Difference between a FX4 or a 4x4?

[D Fresh]

I'm really not sure Doug as I've never had a regular 4x4 suspension. Maybe that's why those who've tested both don't feel much difference on the road?

I just don't recall anyone here saying they changed out their Fx4 to an aftermarket one and regretting it. It's always been the opposite and they (myself included) wished they did it sooner.

I haven't driven them much. But a few of the test drives I did were in standard 4x4s. Felt the same to me, in fact I was quite disappointed there was no improvement on the FX shocks.

I don't think RP is wrong, in that the standard 4x4 or FX-4 suspension will be perfectly acceptable to 90% of buyers. That doesn't mean those same 90% wouldn't be VERY impressed with a properly setup suspension.

In any event, not even RP can argue this, if the OP wants the best riding factory suspension in a Ranger, he should be thinking Tremor.

Sponsored

 

[Trigganometry]

I haven't driven them much. But a few of the test drives I did were in standard 4x4s. Felt the same to me, in fact I was quite disappointed there was no improvement on the FX shocks.

I don't think RP is wrong, in that the standard 4x4 or FX-4 suspension will be perfectly acceptable to 90% of buyers. That doesn't mean those same 90% wouldn't be VERY impressed with a properly setup suspension.

In any event, not even RP can argue this, if the OP wants the best riding factory suspension in a Ranger, he should be thinking Tremor.

I have a 4X4 Sport edition and can say with certainty that the shocks are different than the FX4. So it’s most likely Valving and some spring load difference for the difference we notice. Mine still wallow though just to be clear

 

[Squatchranger]

Which is why I say go for a Lariat Tremor.

Best ride from the factory. Gives you the 4x4 you want plus all the other goodies. No need to modify anything. Add a couple of personal accessories (steps, tonneau, whatever) and drive the hell out of her.

Yeah it is the easiest way to get a good ride and is probably the best option if you want it done quickly and no effort needed, but having driven both aftermarket even though its more work is so so worth it the difference is huge @Frenchy can tell you as well

 

[Squatchranger]

theres many that note no change in feel. even comparing FX4 to non FX4 theres many that cant tell the difference.
and overall, the small numbers on here VS the north american sales really skew your numbers.
how many members here vs total sales, how many members have swapped shocks? your data is lacking.

Sounds like we need a poll

 

[TJC]

I went with a 4X4 Sport. XLT. Seems in the middle in shock quality but no rear locker or Trail Control. I added my own Trail Management switch so I could get the modes for snow, sand etc. The Tremor does have all the bells and whistles, improved suspension but at a premium. So depends on what options you’ll be happy with for your intended use to what you want to spend

Curious, I purchased a 2020 XLT Sport as well, and mine came with rear locker, and front skid plate. I had to switch out the stock shocks (with Eibachs) as ride was bouncy and for me, out of control in turns. Much more control and comfort with the Eibachs. I also added the TM button after purchase. I figured all Sport packages came equipped like mine.... Guess that is not the case.

T
Edited to clarify... my apologies for the confusion

 

[D Fresh]

Yeah it is the easiest way to get a good ride and is probably the best option if you want it done quickly and no effort needed, but having driven both aftermarket even though its more work is so so worth it the difference is huge @Frenchy can tell you as well

I don't exclusively shop ARB/OME so I pretty much disregard Frenchy's sales pitches.

Dude is 78. When I'm 78 I'll probably be done with modding my vehicles. That's why I said Tremor.

 

[Trigganometry]

Curious, I purchased a 2020 XLT Sport as well, and mine came with rear locker, and front skid plate. I had to switch out the shocks (Eibachs) as ride was bouncy and for me, out of control in turns. Much more control and comfort with the Eibachs. I also added the TM button after purchase. I figured all Sport packages came equipped like mine.... Guess that is not the case.

T

I got same year and package so who knows. They may have more than one source for shocks. I know for certain they’re not FX on mine. I do not have the rear locker, mine also came with the half skid plate in front. I swapped out my plate and air dam with another user on here. So we may have different shocks because of the locker setup.

 

[Squatchranger]

I don't exclusively shop ARB/OME so I pretty much disregard Frenchy's sales pitches.

Dude is 78. When I'm 78 I'll probably be done with modding my vehicles. That's why I said Tremor.

