Why order an FX4 package after reading this forum?

[FunInTheSun]

This! I do use the terrain modes and I'll admit at first I thought they were "gimmicky". But after using them up in Sedona they really do work great and can help you through some tough obstacles or just keeping good throttle control when set to a low speed.

The terrain modes are a way of adding a little additional value using hardware that was installed for safety purposes (ABS and Stability control). They don't require any additional hardware. The features are only software as all the sensors and actuators are already installed as long as you have ABS and any form of cruise control. The user interface requires the XLT dash cluster. I have a buddy with an XL FX4, and he got the upgraded dash cluster because of the FX4 package.

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[Motorpsychology]

2021 was the 1st year of the Tremor package. It was and still is harder to get than any of the other 4X4 packages.

Correct. It was available on XLT (301A, 302A) & Lariat, but not on the XL, which is still the case.
Over the years, I must've morphed in into not available at all in '21.

 

[D Fresh]

Factory skids are a joke IMO.

They're put on so Salesmen can blow hot air up the ass of the average buyer.

Anyone who NEEDS skidplates is going to immideately buy aftermarket and throw the stock pieces in their neighbors pool.

They're more than adequate for most Ranger drivers.

Of course those who think their Ranger is a Jeep might disagree.

Regardless, the math doesn't lie.

FX-4 is only $1295, standalone locker is $420. A difference of $875. TM and TC is difficult to put a value on. But let's be conservative and say $200 a piece. Oops, let's not forget about the offroad display, call it $50. Tire upgrade, if you wanna call it that, $25 per corner. Tow hooks, $50? Stickers, -$5.

That leaves $270 for the FX-4 skids which are the front bashplate, EPAS skid and fuel skid. As far as I know nobody even makes an aftermarket fuel tank skid, metal or plastic. And a set of aftermarket skids will run you 3 times as much.

 

[Blmpkn]

They're more than adequate for most Ranger drivers.

Of course those who think their Ranger is a Jeep might disagree.

Regardless, the math doesn't lie.

FX-4 is only $1295, standalone locker is $420. A difference of $875. TM and TC is difficult to put a value on. But let's be conservative and say $200 a piece. Oops, let's not forget about the offroad display, call it $50. Tire upgrade, if you wanna call it that, $25 per corner. Tow hooks, $50? Stickers, -$5.

That leaves $270 for the FX-4 skids which are the front bashplate, EPAS skid and fuel skid. As far as I know nobody even makes an aftermarket fuel tank skid, metal or plastic. And a set of aftermarket skids will run you 3 times as much.

No skidplates At all is more than adequate for most ranger drivers ? which was somehow supposed to be my point (no coffee yet srry)

I personally just don't see those cheap stamped turds as being any sort of 'value'. I'm just being nit picky. Your not wrong though.

 

[D Fresh]

No skidplates At all is more than adequate for most ranger drivers ? which was somehow supposed to be my point (no coffee yet srry)

I personally just don't see those cheap stamped turds as being any sort of 'value'. I'm just being nit picky. Your not wrong though.

But that front bash plate looks tough when I'm hopping parking blocks in between Macy's and the theater.

Only the black ones though.

Silver bash Plate = Damper owner.

 

[WingShot]

For me, those extra few bucks were lacking from a tight budget. I wanted to pay it off sooner, I only have a couple of months left. Plus, I don't go off roading, just wanted the 4x4 for Pacific Northwest winters. And I'd read negative reports of the FX4 suspension.

You don't go off-road, others do. Seems like you just answered your own question.

My question is, if you don't go off-raod and you're on a tight budget, why cough up the cash for 4x4? Just a few months of snowy pavement? Hardly worth it. This truck in 2WD with some good snow tires and a little weight in the bed...No problem on snowy pavement.

 

[AzScorpion]

But that front bash plate looks tough when I'm hopping parking blocks in between Macy's and the theater.

Only the black ones though.

Silver bash Plate = Damper owner.

Is it really that obvious?

 

[maxbottomtime]

Factory skids are a joke IMO.

They're put on so Salesmen can blow hot air up the ass of the average buyer.

Anyone who NEEDS skidplates is going to immideately buy aftermarket and throw the stock pieces in their neighbors pool.

That transfer skid plate has seen some “use” on mine. I need to pull it off, bang it flat, and weld some angle iron on or something else to reinforce.

 

[maxbottomtime]

They're more than adequate for most Ranger drivers.

Of course those who think their Ranger is a Jeep might disagree.

Regardless, the math doesn't lie.

FX-4 is only $1295, standalone locker is $420. A difference of $875. TM and TC is difficult to put a value on. But let's be conservative and say $200 a piece. Oops, let's not forget about the offroad display, call it $50. Tire upgrade, if you wanna call it that, $25 per corner. Tow hooks, $50? Stickers, -$5.

That leaves $270 for the FX-4 skids which are the front bashplate, EPAS skid and fuel skid. As far as I know nobody even makes an aftermarket fuel tank skid, metal or plastic. And a set of aftermarket skids will run you 3 times as much.

I think 4x4 has all the same skids (other than a different front skid).
also, non FX4 has tow hooks. change that to the price of spray paint.

you can unlock the off-road display also.

 

[D Fresh]

I think 4x4 has all the same skids (other than a different front skid).
also, non FX4 has tow hooks. change that to the price of spray paint.

you can unlock the off-road display also.

You're wrong, 4X4 does not get the EPAS or Fuel Tank skid.

And...

You're right. Forgot is was the 2wds that didn't get the towhooks and that the ForScan hackers figured out the offroad display.

Up that from $270 to $370. You still won't find even cardboard skids at that price

 

[maxbottomtime]

You're wrong, 4X4 does not get the EPAS or Fuel Tank skid.

And...

You're right. Forgot is was the 2wds that didn't get the towhooks and that the ForScan hackers figured out the offroad display.

Up that from $270 to $370. You still won't find even cardboard skids at that price

The skid plate just behind the bash plate? Same part number on all 4x4s. Or do you mean the weird right angle one?

the gas tank one is literally plastic haha.

 

[D Fresh]

The skid plate just behind the bash plate? Same part number on all 4x4s. Or do you mean the weird right angle one?

the gas tank one is literally plastic haha.

The right angle one that sits under the power steering pump.

Yes it's plastic. It's been discussed ad nauseum. Here's the final verdict...

Hi Jay,

I stongely disagree with your statement. Very old school. I would trust my plastic skidplate over steel can opener any day.

best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Hi Jack,

Nope...My friends in fuel systems engineering have experience with both steel and plastic and the plastic works better. We have proved that in testing a few time.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[RangerBill]

The right angle one that sits under the power steering pump.

No power steering pump. Electric power steering.

 

[D Fresh]

No power steering pump. Electric power steering.

Yes, you're right.

I knew that, notice I've been calling it the EPAS skid.

I'm old, and it's late (for me) forgive the brain fart.

 

[maxbottomtime]

Ah I think I’m mixed up. It has the EPAS, but transfer plate and gas are not included. Part 5C076 is on all 4x4.
I don’t think it has this one - which also isn’t the EPAS
https://www.levittownfordparts.com/...kK7oezseAO8FudQOS67n41-IjxMHtHbRoCgsUQAvD_BwE

I realize plastic offers some abrasion resistance, but I’d hate to hang up the car on the plastic skid plate of the gas tank.

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