4x4 Capabilities without Fx4 package

[DonB]

I won’t do crazy off-roading like I did in my FJ years ago, but how capable is the standard 4x4 off road? What leveling kit would be best to gain some extra ground clearance?
I recently purchased a XLT 4x4 and while I would have paid for the Fx4 package, the available trucks at the dealer had leather and I won’t have leather seats without ventilated seats living in Vegas. I know the 4x4 will get me where I need to go and start heading out to the desert and go shooting again.

No locker? I'm out.

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[MountainGoat]

I have Bilstein 5100s set at max height (2.5") in front and BDS shackles to add an inch to the rear and the truck rides so much better. Bigger tires too 265/70 on stock rims. I'd say it's better than a stock FX4 except for the lack of the rear locker.

Even before I added all that it tackled deep snow and mud with no problems.

 

[D Fresh]

I have Bilstein 5100s set at max height (2.5") in front and BDS shackles to add an inch to the rear and the truck rides so much better. Bigger tires too 265/70 on stock rims. I'd say it's better than a stock FX4 except for the lack of the rear locker.

Even before I added all that it tackled deep snow and mud with no problems.

You've gained a half inch of ground clearance and a better ride over an FX-4. However, you don't have a locker, Trail Control, Terrain Management, or skidplates. And at only $1200 for the FX-4 package, you've spent close to double the money.

The non FX-4 Ranger is VERY capable, don't get me wrong. And you've done some good things to yours. But a leveled 4wd Ranger with 31.5" tires is NOT a better offroad performer than a stock FX-4. And certainly not on a dollars to capability level. An aftermarket rear locker alone will cost you more once installed than the FX-4 package. While it may be overkill for some, it's a great value and was a no brainer for me.

 

[Frenchy]

Assuming you have a Locker already(yes its possible to get without FX4) the Ranger will take you very far. If you dont have a locker then you will be a bit limited. In general a leveling kit will only do so much and depending on how far you want to go will.may want to avoid a leveling kit. I myself had a 2019 XLT Sport 4X4. No locker unfortunately but I did put the Old Man EMU basic lift with 285/70-17 Firestone Destination XT'S ON factory sport wheels with no spacers. Only had a little rub at full lock and i was able to go many places with it. There were places I was able to go that others here wouldnt want too(thank yhe leveling kit for that). Whats nice is with that combination the truck was still in a practical height for regular truck stuff including towing. The biggest advantage you will get is the new leafs in the rear that will give you not just lift but more articulation(real big help for OffRoad).

Still your choice what you do but I can promise it will make you happy

 

[mgallo13]

No locker? I'm out.

you can get a non FX4 with the locker- I have it on my 4x4 Sport... not sure why everyone is saying otherwise.

Our truck i believe is one of the last ones with a switch for the locker. it'll even disengage automatically over 25mph. I know on my buddy's trd pro the rear locker can only be activated when in 4LO or something..

I use mine to pull my boat out all the time. i actually think I use it more than my 4wd honestly lol

 

[Dereku]

I have a 4x4 with a locker. Only difference is the skid plates. The trail control/terrain management is really not needed. If you have ever wheeled in a truck without ABS you won't need it. I actually wouldn't want it.

 

[Blmpkn]

I have a 4x4 with a locker. Only difference is the skid plates. The trail control/terrain management is really not needed. If you have ever wheeled in a truck without ABS you won't need it. I actually wouldn't want it.

It's crazy how new systems like terrain management are, and how people are already honestly questioning the capabilities of the same vehicle lacking them lol.

Jesus people....

Most of this country was built by shit with carburetors. You'll be just fine without "sand mode" or whatever lol.

 

[Dereku]

It's crazy how new systems like terrain management are, and how people are already honestly questioning the capabilities of the same vehicle lacking them lol.

Jesus people....

Most of this country was built by shit with carburetors. You'll be just fine without "sand mode" or whatever lol.

Exactly. Sand mode is deflating the tires and applying more throttle. I would not want the traction control changing based on terrain. Talk about wearing out brake pads. I get it on the raptor where it changing the shock adjustment as well. That is cool. Because adjusting shocks on the fly would be hard.

 

[MountainGoat]

You've gained a half inch of ground clearance and a better ride over an FX-4. However, you don't have a locker, Trail Control, Terrain Management, or skidplates. And at only $1200 for the FX-4 package, you've spent close to double the money.

