FX4: changes angle of truck?

[Johncessna]

Hey all,

Been doing a lot of reading about the Ranger and am test driving tonight. I know the FX4 package adds suspension, but does this change the overall angle of the truck? Maybe I'm crazy, but the FX4's have a more aggressive look to them. I dig it, but since I'll only be driving on-road, I don't know if I can justify the cost, even though the roads of SE Michigan are basically off road. I searched and read a few threads (especially the Ranger bounce thread, but didn't find an answer.) Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Anthony]

The only physical differences are shocks, tires and skid plates. The rest is electronic features (trail control, selectable terrain, etc)

Shouldn’t be any different angle.

 

[CoastieN70]

Hey all,

Been doing a lot of reading about the Ranger and am test driving tonight. I know the FX4 package adds suspension, but does this change the overall angle of the truck? Maybe I'm crazy, but the FX4's have a more aggressive look to them. I dig it, but since I'll only be driving on-road, I don't know if I can justify the cost, even though the roads of SE Michigan are basically off road. I searched and read a few threads (especially the Ranger bounce thread, but didn't find an answer.) Thanks!

Sits a tad higher and has a slight nose rake.

 

[HenryMac]

Hey all,

Been doing a lot of reading about the Ranger and am test driving tonight. I know the FX4 package adds suspension, but does this change the overall angle of the truck? Maybe I'm crazy, but the FX4's have a more aggressive look to them. I dig it, but since I'll only be driving on-road, I don't know if I can justify the cost, even though the roads of SE Michigan are basically off road. I searched and read a few threads (especially the Ranger bounce thread, but didn't find an answer.) Thanks!

The tires, the skid plate, and the silver painted lower front bumper valance changes the entire look of the truck.

When we were truck hunting we found an XL/STX 4x4 in Saber that we really liked until we laid eyes on it..... I just knew every time I looked at the truck from then on I'd be saying "It's not an FX-4"... so we ended up buying an FX-4.

You also get the locking rear differential with the FX-4 package. That's another great feature to keep in mind.

And if you are looking at XL's.. the information screen in the gauge cluster, between the analog tachometer and speedometer, is some dot matrix minimalistic cheap looking display unless you get the FX-4 package, then you get the upgraded screen so it can show the off-road visuals. So you're getting a lot of upgrades with the FX-4 package, even more so in an XL trim level truck..

___________________________________________

I couldn't find a photo of the bone stock XL info screen... but what I've shown below is similar..

 

[VAMike]

silver painted lower front bumper valance

That depends on trim level; on a lariat it's body color regardless of fx4.

 

[doug910]

Anyone who says that it sits higher/lower is misinformed. All 4x4's have the same ride height (the 4x2 sits slightly lower I believe). You might get some differences due to the different tires, but should not be noticeable to the eye.

I think the biggest visual difference that draws our eyes is the lack of the front air dam on the FX4. The front air dam on all other Rangers adds like two inches of material underneath the bumper and detracts from the aggressive look. If you're just going after the look, I would get the sport package, which gets you the same FX4 bumper with silver valence. Since it comes with the front air dam, just remove it for a more aggressive stance.

As far as functionality goes, you can still get the locking diff on the sport package, which is useful but not necessary in snowy conditions. The FX4 shocks aren't ideal for on-road driving so if you don't need it, I wouldn't get it.

 

[IdahoRanger]

From the brochure:

"Head to where the rubber leaves the road. And keep on going. The FX4 Off-Road
Package gives Ranger all the hardware and technology you need to get way out.
Tough enough to tackle trails in all weather, Ranger FX4 makes its presence known
with a prominent steel bash plate up front, and grip-enhancing all-terrain tires
at all 4 corners. For even more bite, fit yours with the LT-rated tires.1 The Terrain
Management System™ is combined with the Trail Control™ feature, an off-road tuned
suspension, an electronic-locking rear differential, 3 skid plates, and an off-road
display in the instrument cluster screen to help increase your off-road confidence.
The all-new Ranger FX4 is ready for all your adventures."

 

[IdahoRanger]

FX4 angles from brochure:



28.7°
APPROACH ANGLE2


25.4°
DEPARTURE ANGLE2


21.5°
BREAKOVER ANGLE2

 

[BaGMaN]

That depends on trim level; on a lariat it's body color regardless of fx4.

not a true statement. mine isn't body color and it is a lariat.

 

[VAMike]

not a true statement. mine isn't body color and it is a lariat.

Do you also have sports package?

 

[HenryMac]

That depends on trim level; on a lariat it's body color regardless of fx4.

not a true statement. mine isn't body color and it is a lariat.

Yeah.. it's weird. My Magnetic XL SFX FX4 is body color too... If you build it though on the shop.ford site... it shows it as silver though?

It seems though that the bulk of the FX-4's have front bumper silver painted lower valances.

 

[BaGMaN]

Do you also have sports package?

sport and fx4 yes. the lower front is silver.

 

[VAMike]

sport and fx4 yes. the lower front is silver.

Sport changes things again, IIRC

 

[svache]

Saber Lariat incl sport package here, no FX4, mine is silver.

 

[VAMike]

Yeah.. it's weird. My Magnetic XL SFX FX4 is body color too... If you build it though on the shop.ford site... it shows it as silver though?

yes, if you look at my avatar it's the ford image of my truck, which has a silver lower bumper--but the real truck doesn't

Sponsored