Yeah I don't drink the ome coolaid but aftermarket in general is gonna be really good yeah he probably won't wanna mod it but ultimately for the money modding will get the best results though it is more effort as others have said for the last vehicle go big

 

[D Fresh]

I have a 4X4 Sport edition and can say with certainty that the shocks are different than the FX4. So it’s most likely Valving and some spring load difference for the difference we notice. Mine still wallow though just to be clear

My experience in 4x4s was limited to test drives so I'll take your word for it.

 

[deleriumtremor]

If you have the coin yes. The Tremor has the best ride of any Ranger. Had there been a Tremor option in 2019 I would be rocking one.

That said 3.5k in Eibach 2.0 coilover/ extended rear shocks, 265/70/17 Cooper Wild Trek and Rocky Road sliders and I am close. But the multileaf springs in the Tremor does make a huge difference and probable my next suspension upgrade.

I may actually do the leaf spring swap first before the shocks (if I can, based on shock length considerations, etc.)., I have been sitting here for like 3 months while I contemplated my upgrade path and have become semi convinced a lot of what people report that is objectionable is likely the way it is sprung, versus shock valving, etc. (there is clearly differences in the shock packages), but I am thinking the spring may yield even bigger rewards.

I probably will send my buddy who has the shock dyno my Fox shocks before I swap them in, so then when I send him the Ranchos, I can compare both traces.

 

[Floyd]

RP, you need to calm down (at least calm down the written vitriol).

The things you post at times that illicit the “feeling of being ganged up on”, are not because people coordinate their response. It is because a lot of regulars here see what you posted as nonsense.

To make matters worse and perhaps lock peoples jaws against you is you rarely if ever admit you were wrong about something that pretty much everybody here (most pretty knowledgeable truck people) knows to be incorrect.

When you see the onslaught of opinions flow in against your assertion, you don’t back down and admit you might rethink your conclusion, but almost invariably double down with something even more outrageous like your post #60 in this thread.

Nobody expects the FX4 to be a 100+ MPH desert racer, period. You know nobody expects it, everybody who read your post know that is nonsense and yet you set your jaw out there and figuratively say, “punch me”.

RP, you have a lot to add to most conversations. Doing it in a sarcastic kind of bad boy way can be entertaining and add a fun slant to everyone’s experience. But to harbor grudges, to be rolled out repeatedly with positions pretty much everyone who has driven these trucks disagrees with, starts to single you out as someone who might benefit from professional help.

Drop the embattled RP and keep the sarcastic, funny and many times very detailed fact reteller, RP.

Peace brother.

You Prolly mean "solicit" ...Right?

 

[SigOris]

Like others have said the Fx4 shocks are not that great. I just replaced mine with Eibach all around and it's a night and day difference. The Fx4 are so bad I can't even give them away for free. lol

WAIT…….your MY19 didn’t come with Eibach’s? ?

 

[deleriumtremor]

You Prolly mean "solicit" ...Right?

Oh jeez, I don’t think either really works there very well (your suggestion is way better than my Apple word swap outcome), maybe I will go back and swap in conjure.

My only defense is, IT WAS THE Tramadol

Thanks for watching my 6.

 

[AzScorpion]

WAIT…….your MY19 didn’t come with Eibach’s? ?

That's it I'm selling it and buying a new Tacoma!

 

[SigOris]

Never said I was a pro but at least I'm comparing the Fx4 to my Ranger and not an F150. If you want to talk about your years of experience with an F150 I suggest you head over to that forum where they might care. I had over 12 of them myself all with the Fx4 but I see no point in bringing it up because it's irrelevant.

Your problem is you hate when someone disagrees with you and you have to go after them to try and prove a point. Yet you can't because you have NO off road time on your Ranger and I and many here do. Have you ever read one post where someone changed theirs out and didn't like it? No, everyone said they wished they had done it sooner. Like I said earlier IF the Fx4 was so great then why are there so many changing it out? I was one of them who "thought" it was fine and I have several posts dating back 2-3 years stating that. But once I changed to the Eibach it's a night and day difference and you can't accept that it's a fact.

Cronies, lol So someone who disagrees with you are my cronies now. ? How about others have the same opinion as mine and you just don't like it

Dave, practice scroll past like I do, it’s empowering. He’s a rain barrel Charlie.

Sponsored