fx4. I added the skid plate option for about $90, and I'll buy the switch after the truck arrives... maybe. I've never used the hill descent control and don't really think I will. But for $15, why not?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 177
Likes: 7
My e-locker was a $390 option and it wasn’t tied into the FX4 package.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 539
From: Florida
Most buyers aren't as informed as FTE troops. I went with the FX4 not because of cool factor, that it is quality kit, or even resale value. And I'm certainly not advocating the package to justify my own choice/purchase. But all other things being equal down the road, FX4 might be an easier sale versus the standard 4x4 model. I liken it to GM's Z71 package. Might not prove to turn out that way, but I'm not splitting those hairs over $300 (no one pays MSRP). No regrets here either way. YMMV.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 390
From: SEVA
The ONLY thing FX4 did for my 2010 F150 was to control its descent speed on the ramps in our parking garage at work. So if you do a lot of hilly off roading, then it's probably a good option. Most off roading around here consists of swampy areas and the sand along the OBX (Outer Banks of NC). Resale value? Just ran the numbers on my 2017 KR at KBB with/without descent control and there was no change in value.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Cape Cod,MA
I bought my 2017 off the lot with the FX4,like some others because it came that way.I did use the hillside descent while up in New Hampshire on some very steep
roads to some State Park hiking trails and really liked it more than I thought I might. I probably wouldn't have ordered the package but am happy with it.
roads to some State Park hiking trails and really liked it more than I thought I might. I probably wouldn't have ordered the package but am happy with it.
