I know what the factory differences between the trim levels are, but is one really more off-road capable then the other? Im talking stock here, too.

 

Nope not that I know of. fx4 gets 18's, normal XLT or XL gets only 17's. don't know if that makes a difference on off-road capabilities.

 

The LT tires on the FX4 might be a bit better off road. Past that... they are pretty similar trucks.

 

18" wheels look great for street bling purposes, but the shorter tire sidewalls preclude airing down and make smashing rims easier. The lower-end models with smaller wheels would, IMO, be better for any "real" off roading.

George

 

I guess i didn't think about the tires. The LT's on the FX4 have to be better than the Generals I had on mine. IMO, those tires sucked. I have Destination A/T's now, Much better.

 

the fx4 has a different suspension i was told.. and skid plates..

 

From the specs on this site, the FX4 includes:

"FX4 adds: Body-color front and rear bumpers (with monotone paint) or Dark Shadow Grey front and rear bumpers (with two-tone paint); black “bar style” grille insert; wheel-lip moldings; 18-inch machined cast aluminum wheels; keyless entry keypad; black leather-wrapped steering wheel; black rubber off-road floor mats; sport cloth 40/20/40-split-front seat with manual driver and passenger lumbar support."

The only "off road" equipment I see is the floor mats The rest is bling which has no purpose off road, and in fact the 18" wheels are worse for any real off roading...

George

 

Maybe it is an add on but my 04 came with (as per window sticker) skid plates and off-road shocks. Maybe I was had on the shocks but I know it has the skid plates as I've been under the truck and have seen them.

Oh yeah and lets not forget the Decals that totally help with the off-road capibility!!! hahahaha

 

Actually, you're right on the skid plates....on checking some more I found this site:

List of notable Ford F-150 pickup options and features | Ford Vehicles

The FX4 gets 18" wheels (with 17" optional), and has a bunch of other stuff like electric mirrors. Electric locking rear diff as well. So there is *some* stuff that would be very useful off road. Still, you would usually want smaller diameter wheels with taller sidewalls on the tires for any real off roading.

The decals and "off road floor mats" are a big help, for sure

 

i have 20in wheels on my 08 fx4 didnt want em but it came with

 

the difference was just shocks on the suspension.

 

are they stiffer or alow for more travel?

 

I just did a quick Internet search, and the off road shocks are painted white and have Rancho graphics. Ranchos are made by Monroe, which makes the OEM Motorcraft shocks. They may have slightly firmer valving, but it's mostly the decals again...

If Ford was serious about making a real off road package, they would put it on a stripper truck with rubber floor mats and washable seat fabric (or heavy, high quality naugahyde), put a REAL off road suspension and tires on it, and leave off the electric rear view mirrors and other "luxury" add ons. As it is, the FX4 seems to be the "up market" package which also has a bunch of extra luxury stuff on it as well as a few off road cues. Just a way to add "content" and add more profit margin.

 

well don't forget a limited slip rear end with 3.73 with 18" wheels which tires are way over priced for and why 20ich wheels and street tire on a off road truck ??

you can get all that with a xlt and load it up or just get a fx4 its just all what your willing to spend on a truck

for me i like the fx4 interiors more over the standard trucks so that what i got

 

Don't forget the different gauge cluster offered on the FX4! That, the suspension and some other cosmetic stuff is really the only difference. I've got a Lariat 4x4 and it came with skid plates and most of that stuff listed on the FX4 package...