FX4 ride compare?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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FX4 ride compare?
I am new her and am looking to get an 08 250 in the next couple months, will be a supercab V10, probably long bed but still not entirely sure on bed length. I really prefer the looks of the FX4 package but am a little concerned about how it rides compared to a lariat or xlt with the offroad package. I do most of my driving onroad but definitely want the capabality of 4X4, any input is appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
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Welcome to FTE. 
The Fx4 package is just a 4x4 truck, plus skid plates (under the transfer case and fuel tank), different shocks, and the nifty Fx4 sticker.
Some folks just get 4x4 and add skid plates, doing without the sticker and shocks, and saving a bit of dough.
4x4 will definitely ride a bit rougher than 4x2, and will get worse mileage due to increased drag. Nice to have it when you need it, though, and ride tends to improve if you add weight (hauling stuff in the bed, for example... my truck never rides smoother than when the bed is fully loaded).
The Fx4 package is just a 4x4 truck, plus skid plates (under the transfer case and fuel tank), different shocks, and the nifty Fx4 sticker.
Some folks just get 4x4 and add skid plates, doing without the sticker and shocks, and saving a bit of dough.
4x4 will definitely ride a bit rougher than 4x2, and will get worse mileage due to increased drag. Nice to have it when you need it, though, and ride tends to improve if you add weight (hauling stuff in the bed, for example... my truck never rides smoother than when the bed is fully loaded).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
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I'm honestly not 100% sure. Don't know if the 08s are different, but it used to be they were Rancho shocks. The rub is that some folks have said they're not genuine Rancho shocks, but some other shocks with Rancho stickers on them. Even if that's not accurate, it does seem to be agreed that they're not the best aftermarket shocks available, and that you're probably better off just going with 4x4 and adding the skid plate package, and then getting some aftermarket shocks on your own.
If you do a search on Rancho, "Fx4 package", things like that, should be plenty of reading available that will go into more detail.
If you do a search on Rancho, "Fx4 package", things like that, should be plenty of reading available that will go into more detail.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 235
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From: Rochester, IN
There is no difference in ride. It is more about how it looks with a few things like stated above. You can do what 75% of other people on this formum have done if you don't like the shocks that are on it when you get it and that is swap them out for some good ones. I have Bilsteins like so many others on here. They are by far the best upgrade I have ever made on a truck. You can get a set of 4 for about $250 - $275, and they are well worth it.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 336
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From: Leander, TX
those "Rancho" shocks are just rebranded ford shocks (read crap). there will be no ride difference unless you change the suspensioin by adding the camper package, heavy service springs, etc. i changed my "Rancho" shocks on my fx4 at about 25k-30k, and went to the Bilsteins. that was a HUGE improvement. i would have done that the very day i brought the truck home if i'd of known the difference it would make! do a search on the shocks. there are plenty of threads about how crappy the stock rancho's are.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 812
Likes: 3
From: Mad River Valley
This question has come up many times...the FX4 shocks are 'Rancho branded' which means that they are factory shocks that are painted to look like Rancho's. A lot of guys on this forum have upgraded their shocks at some point because the factory shocks aren't great.
I like the idea of skipping the FX4 package, upgrading to Bilsteins and then adding the skid plates if necessary.
I like the idea of skipping the FX4 package, upgrading to Bilsteins and then adding the skid plates if necessary.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 4
From: Denver, Co
Don't get hung up on the FX4 option package available on the "earlier" Super Duties with the 2008+ FX4 trim level.
The option package (2003-07 ?) required 4x4, AT tires, and a limited-slip axle. And, it provided transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, Rancho branded shocks, and the "FX4" decals.
The new generation of Super Duties (2008+) offers an FX4 trim level which is a complete interior & exterior revamp that fits between the XLT & Lariat trim levels. Look at this semi-recent thread for a full run-down on what is included in the FX4 trim package: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...lt-or-fx4.html
As to the original poster, the only difference that may have any impact on ride quality is still the Rancho-branded shocks. This is still a pretty minor difference; a Super Duty is going to ride like any other heavy duty truck. Some folks have reported that swapping out the Rancho-branded shocks for something like Bilsteins can help ride quality a bit. But, if you really like the FX4's overall interior/exterior appearance, I would not look at other trim levels just because of the shocks. They are, after all, easy enough to swap out.
The option package (2003-07 ?) required 4x4, AT tires, and a limited-slip axle. And, it provided transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, Rancho branded shocks, and the "FX4" decals.
The new generation of Super Duties (2008+) offers an FX4 trim level which is a complete interior & exterior revamp that fits between the XLT & Lariat trim levels. Look at this semi-recent thread for a full run-down on what is included in the FX4 trim package: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...lt-or-fx4.html
As to the original poster, the only difference that may have any impact on ride quality is still the Rancho-branded shocks. This is still a pretty minor difference; a Super Duty is going to ride like any other heavy duty truck. Some folks have reported that swapping out the Rancho-branded shocks for something like Bilsteins can help ride quality a bit. But, if you really like the FX4's overall interior/exterior appearance, I would not look at other trim levels just because of the shocks. They are, after all, easy enough to swap out.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 759
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I never understood the reason to have skid plates on a truck that sits 2+ feet off the ground. I had skid plate on my Bronco because it was lower to the ground and I think they were used one time. I don't know to many people rock crawling with a SD, I know some do but not enough that people need skid plates on a superduty IMO.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 235
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From: Rochester, IN
If you do any driving in the woods it comes in very handy. I am not worried about rocks, it is sticks and limbs from trees. That is when a skid plate can come in real handy, like for most hunters.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 79
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From: Chappell hill
On the Bilstein shocks. Do they offer just a smoother ride or do they help with the tracking too. Its seems the 250 wanders more
on the hwy than a 4x4 150. Its in alignment, not pulling to
one side or the other.
on the hwy than a 4x4 150. Its in alignment, not pulling to
one side or the other.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,852
Likes: 1
From: Sonoita Hills, AZ
Originally Posted by PERFORMANCE RED
I never understood the reason to have skid plates on a truck that sits 2+ feet off the ground. I had skid plate on my Bronco because it was lower to the ground and I think they were used one time. I don't know to many people rock crawling with a SD, I know some do but not enough that people need skid plates on a superduty IMO.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 759
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Originally Posted by ffadragon
If you do any driving in the woods it comes in very handy. I am not worried about rocks, it is sticks and limbs from trees. That is when a skid plate can come in real handy, like for most hunters.
If a limb or a tree can hurt my transfer case I am sure it won't be good on my tires either. 
Originally Posted by rugermack
Well, maybe in Mn. you don't need them. I was out scouting for Javelina this past Sunday and put a few scratches in my skid plates, and I have a 6.5 lift and 35" tires. Here in Arizona there are alot of rocks. Glad the skid plates were there. One other thing they protect the truck from is road debri., imagine a trucker loosing a retread, skid palte would save you there too. Plus, they add some rigity to the frame, since they go from rail to rail. My hitch helps out a lot too, it protects the rear bumper. I'll bet my hitch has saved my bumper atleast 50 times.