The non FX-4 Ranger is VERY capable, don't get me wrong. And you've done some good things to yours. But a leveled 4wd Ranger with 31.5" tires is NOT a better offroad performer than a stock FX-4. And certainly not on a dollars to capability level. An aftermarket rear locker alone will cost you more once installed than the FX-4 package. While it may be overkill for some, it's a great value and was a no brainer for me.

The FX4 is higher from the factory? I wouldn't want to pay for the FX4 only to change the shocks anyway. I wished I had the locking diff for sliding around on the dirt roads here but if it turns off 25mph I couldn't use it anyway.

I cross shopped an FX4 when i got mine and I'm at $34k for everything I've done including an expensive Line-x job and the FX4 I looked at was $33k. Didn't like the chrome and wheels on that one either.

 

[rang19ca]

I have the Sport 4x4 with a locker, non FX4 and I had no problem making it up these. I followed the white Ranger up in the first pic.

 

[Chris M]

you can get a non FX4 with the locker- I have it on my 4x4 Sport... not sure why everyone is saying otherwise.

Our truck i believe is one of the last ones with a switch for the locker. it'll even disengage automatically over 25mph. I know on my buddy's trd pro the rear locker can only be activated when in 4LO or something..

I use mine to pull my boat out all the time. i actually think I use it more than my 4wd honestly lol

I have one of these 4WD Sports like yours with the locker.
I'll possibly never use it, but I do have it.

 

[mtsoxfan]

I like having fun, but when spinning wheels and fishtaling, the antilock system goes nuts, making it... not fun. Can that be disabled easily without forscan, for those moments?

 

[Wesmertz]

I like having fun, but when spinning wheels and fishtaling, the antilock system goes nuts, making it... not fun. Can that be disabled easily without forscan, for those moments?

You should have a button in front of the shifter that disables your traction control features. Hold it for 5 seconds and all that anti slip/flip/roll crap is disabled. Go to town!

 

[mtsoxfan]

You should have a button in front of the shifter that disables your traction control features. Hold it for 5 seconds and all that anti slip/flip/roll crap is disabled. Go to town!

LOL, I will try that. I fishtaled once, and with all the anti comotion, my wife was screaming that I'm breaking the truck...LOL

 

[D Fresh]

Our truck i believe is one of the last ones with a switch for the locker. it'll even disengage automatically over 25mph.

If you keep your foot in it I've seen the locker light stay active up to close to 50mph.

I have a 4x4 with a locker. Only difference is the skid plates. The trail control/terrain management is really not needed. If you have ever wheeled in a truck without ABS you won't need it. I actually wouldn't want it.

Certainly not needed. But nice to have. I thought the same thing till I used it. Like an old DVR or smartphone, pretty handy.

It's crazy how new systems like terrain management are, and how people are already honestly questioning the capabilities of the same vehicle lacking them lol.

Jesus people....

Most of this country was built by shit with carburetors. You'll be just fine without "sand mode" or whatever lol.

Exactly. Sand mode is deflating the tires and applying more throttle. I would not want the traction control changing based on terrain. Talk about wearing out brake pads. I get it on the raptor where it changing the shock adjustment as well. That is cool. Because adjusting shocks on the fly would be hard.

I like having fun, but when spinning wheels and fishtaling, the antilock system goes nuts, making it... not fun. Can that be disabled easily without forscan, for those moments?

Sand mode with AdvanceTrak turned off is the ONLY way to disable all the nannies. Without sand mode, even with AdvanceTrak off, RSC still remains active and it will shut the fun down.

If you like to hoon your truck a bit the FX-4 package is an absolute must.

The FX4 is higher from the factory? I wouldn't want to pay for the FX4 only to change the shocks anyway. I wished I had the locking diff for sliding around on the dirt roads here but if it turns off 25mph I couldn't use it anyway.

I cross shopped an FX4 when i got mine and I'm at $34k for everything I've done including an expensive Line-x job and the FX4 I looked at was $33k. Didn't like the chrome and wheels on that one either.

No they start at the same height. But a level doesn't provide ground clearance. It simply allows for bigger tires, which in turn increase clearance. Your tires are 1" taller than FX-4 tires, halving that means you gained a half inch of ground clearance.

I would not go through the trouble of changing out my suspension for only a half inch of ground clearance, but to each their own.

Also, the locker will not disengage over 25mph while actively accelerating.

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