Early Stages of Ranger Shopping! Question on 4x4 vs FX4!

[caprtaineddie]

I got the regular 4X4, but think the FX4 decals look pretty neat. I can’t comment on the difference in ride.

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[FX4Offroad]

Funny! I was hoping there was a "FX4 Decal Delete" option

There is...it's called a hair dryer and a sharp fingernail.

 

[gfitzge2]

I just wanted the FX4 sticker so I paid for the package

Funny, Mine is an Fx4 but now looks like this. And Baskin Robbins sells 31 different flavors

 

[FX4Offroad]

I have an FX4.

Do I need the extras that come with it? No.

Do I like it? Yes.

Have I used the trail control features? No.

Will I ever use the trail control features? Maybe but if I do, it'd be really rare.

Why did I get the FX4 package?
Cause my username is "FX4Offroad" and I didn't want to change it.

Seriously, I love the FX4. I don't feel the bouncyness everyone talks about. I think it rides like a '69 Oldsmobile. Like on a cloud man. I do go off road often but so far, the special trail control features aren't really needed. I have them if I need the though.

I came from several F150s the last on was an FX4. Loved it. Hated the MPGs. Was a beast off road but it was heavy.

The Ranger is much lighter and handles off road much, MUCH better. It doesn't sink like the F-150.

I've worked hard all my life, kids are gone and I wanted a nice truck. Fortunately, I can afford to get what I want...so I did. My wife was 110% behind me.

Did I say how much I LOVE my Ranger?

'Nuff said.

View attachment 32732

 

[jeb134]

I think it just comes down to your budget and being realistic about what you are going to use the truck for. I'd always wanted a truck and to take it places you can't take a car. While 98% of my driving is commuting on pavement in a mild climate, I do go up to the mountains and play in the snow and mud and have used both the Terrain Management and Trail Controls. Did I have to? Probably not, but I had them and they made it easier and the truck definitely performed better to where I didn't even have to use the locker. Plus I wanted the nice technology pack and I personally think the FX4 looks better than the other trim levels.

So to answer your questions: is the FX4 package worth spending the money on? If you can afford it and will use it for the conditions it was made for, then yes! Some people don't like the "floaty" rear shocks but those are easy to change and the Terrain Management and Trail Control features along with the locking diff make it an extremely capable truck right off the lot. It basically comes down to what you can afford and what you want. Would a lower model 4x4 do the job? From what you've described, I'm sure you'd be fine, especially if you're considering doing a bunch of other aftermarket mods to it.

 

[Mokume]

I just wanted the FX4 sticker so I paid for the package

Same here minus 2, hence "FX2".

 

[Mcoop57]

I went with the basic STX 4X4 w/rear locker. Terrain management sounds great, but from what i’ve tried so far (off road) this truck would be pretty hard to get stuck!

 

[Snorebaby]

Funny, Mine is an Fx4 but now looks like this. And Baskin Robbins sells 31 different flavors

Where did you get the decal? I have been looking for something like that.

 

[gfitzge2]

Where did you get the decal? I have been looking for something like that.

Here on Ebay


https://www.ebay.com/itm/TWO-RANGER...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[AzScorpion]

Here on Ebay


https://www.ebay.com/itm/TWO-RANGER-DECALS-FORD-TRUCK-SIDE-GRAPHICS-PICK-SIZE-AND-COLOR/153472713612?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Those look really good. What size did you get?

 

[Gizmokid2005]

Personally I don't think the FX4 would be super useful. I like the *idea* of the trail control features and the skid plates, but ultimately the lack of them don't bother me.

However, the one thing I really wish I would've gotten was the rear e-locker. I don't have one, and the only one I've found so far, (ARB air locker) is something like $1500 for the kit before installation. There have been a few times it would've been useful already but I get along alright without it.

Full disclosure, I don't have an FX4 package.

 

[Glocker]

Lots of good stuff to consider! Thank you!

One other angle I just thought of concerns my wife. While having the off-road modes the FX4 offers might make it easier for her to drive out of a situation, she might not know what to do or how to use the system properly, adding confusion and possibly making the situation worse. On the other hand, being able to turn a simple dial to 4 high or low might be all she needs to worry about to get out of a sticky situation.

I really like the idea of buying an STX and having a couple of extra dollars to throw at it to build it up a little more. But a nice XLT FX4 would probably serve great out of the box.

I haven't seen any XL FX4 Rangers on any dealer's websites! Would it have to be ordered like that?

 

[Glocker]

Wow! I just did a search on cars.com and in a 50 mile radius there are only 3 XL FX4 Rangers for sale! And for the price, careful shopping might get me into an XLT FX4!

 

[AzScorpion]

Lots of good stuff to consider! Thank you!

One other angle I just thought of concerns my wife. While having the off-road modes the FX4 offers might make it easier for her to drive out of a situation, she might not know what to do or how to use the system properly, adding confusion and possibly making the situation worse. On the other hand, being able to turn a simple dial to 4 high or low might be all she needs to worry about to get out of a sticky situation.

I really like the idea of buying an STX and having a couple of extra dollars to throw at it to build it up a little more. But a nice XLT FX4 would probably serve great out of the box.

I haven't seen any XL FX4 Rangers on any dealer's websites! Would it have to be ordered like that?

The system is very easy to use,once you push the button on the center console it will read out on the dash. Just keep pushing the button until the terrain you want reads out on the dash,that's it.

You could always print out a sheet for her from the online owners manual for the specific pages on how to use the TM and laminate it and leave it in the seat back pocket. Even though I use mine often that's what I did in case I'm having once of those CRS days (can't remember sh*t).

 

[gfitzge2]

Those look really good. What size did you get?

They are 24"

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