FX4 suitability for towing question
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New User
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FX4 suitability for towing question
I'm looking at a 2006 F-350 V10 FX4 w/8ft bed that I might buy. My purpose is to tow a medium sized Airstream trailer now (7600 GVWR) but keep my options open to tow some medium size 5th wheel in the future.
I was so wrapped up in considering the V10-ness of it that I totally missed the FX-ness of it. I'm good with the V10 and everything else about the truck. It has a 4.1 limited slip axle and is still slightly within the original warranty.
I'm confident that if this was *not* and FX model, but rather a regular 4x4 (or better yet 4x2) it would meet my needs just fine.
The question is - how does the FX affect towing?
I was so wrapped up in considering the V10-ness of it that I totally missed the FX-ness of it. I'm good with the V10 and everything else about the truck. It has a 4.1 limited slip axle and is still slightly within the original warranty.
I'm confident that if this was *not* and FX model, but rather a regular 4x4 (or better yet 4x2) it would meet my needs just fine.
The question is - how does the FX affect towing?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Rhode Island
No towing difference whatsoever. All the FX4 package includes is skid plates, limited slip rear axle, Rancho "branded" shocks, and a decal. The "branded" shocks are not real Ranchos but rather Ford shocks painted white with a Rancho sticker applied.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
x2 on that. The skid plates you get are one for the transfer case and one for the fuel tank.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
I think (meaning I'm not entirely sure), that the FX4 also had 265-75R16 BF Goodrich's, instead of the 235-85R16 Continentals that were stock. At least in 2004. In later years they went to larger rims and all sorts of crap. That should make no difference in towing, however.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: West Granby, CT.
Stiffer shocks????
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Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Western MA
Yeah, same truck other than the non towing related differences listed above. You will be fine. Or, get that 08 leftover you've been shopping for and get a full warranty.
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Postmaster
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From: Peoria, IL
Actually it doesn't. The FX4 shocks are "Rancho Branded Shocks". They are just the same Ford shocks painted to look like Rancho Shocks (instead of the black paint the non FX4 shocks get). That is why Ford calls them "Rancho Branded", instead of just saying you get Rancho shocks.
As the others said you get a different sticker, shocks painted differently, and the same skid plates you would get if you just bought the skid plate package.
The FX4 package also required the selection of the limited slip rear end option as well.
In 2008 the FX4 was a seperate package that had it's own interior items etc, but we aren't talking about that here.
So as far as the original posters question goes the FX4 package will have pretty much no effect on towing ability at all (it will decrease the towing rating by a very small amount as they have to subtract the weight of the skid plates from the GCVW, but that is pretty much negligible).
As the others said you get a different sticker, shocks painted differently, and the same skid plates you would get if you just bought the skid plate package.
The FX4 package also required the selection of the limited slip rear end option as well.
In 2008 the FX4 was a seperate package that had it's own interior items etc, but we aren't talking about that here.
So as far as the original posters question goes the FX4 package will have pretty much no effect on towing ability at all (it will decrease the towing rating by a very small amount as they have to subtract the weight of the skid plates from the GCVW, but that is pretty much negligible).
Prolocutor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Western MA
I realize they are Ford shocks painted up. I also read over and over here that they are stiffer. Don't have them so maybe they aren't. I just assumed that they were Ford shocks valved a little differently.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Coal Country, ND
'05's and up have 17's as the smallest wheels, my 05 250 FX4 came with 265/75/17's.
I'm 99% sure that you couldn't fit 16's due to the brakes being larger on the 05+ trucks.