4x4 vs. FX4
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New User
Joined: Apr 2009
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4x4 vs. FX4
Is there a big difference between them and is it worth the extra money for the FX4? Would you get the on the fly switch or not? I was told that when you get the on the fly selector, repairs to the four wheel drive costs alot more than the standard manual shifter. Is this true?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,078
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From: Kansas City/Breckenridge
FX4 has skid plates thats about it. It adds some money to resale so I would get it if I had the option... oh wait I did =D. The manual shifter is very very nice to have. IMO it should have cost extra for it and not the horrible ESOF. Luckily Ford knew that they were going to break constantly and gave us manually locking hubs. The problem is its hard to find anything except a base model without the ESOF. Its not really that it costs a lot to fix it since it can only be a couple things, but its timely to do.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/63...king-hubs.html
There is a good thread about the ESOF problems and how to go about fixing them.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/63...king-hubs.html
There is a good thread about the ESOF problems and how to go about fixing them.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Carvel, AB, Canada
You get different shocks, limited slip diff. and skidplates. Oh, also fancy decals. Does it cost anymore to fix the ESOF - not really, the only thing is that it's vacuum operated and can give grief the older it gets. At that point it can affect your climate controls which are also vacuum operated. Some simply convert it to manual hubs. The limited slip is a real plus though.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 990
Likes: 1
From: North Pole Alaska
The ESOF is crap if you live in a cold climate. If you slip off the road or get stuck before you get into 4X4 the ESOF sometimes will not engage. We have 8 of the 08' trucks with this option and none of them work well in the cold. If the truck is in motion they go into 4X4 just fine.
I have the manual floor shifter for mine and locking hubs. Works great, when you pull the stick back its in FOUR and you can go.
I have the manual floor shifter for mine and locking hubs. Works great, when you pull the stick back its in FOUR and you can go.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 344
From: Breckenridge, TX
Just a general FYI. The ESOF system can be modded to only affect the t-case, and I've not heard a ton of complaints about that part of the 4x4 system. You can (in a variety of ways) make the front hubs totally manual, thus removing the most failure-prone part of the system. I'll admit that I would be the first customer in line if Warn would make truly manual lockers for my truck, but until then, you gotta make do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,170
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From: Moyock, NC
My 2005 has ESOF, but the hubs have manual Auto/Lock dial...I keep it in Auto. Is the Lock position only used if the ESOF fails? Also, I am @ 70K miles, should I have changed my Rear/Front Diffs and Xfer case oils? What brand oils are recommended...is there only specific oil (i.e. Mercon SP Only for tranny)?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
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From: Green Lane, Pa.
Add to the difference between the 4x4 model and the FX4 is a steering stabilizer. The rear axle fluid should be changed at 97,500 transfer case fluid should be changed at 150,000 miles
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
I don't know about other years, but in some earlier years, the FX4 also came with BFG All Terrain 265-75-16 tires instead of the stock Continental 235-85-16 tires.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,757
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From: Corvallis, OR
I like the ESOF, but you have to stay on top of it with maintenance. Mine quite working consistently this winter so I took the hubs apart, cleaned and greased and put in new o-rings, works great now.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
Unfortunately, the FX4 "upgraded" shocks are Rancho branded Motorcraft's. You don't usually here much good about them here.
Having said that, unlike other's I don't believe the ESOF is "crap". I've found the ESOF to be pretty reliable. 45k miles and I've not had any trouble with mine. If I do have trouble, there are a good set of instructions for cleaning them available online and if that fails, Warn Premiums are not that expensive.
Having said that, unlike other's I don't believe the ESOF is "crap". I've found the ESOF to be pretty reliable. 45k miles and I've not had any trouble with mine. If I do have trouble, there are a good set of instructions for cleaning them available online and if that fails, Warn Premiums are not that expensive.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Cloverdale VA
I was having trouble with the front hubs locking a while back. Got under the hood checking the vacuum pump and when I did a wiggle test the electrical connecter just slipped off in my hand. Plugged it back in until it locked in place. No more problems. I just love an easy fix.
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