FX4 Suspension

[RangerMags]

It seems like 9/10 people hate the FX4 suspension because its boaty and just not as refined as other suspensions out there. My question is, personal opinions on the feel aside, how is the actual quality? How well would you expect it to hold up for mild off-roading? I do want to upgrade eventually but feel like if I change the suspension now I'm just wasting money instead of getting use out of the current FX4 suspension and then upgrading when its beat.

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[D Fresh]

When I built my suspension at 11k miles I could compress the rear shocks by hand like an accordion.

I wouldn't expect them to hold up to even the mildest abuse past 20k-30k miles.

 

[t4thfavor]

I changed my fx4 stuff at 40k it still ran like factory, but factory was pretty bad, especially when towing. I changed over to the fox branded (not ford) coil overs and rear shocks. They are pretty good, and definitely better towing, and on the off-road trails I use. The reason I went with the fox instead of the ford ones was because the spring rate is higher on the fox stuff and I needed firmer and not bouncier.

 

[RangerPNW]

I felt like the FX4 suspension was best suited to your basic dirt road. Seemed to hold up well when running down some basic forest service roads, naturally not well suited for bigger hits, but if you're just looking to get down your standard dirt road then it'll be just fine. I honestly swapped over to the Fox 2.0 mostly to fix the boaty on-road feel, as at times it made me slightly nauseous.

If the boaty feel on road doesn't bother you, then I'd say you'll be just fine running the FX4 kit, and if that starts to bother you, just swap out the rear shocks and go from there.

 

[jflogerzi]

When I replaced my Fronts, my tech noted 1 of the shocks was already leaking That being said the FX4 is better on dirt then on Street for sure. Mild roads aka dirt/service roads should not be an issue

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

When I got my truck, I was new to off roading (not building cars though). I kept the FX4 for the same reason as the OP mentioned, wanted to get some use out of it. I got the FX4 package mainly for the rear locker, other goodies were cool too.

Also wanted other mods first like tune/exhaust/intercooler/rock sliders/various other mods. Changed them at 30k to Kings after about 20 off road trips. Much better with the Kings

As D Fresh said though, the stock FX4 doesn't hold up. And was bouncy. Kings make it better for towing too because I can keep them soft on the street and firm them up a little when I tow

 

[DonB]

You guys are making me nervous considering I ordered an FX4 without ever even test driving a Ranger.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

The best $200 you can spend on your FX4 suspension is a pair of shocks for the rear.

I went with Bilsteins. The Eibachs are also very popular.

If you find the stock FX4 suspension even marginally acceptable, $200 and 30 minutes in your driveway and you'll probably be happy for the foreseeable future until you decide you want to do a full upgrade.

I did the rear Bilsteins first and immediately noticed a big improvement.

Then I did the matching front Bilsteins. Another nice improvement.

Then just recently I swapped out my factory rear leafs for a set of Tremor leafs. Now I'm 100% happy.

I was originally planning on doing a full suspension at some point but now I probably won't even bother. What I currently have works great for what I do with it.

You guys are making me nervous considering I ordered an FX4 without ever even test driving a Ranger.

Drive one and make your own evaluation. It may be no big deal to you.

I was one of those that initially was wondering what all the ruckus was about. Mine seemed just fine.

The roads in GA pretty much universally suck so the soft FX4 was probably a benefit.

Then I did the rear shocks and felt the difference.

 

[jflogerzi]

You guys are making me nervous considering I ordered an FX4 without ever even test driving a Ranger.

Its not terrible. Don't worry. But 5100's will change your life

 

[t4thfavor]

I felt like the FX4 suspension was best suited to your basic dirt road. Seemed to hold up well when running down some basic forest service roads, naturally not well suited for bigger hits, but if you're just looking to get down your standard dirt road then it'll be just fine. I honestly swapped over to the Fox 2.0 mostly to fix the boaty on-road feel, as at times it made me slightly nauseous.

If the boaty feel on road doesn't bother you, then I'd say you'll be just fine running the FX4 kit, and if that starts to bother you, just swap out the rear shocks and go from there.

To chime in, my wife would get motion sick with the fx4 factory suspension, and she no longer does with the fox stuff. I left it at fox stock height and had the factory tires for another 15k after that, I got a little bigger tire, but it still fees better.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I replaced mine a lot sooner than I expected because, with how bouncy they are, I was smacking on rocks when dropping the front off of them. They don't keep the truck ... up ... when you drop off of things.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

The stock suspension on the Ranger both FX and Non FX reminds me of this bad boy..

Now swap out the stock dampers for some Bilstein's and it's an entirely different truck.. I swapped out the rears at 2500 miles. Still need to do the fronts but just doing the rears made it ride sooooooooooooo much better.

 

[SigOris]

I did a 2 1/2 hour trip last weekend on stock FX4 shocks and ride was just as people describe. This week, put Bilstein 5100’s on F&R, F set to stock, and world of difference in ride for the better. Stage 3 had the best price. Put these on, you won’t regret it.

 

[1pt21gw]

The best $200 you can spend on your FX4 suspension is a pair of shocks for the rear.

I went with Bilsteins. The Eibachs are also very popular.

If you find the stock FX4 suspension even marginally acceptable, $200 and 30 minutes in your driveway and you'll probably be happy for the foreseeable future until you decide you want to do a full upgrade.

I did the rear Bilsteins first and immediately noticed a big improvement.

Then I did the matching front Bilsteins. Another nice improvement.

Then just recently I swapped out my factory rear leafs for a set of Tremor leafs. Now I'm 100% happy.

I was originally planning on doing a full suspension at some point but now I probably won't even bother. What I currently have works great for what I do with it.



Drive one and make your own evaluation. It may be no big deal to you.

I was one of those that initially was wondering what all the ruckus was about. Mine seemed just fine.

The roads in GA pretty much universally suck so the soft FX4 was probably a benefit.

Then I did the rear shocks and felt the difference.

Yep, what he said above.

I'd bet that just about everyone who has inquired has done at least the rear shock upgrade regardless of what version you got. FX4 package is cool (Much better skids than XLT). I think we would all agree (those that did it) that the rear shock upgrade and its the best return of your $ on ride quality. Pick any, but Bilstein and Eiback are most popular,

Don't worry, the FX4 Ranger is a great ride! You wouldn't be on this site if you weren't curious what a few upgrades will do that others have done.

And...

Just an FYI, it is a VERY slippery slope. Everyone here prides themselves on helping others spend their money, because it happened to them. It is a great group and you can do a lot OR a lot more to your Ranger.

Enjoy!

 

[BettaRanga]

I have a regular 4x4, non fx4. After purchasing, I wished I had bought the fx4 for better suspension until I found the forum and learned the stock suspension is just poor.

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