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Difference between a FX4 or a 4x4?

LaBalbe

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Not all. Definitely 2WD trucks in Canada. The thing driving the high take rate is the trade-in/resale market will pay the majority of the original cost of 4WD. That is because the demand for it is so high.

For the OP - just get the standard 4WD and skip the FX4.
OK, I've never come across one, but I can't say that I've done an exhaustive study. Anyway, that answers the question about whether it's government or market-driven. so thanks for that.
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DonB

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I'm ordering a new 2023 as soon as possible and want a 4x4. How much difference is there between the two? Does one ''ride'' better? This will be just a grocery-getter, no ''off-roading'' for me. I'd like to have the best ride available, with the 4x4 power,, if needed. Thanks for looking at this,,,
Skid plate rear locking differential under body protection and maybe a donut or two. It's well worth the cost and shouldn't even be questioned.
 

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You think I would be better off with just the standard 4x4? ---- What does the ''Tremor'' have on it? And,, can I get the Tremor in a Lariat? I'm 78 now,, and this will be the last one for me, for a while
I have a lariat tremor. I love it. Really smooth with the Fox shocks and multi-leaf rear suspension. Slightly taller tires on 17” wheels. All of that soaks up the road conditions nicely. And I will say, on a gravel road, washboard, the tremor loves to go fast and still teach predictably. So if that is an option - go for it. It’s a big $ gap between them though.
Many people have upgraded suspension on non-tremor and even non-FX4 and achieved great results for much less. If ride is the concern, I would go that route.
 

halligan1201

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The way the salesman explained it to me, the standard 4x4 will be stiffest (probably also the least squat when loaded with X weight in the bed), FX4 next, Tremor next. The Tremor has the most pleasing ride around town and also the most articulation off road as it is the softest sprung, but will also have the most squat (to a point, as it also has a progressive rear spring package), at least, that is what the salesman said…. ;)
Can confirm. I test drove all three and that explanation is about is good as it gets. My Tremor is very nice on pavement. My friends who have SUVs comment on the ride all the time. Off-road it's a goat. No regrets but if I didn't buy this, the standard 4x4 would've beeny next choice because I know I would've been changing out suspension.
 


JohnnyO

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If this is just a "grocery-getter" and you don't plan on taking it off-road, what's the advantage to you to getting 4x4? Are there environmental considerations that might make it worthwhile for you to spend the extra money?

I ask, because up here in Canada, ALL trucks come with 4x4; there are no 2x4s available, because even if you never go off-roading, you'll end up having to contend with snow and ice, so 4x4 is pretty essential. I'm not sure if it's the government or market-demand that dictated this practice, since it's possible to get a car in 2wd, but I was with a friend in his RWD one winter, and we fishtailed all over the place. Even with my Ranger, I fishtailed a bit when I went out after the first real snowfall, and regularly use the 4x4 just to get out of my neighbourhood onto the major roads all winter long. My previous SUV was AWD, so I never noticed whether it was just operating as a FWD or AWD, but it definitely engaged the latter regularly during the winter.
Where I live we don't get as much snow as Canada but it's very hilly. My wife's last few vehicles were Chrysler minivans, FWD not AWD, I run 4 Blizzaks on it in the winter and she gets around fine in snow 95% of the time. Trucks are a little light in the rear and I would never consider a RWD 2WD truck.
The other think to know with the Ranger's locker is that it is not "on" all the time like a limited-slip, it's only on when you hit the button and switches off automatically at 25 mph*. So virtually all the time it's running like a conventional open diff anyway.

*Unless you have an FX4 with Terrain Management in which case the locker will stay on up to 55-60 mph if you have the TM in Sand Mode.
 

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I have the Fx4 and I have no complaints about the shocks, happy with the extra features it comes with and I’m a sucker for that FX4 sticker.
LOL , I was about to post something similar . What type of vehicle are those who are complaining about the FX4 ride coming from , a Mercedes ? My Lariat FX4 rides great . In fact the wife has been in a MB since the 90's and she even likes the ride of the Ranger .
 

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LOL , I was about to post something similar . What type of vehicle are those who are complaining about the FX4 ride coming from , a Mercedes ? My Lariat FX4 rides great . In fact the wife has been in a MB since the 90's and she even likes the ride of the Ranger .
You know I use to say the same before I changed mine out. All my F150's had the Fx4 package and I never had a problem with them and even when I bought my Ranger I didn't mind it much. When I decided I was going to keep it another 2-3 years I changed over to the Eibach and there's no comparison. The Fx4's are ok but if I were to do it again I'd get the regular 4x4 or the Tremor.
 

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If not bothering with OffRoad what so ever I wouldnt bother getting 4x4 to begin with. If you have to deal with snow driving then maybe but then again with the right tires and some added weight in the back you will be fine with a RWD
 
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If not bothering with OffRoad what so ever I wouldnt bother getting 4x4 to begin with. If you have to deal with snow driving then maybe but then again with the right tires and some added weight in the back you will be fine with a RWD
Does the FX4 ride rougher than a standard 4x4? I have always liked to have a 4x4,, just in case I need it,, so,,,, it's gonna be a 4x4. However,, I do understand there is some doubt about the ride value. Is the ride of an FX4 really rougher than a standard 4x4?
 

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Does the FX4 ride rougher than a standard 4x4? I have always liked to have a 4x4,, just in case I need it,, so,,,, it's gonna be a 4x4. However,, I do understand there is some doubt about the ride value. Is the ride of an FX4 really rougher than a standard 4x4?
In my opinion both stock dont ride that great. I only had the non FX4. After I changed the suspension cor my needs I had great improvement. Keeping it stock I can't say
 

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4x4 Lariat, electronic locking rear and Bilstein 4600 shocks-struts all around get my vote. Despite the image, my Ranger is non-leveled. New shocks/struts aren't cheap but well worth it, especially on rough, unimproved roads. My Lariat:

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Does the FX4 ride rougher than a standard 4x4? I have always liked to have a 4x4,, just in case I need it,, so,,,, it's gonna be a 4x4. However,, I do understand there is some doubt about the ride value. Is the ride of an FX4 really rougher than a standard 4x4?
Not rough , bouncy with terrible rebound dampening
 

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the ride is set up for a certain offroad capability.
I test drove a standard 4x4 Lariat before I got my FX4 delivered.

even though the FX4 rides different, I preferred it over the Lariat. at least I know there are options (cheap options) to alter that of my needs change.
Tires alone can alter your ride as much as changing shocks.
Those that say the FX4 shocks are garbage probably cant tell you why they think that. Sheep comes to mind because "thats what everyone else says" Take the naysayers with a grain of salt.
The pure trash tendered about the junk stock shocks performing better the faster one drove was laughable. Don't bother trying to tender that crap again because myself and a growing number of others now know from experience, an expensive lesson at that.

My 2019 listed for $43.6, and to be fitted with crap shocks from the factory was pure embarrassment. Ford should have been flogged at the stake. Sorry Ford, that was a bad judgement call on someone's part, presumably to balance the development budget.
 

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Not rough , bouncy with terrible rebound dampening
Before changing mine out it would get all squirrelly over washboards and the ass end was side to side. Now with the Eibach it's more planted and rebounds quicker and smoother.
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