I have an FX4 and wondering if the shocks on this are designed such that the ride is a bit harsher than would be in a Lariet or XLT? Are the shocks interchangable - or are the FX4 longer?

I'd be interested in trading my FX4 for Lariet or others, if possible.

 

The shocks are not longer. I'm not sure about the new F-150's but the older FX4 shocks had the same valving as the shocks on every 4x4 with the towing package.

 

all the shocks on the 4x4's, with the same towing and gvw options, are the same. It does not matter if you go with Fx4, Lariat, King Ranch, etc. all the same and all so stiff that they will rattle your teeth out of your head. My truck rides so stiff that it feels like the axles are welded to the frame, no give at all unless I encounter a huge bump.

I have been trying to determine myself what would be a good choice for a shock to replace the factory shocks and whether it would soften the ride or whether its the springs that are just so stiff?? Can't get any useful information on this forum or from the dealer. The dealer cannot even tell me what shocks come on what truck let alone options. What you normally get back is "If you wanted a cadillac ride you should not have bought a truck" or some other pearl of wisdom from someone who does not have a clue and thinks that a smart@$$ comment would substitute for a knowledgable reply. Like this is not the 5th Ford 4x4 that I have owned.) Anyone have any useful information regarding softening the ride of the newer F150 4x4????

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the FX4's came with Rancho's? From everything I've seen, those are some pretty stiff riding shocks. Even the shocks on my XLT are fairly stiff. I've gotten used to the ride, but the rear end still gets kind of squirrely when going over a sharp bump that causes the rear wheels to lose traction. It still rides nothing like the '02 Lariat I had, but then again that was a Screw so there was a little more weight over the rear axle to help smooth things out.

 

The fx4 a few years ago used to come with ranchos. But not anymore. Go look at the trucks on the dealer lots. The shocks on all the 4x4 are the same shock and none of them are rancho shocks. I have a 2006, 4x4, supercrew, Lariat. Other than a few interior options and different appearance package and wheels, my Lariat is identical mechanically to a Fx4 or a King Ranch 4x4. Same shocks, same springs, engine, trans., etc.

I do believe that the shocks on my truck are stiffer than the 4x2 shocks, but I have been unable to confirm from the dealer. I would like to obtain softer shocks but I am not sure it will make a difference with the heavy springs on the trucks. Also, I do not know how to compare various aftermarket shocks with the stock ones. I do not want to just go spend the money and see. I wish I knew someone who swapped out and obtained a softer, less bone jarring, ride to talk to .

 

Ugh, this thread is FILLED with wrong information.

The FX4 shocks ARE different. They are Ranchos, they just don't say it on the shocks/strut itself like the last body style. I'd like to add they are a CRAPPY valved Rancho shock/strut compared to what you buy through Rancho. I don't know if the Lariat shocks/struts are any different from the XL, STX, and XLT though.

 

Beg to differ. I agree the shocks are poor. However, I have looked and compared too many of them side by side with my truck and talked to the dealer as well. The shocks on the fx4 are identical to the shocks on my 4x4 Lariat. I can get you photos if you need to see to believe. At least that's how they sit on the lots down here in Florida.

 

Thumper, Just drove over to the local ford dealer. Every 4x4, F150 on the lot had the same shocks. The only 4x4's to have Rancho were the F250 and F350's, all the 4x4, F150 were the same shocks. They are putting the Ford supplied "sport tuned shocks" on all the 4x4 packages. On the F150 you either get the 2wd shocks or the "sport tuned" 4wd shocks it does not matter if you go xlt, lariat, fx4, or king ranch. There is only a difference between the 2x4 and the 4x4 and its only with different interior valving, otherwise, all cheap factory shocks and no ranchos. If you pay $10,000.00 more and go with the F250, then you get the ranchos.

 

I've already admited that they all APPEAR to be the same shocks, unless you took them apart theres no way to tell. I don't know about 2005-06 but in 2004 there was a major ride difference between a FX4 and a 4WD Lariat. The FX4 felt like it was on pogo sticks. .

 

Wow - Looks like I really started some interesting dialog on a subject which has not been completed fettered out....I think we need some testing done on the subject and if anyone has any Lariet shocks laying around, I'd be glad to pilot the test! Better yet, you all can 'chip in' and buy 1 shock each, send to me and I will provide fettered results!

 

Go see for yourself. Test drive a FX4 and a Lariat see if they ride any different.

 

Good point Thumper...I might just do that some time - if I ever find some, that is. Maybe I'll just save my pennies and buy the whole dang truck...I'd really like those radio controls on the steering wheel anyway. That's worth another $5 or $10K, right?

 

BTW Thumper - I dig your truck - you have controls on the wheel? Wanna sell it?

 

Thanks!

Sure, $50,000 and its all yours!

 

i like my stiff ride. makes it feel tuffer and corners like a ferrari