Do I need FX4?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
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Do I need FX4?
I notice all Lariats I see in the lots have FX4. My current 2017 Lariat is optioned out at 502a and just says 4x4 On the decal. I have the tow package and occasionally grab a U-Haul to move things but nothing more. No off roading. I drive a lot of miles and want a Cadillac ride more so than an off road stiff ride. I do prefer the 20” rims / tires.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
The only thing really worth having from the FX4 package is the locking rear axle and skid plates. I know the locking rear axle can be ordered as a stand-alone option, and I think the skid plates can be also.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 235
Likes: 85
My '15 Lariat was not FX4 and I took it everywhere I take my current '19 Lariat FX4; I couldn't detect a difference in ride quality between the two. I do go off road onto public land that has tall grass and I like the skid plates for heat protection to keep that grass away from exhaust components up front that might increase risk of starting grass fire. I bought OEM skid plates off of ebay for the '15 just to give me peace of mind; the fiber heatshield was missing when I bought the truck as a low mileage used vehicle in 2017 and I just felt better about steel shielding. I would recommend a tow package to get the 36 gallon fuel tank over getting the FX4 package if not planning to go off-road.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 113
From: Southgate Michigan
I had a 2019 XLT Sport that when the lease ended I opted for a 2020 XLT FX4. The ride of the FX4 was stiffer than the Sport by a bit. The fuel economy was better on the Sport by about 1 MPG. I really liked the FX4 and would get another one. I traded in the FX4 for my TREMOR. No comparison between the FX4 and the TREMOR. Love the TREMOR.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,473
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From: Calgary Canada
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 378
Likes: 134
I've lived in the snow in the mountains majority of my life. Wheeled all over the USA. I still say hill decent has no value.
The FX4 package isn't great. The skids suck. BUT for a grand you get the locker and pretty good floor mats. If you want hill decent Control then might as well.
How much is the locker if you don't get fx4? I believe it's part of the tow package isn't it? If your getting the locker with the tow package already then no....fx4 isn't worth it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
We punted on the FX4 when we ordered our '20, but we did get MaxTow which has the 3.55 E-locker. I'm sure if you configure a truck there are ways to get an open diff or the e-locker that would show the cost of just the one thing. Even if (or maybe especially if) I got a 2wd, I'd get the locking rear - only thing(s) that beat that are my TJ Rubicon that can lock all 4 and my Rhino that has a solid rear and ltd slip/locker front - It's winch time or your pal with a strap/rope/chain, if you get stuck with 4 locked...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 78
Why I order F-350 trucks - because no deal here stocks much of anything except diesel 4x4. Any gas 4x2 is typically an ice box white with rubber mats deal. Our 2021 F-150 XLT is 4x2 and it was kind of an odd ball on the lot. Have no use for 4x4 anything. If I wanted 4x4, I'd buy an old CJ5 or CJ7.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 458
Likes: 123
From: Arkansas
I notice all Lariats I see in the lots have FX4. My current 2017 Lariat is optioned out at 502a and just says 4x4 On the decal. I have the tow package and occasionally grab a U-Haul to move things but nothing more. No off roading. I drive a lot of miles and want a Cadillac ride more so than an off road stiff ride. I do prefer the 20” rims / tires.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 84
Likes: 8
From: Fairbanks Alaska
If you live in places where snow and ice cover the roads some or all of the time during the winter months, then it is a good idea to have 4X4. If not, then you don't need it if you're staying on the roads. Might also be a good idea if you live somewhere that floods from time to time...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 227
Likes: 75
From: Monterey
4WD helps when at a boat ramp to keep the truck out of the water or when there is deep snow on the ground or going up gravel or dirt roads. Most of the time having true limited slip with a locking rear differential is good enough.
For my uses the true 4WD comes with a two range gear box and I have found the low range to be very good for situations where there is not much traction. It is also great when pulling someone's vehicle out of a ditch.
I would bet that 99% of people with 4WD vehicles never go off the pavement. A friend had a Land Rover with electronic locking front and rear differentials and did not have a clue as to how to use this capability.
For my uses the true 4WD comes with a two range gear box and I have found the low range to be very good for situations where there is not much traction. It is also great when pulling someone's vehicle out of a ditch.
I would bet that 99% of people with 4WD vehicles never go off the pavement. A friend had a Land Rover with electronic locking front and rear differentials and did not have a clue as to how to use this capability.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
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From: Foothills, CA
A friend has an FX4 F150 (2015) and was bringing his new-to-them travel trailer home - he told me how great the Hill Descent worked on the twisty canyon road's down hill section. I said: you mean the button on the dash? He said yeah, it really helped slow the rig down...
I don't think it registered when I told him that button only worked at something like 25 mph (or less) and was for crawling down a hill off road.
The skid plates will take away from your load capacity, that alone pushed us to just get the 4x4 ONLY, and so I don't get the Hill Descent button - I've been quite impressed by just how much the rear e-locker will do without even engaging 4x4...
I don't think it registered when I told him that button only worked at something like 25 mph (or less) and was for crawling down a hill off road.
The skid plates will take away from your load capacity, that alone pushed us to just get the 4x4 ONLY, and so I don't get the Hill Descent button - I've been quite impressed by just how much the rear e-locker will do without even engaging 4x4...