Question about differences between models

[unrealsm]

Hi everyone, I am new to the site so I apologize if this is in the wrong forum. I am about to come home from a 1.5 year stay in the big sandbox and have decided that I wanted to get a better truck. I currently drive a 05 Ranger 4x4, but I want to get something a little bigger. My question to you is, what are the differences between the regular F 150 4x4 and the FX4? I am in the market for the super crew model and prefer that it is a 08 or newer. I have plans on making it a functional "toy" to take out hunting, camping, hiking, etc. My end goals are 4-6 inch lift, 18" wheels (not sure which ones yet), and 34-35 inch tires. There will be other mods as well but these will probably be the only ones that matter. The areas I normally travel are mostly rough trails with a few creek beds. I am not planning on going rock crawling or anything extreme. I would also appreciate some advice on what brands of lifts to look at. Thanks in advance!

[06yz250f]

in 2008 there was no advantage to the fx4 over a 4x4.

fx4's have 3.73's for 04+

lariat 4x4 with have same specs minus rancho shocks as a fx4. possible different gears depending on the truck.

2009+ the fx4's have a locking rear end which the other 4x4's don't up until 2011.

ofcourse there might be some minor interior differences, lariat will have wood grain while an fx4 has carbon fiber on the dash. gauge cluster might be slightly difference, etc.

sure theres a few other minor things i'm missing but if the locking rear end isn't a big deal (it shouldn't) i'd just find a truck that fits your specs and add a selectable locker yourself if it's something you really want.

if you choose a fx4 over an xlt, the fx4 (08) will have an option of a center shift console for 09+ all fx4's (i'm pretty sure) had the center shift console instead of on the column.

[unrealsm]

Good info,

But I was under the impression that the FX4 had an electronic shift on the fly 4X4 instead of the manual shifter. Is this correct?

Thanks.

[06yz250f]

as long as you don't get a work truck or a stx chances are it will have the electronic shift on the fly 4x4.

[joshjohnson93]

I'm pretty sure 04+ FX4s have skid plates as well. My 05 XLT doesn't have any, and I don't think my brothers 08 Lariat has them either.

[06yz250f]

Originally Posted by joshjohnson93

I'm pretty sure 04+ FX4s have skid plates as well. My 05 XLT doesn't have any, and I don't think my brothers 08 Lariat has them either.

My 07 xlt did. Their so flimsy if I felt I needed them I'd replace with custom