So ive narrowed my search for a truck to the FX4 preferably because of the painted bumpers and lack of wood trim ... a la lariat. The only thing missing would be the cooled seats that the lariat has!

so he in lies the questions:

1) Has the FX4 had cooled seats in the past (04-08)?

2) Could you add the option? If so how?

3) How likely is it to get added for 2010+?

Local dealer has the truck id want it seems, fx4 razor red NAV moonroof etc -- Fully loaded minus the cooled seats

In the coming texas heat this seems like itd be a great option that id use the hell out of

 

I have the cooled seats on my KR. To be honest with you, the idea of a cooled seat in summer is good but in practice, it feels like you're sitting on a cool, damp cloth. In my humble opinion, you're not missing anything by not having cooled seats.

 

Yeah I wanted the option of cooled seats in my FX4 since I got the black leather, but after hearing people's experience with them (the noise they make and the feeling they give), I figured I could do without. Instead, I spent the money on tinted windows and a comfy sheepskin cover. The only problem I'm having on the few hot days we've had is the strong, plasticky, "new car smell" that results from interior heat buildup. This will pass I'm sure as the truck ages. I may get a windsheild screen for the summer.

 

Once you get over the funny feeling they give you, they are very nice. You do hear a faint fan noise when they are running and your not moving with audio off but no louder than the fan on low with AC on. They wouldnt stop me from buying a truck but they are a great feature.

 

Great color choice! I have the same, but the cooled seats are not an option on the FX4.

Get the truck you want, tint the windows, and get a heat shield for the front windshield. I got one from from Canvass Works (http://www.canvasworks.com/) and it's awesome. They are designed specifically for each make/model windshield, so every thing is covered. A definate must with black interior!

Good luck with your decision! Post pics of the new ride!

 

you probably could add them in, but you'd spend a pretty penny, probably more then it would be to get them as a factory option

 

Would it be easier to get a lariat and change out the wood trim?

 

Yes i assume it would be easier to replace the wood trim. I know you can on the console but the doors i do not know. However you lose the locker and skid plates(yes i know you can add to lariat)

 

I am in the same predicament as you. But there are a few more things that I like about the Lariat and above that the FX4 doesn't have. I like the stitching on the sun shield (?) right above the instrument cluster on the Lariat and above models. I also like on the SuperCrew that they have a fold down arm rest with pop out cup holder in the back seat. I was told by my dealer that the wood grain could be changed out. A rear locker is nice, but I think LS would be more practical for me (not much off road, just lots of snow and ice sometimes). The one thing I don't like about the Lariat besides the faux wood trim is that you cannot get the 3.73 rear without getting the max tow package.

 

Yeah the lariat def sounds the way to go. The FX4 dont have the LS diff so if you aint gonna use it then you just have a open axle in the snow. At worst you could remove the wood trims and get them sprayed the colour you want buy a body shop.

 

Interesting thread. Now I am wondering whether or not I really thought this through.

I really liked the Lariat but hated the wood trim. They also didn't offer the Lariat in the colour I wanted - Sterling Grey.

I don't know much about axles(my first truck) and missed the part about the FX4 Luxury not having the cooled seats - although I don't really care about the cooled seats.

I've ordered a Sterling Grey FX4 with the Luxury package and because I liked the Lariat chrome so much, they are going to put on a Lariat chrome Grille for me instead of the body coloured and black FX4 grill.

I figured with the Lariat Grille above and the chrome running boards, I would end up getting pretty much a Lariat looks wise in the colour I wanted but without the wood trim.

Can anyone tell me a bit more about the difference between the 3.73 and 3.55 axle? I don't off road but it does get kinda nasty here in the winter time with snow. I am getting the 4x4 of course. Is there any reason the 3.73 on the FX4 won't perform as well on the snow as the 3.55 LS?

 

I'll give you my .02 worth here. I went from a 1997 F-150 5.4 w 3.55 to a 2009 F-150 3.73. The 3.55 was good for gas mileage seeing the engine rpm's were lower. The 2009 turns about the same rpm's as the 1997 did, and it does it with 6 speeds in the trans vs 4 in the 1997. I pull a 13,000lb boat so I wanted the 3.73 with the new truck. It gives me a little better pull than the 97 did. I also pull a snowmobile trailer and I could keep it, the 97, in OD while towing the snowmobile trailer without the trans downshifting and upshifting all the time. I have not pulled anything with the new one, but I am anxious to see how it pulls the boat. Of course I don't pull the boat 70mph down the road with the F-150, but if it handles it, I just might. If I go on long trip, that is what the 2003 F-350 is for. The 6L does a wonderful job.

The 3.55 gives you lower engine rpm's vs the 3.73, about 200 to be exact. If I were you, go with the 3.73 and 6 speed trans. Great combination!!!!!!

 

You do know you are towing more than the maximum rated load?

 

It's all about towing. The 3.73 works better for towing, especially heavier trailers. If you don't tow, the 3.73 will be more responsive around town simply because you have more low end torque. Both pull well in snow, but the 3.73 will break lose easier, especially if you don't have limited slip.

I was happy with the 3.55 when I had the smaller 16" wheels, but with the larger FX4 and Lariat wheels 3.55 is a bit sluggish, and I prefer to go with 3.73. I don't know about the either one with the 6 speed trans though.

 

This is getting sidetracked.

Cooled seats just became available in any F-150 for 2009 model year. No one knows if or when it will make it to the FX4. Adding it would not be cheap. Getting the Lariat and replacing the trim for $200 would probably be cheaper and you end up with a few more goodies the FX4 does not have. As mentioned, the only really exclusive FX4 feature is the locking diff which is new for 2009. The LSD is great for snow/ice and what we've been using for many years for a good compromise for on-road performance.

3.73 is 5% shorter than 3.55. That is a torque multiplier, so you always have 5% more torque available at the wheels than 3.55. Fuel penalty is not measurable, so I recommend the 3.73 gear. Outside of the FX4, you need the max tow package to get the 3.73 which itself is an outstanding value, but some people don't like the towing mirrors for daily driving.