Fx4 handling???
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Gettysburg, Pa
Fx4 handling???
Have you guys noticed much of a different handling wise in a truck with the Fx4 package vs. a "regular" 4x4? I've heard some guys say that it's a big difference and others say they didn't even notice a difference!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
I can't really comment on the new F150's, but on the 97-03 trucks the ride IMO was identical. However I did test drive a new '05 FX4 Screw, and I thought the ride was identical to the '04 Lariat that I bought.
On the 97-03's the FX4 Ranchos were really just rebadged Motorcraft shocks. I don't know if this is still true as I haven't had the chance to inspect the shocks on a FX4 up close.
On the 97-03's the FX4 Ranchos were really just rebadged Motorcraft shocks. I don't know if this is still true as I haven't had the chance to inspect the shocks on a FX4 up close.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Gettysburg, Pa
Well that was something else I was wondering??? Last weekend I was looking at a FX4 and I looked underneath expecting to see the red and white Rancho shocks, but they weren't there, it just had "regular" black shocks. Maybe Ford ditched the Ranchos and just went with a heavy duty shock???
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
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beefier stabilizer bars,
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Joined: Mar 2005
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My 05 Fx4 Scab Handles Better Than Expected, Though You Do Have To Watch When Going Downhill And Around A Sharp Turn, You Think It Might Hold But The Truck Is Just A Little Heavier Than Expected. On That Expierence Though, I Just Got Off The Interstate Going About 80, So My Perception Of Speed Was A Little Off.
If They Would Make A Lightning From These Trucks It Would Handle Better Than Most Cars I've Driven. The 97-04 Lightning Was Surpurb Already.
If They Would Make A Lightning From These Trucks It Would Handle Better Than Most Cars I've Driven. The 97-04 Lightning Was Surpurb Already.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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dmp437, you mentioned that all superduty's have the same diameter stabilizer bar, but the F150 is not a superduty truck. The superduty label only applies to F250 and larger vehicles. So my questions is, does the regular F150 4X4 have the same diameter stabilizer bars as te FX4? I was under the impression that they did not.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by dmp437
Same front stabilizer bar on all SuperDuty's, 32mm diameter The FX4 gets you a couple of skidplates, some "pretty" painted gas pressurized shocks and the "cool" decals. It's meant to compete with GM's very popular "Z71" package. Ford's offroad pacakge was originally the words "Off Road" under the monochrome 4x4 decal with the same content as the FX4. Once GM's Z71 took off Ford jazzed up the decals (added a little red, same as Z71, and made them bigger) and didn't change anything else. Wise money would skip the FX4, order the skidplate package and put the leftover money towards Bilstein shocks. Then change the sway bar bushings out to Energy Suspension products. I changed my bushings this weekend and it certainly improved the handling without impacting the ride.
Wise money would skip the FX4 package, and the skid plate add on and just get a Ford LS unit. Aftermarket skid plates are a lot tougher and cheaper.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Dedham, MA
dmp,
How hard of a job was it to install the bushings (I assume those are all Polyurethane bushings)? Have you noticed significant improvement in roll around corners or did it just firm up the ride a bit all around? This is something I'm planning on in the near future. Thanks.
How hard of a job was it to install the bushings (I assume those are all Polyurethane bushings)? Have you noticed significant improvement in roll around corners or did it just firm up the ride a bit all around? This is something I'm planning on in the near future. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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I dropped the tire pressure in my 05 FX4 from the factory rec. 40psi to around 33-35psi and the over all ride is dramatically improved. I was reading the 1year report on the F150 in motor trend and it just happend to be a FX4 scab, they stated that they believe the 40psi is recomended is for when the truck is loaded and working and that they droped 7 psi and it really helped out, and let me tell you it did.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I read the same thing on the one year truck. They also said it handled much better with weight in the bed, just enough to level it off. Which is why I think lowering shackles in the rear would help a bit as well. 40psi does sound like relatively high tire pressure for everyday usage.
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