Fx4 Package vs 4x4
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 898
From: Dallas Metroplex
I bought my 19 FX4 F250 used in July. I’ve thought since I bought it it was fairly rough. Deff more rough than my F150 was. I brought it up in a couple threads and people just said I was expecting a car like F150 ride in this truck. I’m getting more used to it.
I feel like in my case it’s the springs. I don’t think it’s too firm. I think it’s more the rebound action of the rear springs when going over bumps. Because as soon as I get 400-500 lb in the bed it rides so much better which is just enough weight to slow down the bouncy rebound of the rear springs.
not sure a new shock would damper the rate of that rebound or not. I only drove one other used truck before buying this one and don’t remember er how it rode.
thought about the solastic shackles but it’s a good expense to eat.
also thought about one of those carry water bags you can get. You can fill them with like 75 gallons of water which would add around 500 lb. And just let it ride around in the bed of the truck.
I feel like in my case it’s the springs. I don’t think it’s too firm. I think it’s more the rebound action of the rear springs when going over bumps. Because as soon as I get 400-500 lb in the bed it rides so much better which is just enough weight to slow down the bouncy rebound of the rear springs.
not sure a new shock would damper the rate of that rebound or not. I only drove one other used truck before buying this one and don’t remember er how it rode.
thought about the solastic shackles but it’s a good expense to eat.
also thought about one of those carry water bags you can get. You can fill them with like 75 gallons of water which would add around 500 lb. And just let it ride around in the bed of the truck.
If you're unloaded or not towing, you can reduce the rears to 40 - 45, and the fronts to 50 - 55 psi, and the difference is very noticeable. I only air back up when I know I'm going to haul a load or tow the trailer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 1,119
Is your friend's F350 loaded with weight when you tested it? Your F250 will ride a lot better with a few hundred pounds in the bed to weigh down the springs a bit. Otherwise if all conditions are the same including load, shock condition, tire pressure, etc, it would be very strange to have an F350 that rides significantly better than an F250 of same era and similar set up.
Yep, does the OP's friends F350 have the same engine? load? wheelbase? Tire pressure will help. Shocks are different 4x4 vs. FX4 but I doubt it makes a significant difference in ride....
Dave
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 12
factory shock are junk. they don't do anything. Remove one to try out. You can push it in and it won't push the other half back out. Matter of fact., you can push and pull apart by hand. I replaced the factory shocks on my 2021 F350 DRW FX4 Lariat Ultimate as soon as I drove off the lot with Bilstein 5100 series. You'll notice the improvement right away
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,031
Likes: 72
2021 Fx4 lariat compared to 2021 fx4 King Ranch. Noticeable difference in ride. The Lariat had been upgraded to Bilstein 5100s and the Roadmaster system. Both were major improvements over a stock setup on on the Lariat. Vehicle replaced after being totaled with 2021 King Ranch that has slightly oversized tires and front levelling. It rides much smoother than the Lariat with its upgrades. But my guess would be the King Ranch probably has the same shocks the fx4 had initially, unless Ford does upgrade the KR in that area as well. Perhaps the KR with diesel and its weight difference impacts ride over the Lariat with the 7.3 as well. Currently running the oversized tires on the KR at 55 front/60 rear per Falken tech support recommendations.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 208
From: Cincy area
I don’t get it. I love the bumpy / rough ride of the super duty. My 08 with the snowplow prep and 35’s with 70 psi rode amazing. My 2024 rides way too soft comparatively. Can’t wait to get bigger heavier tires on the new truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,373
Likes: 1,733
From: AKRON ohio
factory shock are junk. they don't do anything. Remove one to try out. You can push it in and it won't push the other half back out. Matter of fact., you can push and pull apart by hand. I replaced the factory shocks on my 2021 F350 DRW FX4 Lariat Ultimate as soon as I drove off the lot with Bilstein 5100 series. You'll notice the improvement right away
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 205
Likes: 56
When you say “recommended” are you talking recommended on the door sticker or cold max on the tire? I presume the door sticker.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: SW VA
Bingo. Diesel truck is about 700lbs more than a gas truck.
4wd Low
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
I know everyone is talking about the shock's between the FX4 and 4x4 package but could the spring rate be different between the packages?? I have read in the FX4 package it states "Enhanced Suspension" Just wondering.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,295
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From: Everywhere and nowhere
"Enhanced suspension" is their "off-road tuned" shocks. It is fraud at the least. The shocks are trash and need replaced shortly after the springs settle.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,641
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Spring rates and spring part #'s are the same.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 2,435
Some people call the OE shocks trash because they actually experienced failure in short time, others can feel a notable difference or improvement in ride characteristics between cheap OE shocks and a quality aftermarket shock.
I could be wrong, but wasn't this thread started because you felt the stock shocks might be contributing to a trash ride?
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 205
Likes: 56
The value of any item is subjective. If the person paying for that item gets some kind of enjoyment, or perceived improvement from it, is that really a waste of money? People have been modifying and "upgrading" automobiles, for better or worse, longer than I've been alive. It's hard to really say something is a waste of money just because you or I don't understand it. It might be a waste for you, but not for them. I think the applicable saying is, to each their own.
Some people call the OE shocks trash because they actually experienced failure in short time, others can feel a notable difference or improvement in ride characteristics between cheap OE shocks and a quality aftermarket shock.
I could be wrong, but wasn't this thread started because you felt the stock shocks might be contributing to a trash ride?
Some people call the OE shocks trash because they actually experienced failure in short time, others can feel a notable difference or improvement in ride characteristics between cheap OE shocks and a quality aftermarket shock.
I could be wrong, but wasn't this thread started because you felt the stock shocks might be contributing to a trash ride?