F350 standard shocks or FX4 shocks

[John_G2]

Hi all,

Been looking at a new F350 Platinum and all the ones in my area seem to have the FX4 package.

From a towing point, any downside or upside to the "upgraded" shocks in the FX4 package over the standard ones?

Current TT is ~7000# loaded. Future TT (ones that wife and I like) would be in the 9-10K# (loaded and ready to roll).

thanks.

[FishOnOne]

The general opinion about the Rancho shocks that come on the Ford trucks are bad and many report major ride improvement going to an adjustable Rancho 9000 series shock.

My previous 05 Super Duty I replaced the factory Rancho's at ~160k miles with new Ranchos and noticed a slight ride improvement.

[rayford118]

John_G wrote:
Thanks guys.

Rayford: few questions.... how do you like the truck? Did you get the FX4 package? If yes, what's the actual height of your truck?

Thanks again for the replies.

Love the truck. It does have the FX4 package. i havent measured the actual truck height but i know its about an inch or so taller than my 2012 F250 King Ranch FX4 that i traded.

[elkhornsun]

The packages are a great way to increase the dealer's profits which are already huge on pickups. I would check the rims and tires provided as with GM the special "4x4" special packages have tires and rims that have half the load rating of the ones on the "standard" trucks. The FX4 shocks used in the past on these trucks do not last any longer than the standard shocks. Would expect to have to replace them within 20k miles with Bilstein 5100's or something comparable.

[GoPackGo]

I skipped the Fx4 package when I ordered my F350 Platinum. I did get the skid plates and then bought Bilsteins after I took delivery.

[Bedlam]

When I bought my truck in 2005, the FX4 package had less shock dampening than the stock shocks which gave it a better unloaded or off-road ride. I went with the skid plate package and stock shocks and did not regret it. Last year, I changed to the even heavier dampening XL9000's when I went to 19.5" wheels.

[APT]

mudfuel07 wrote:
Used to, don't know if it still is, but the FX4 shocks were nothing more than rebranded cheap Rancho shocks. It won't hurt or help with towing.

The FX4 package has Rancho branded shocks made to Ford's specs. They aren't as good and any of Rancho's aftermarket shocks.

I agree with the last sentence. You will see an improvement with any quality aftermarket shock over either OEM shock.

[John_G2]

Thanks guys.

Rayford: few questions.... how do you like the truck? Did you get the FX4 package? If yes, what's the actual height of your truck?

Thanks again for the replies.

[rayford118]

I just picked one of them up 2 weeks ago, and like mud fuel said it wont help or hurt towing. especially for that sized trailer

[mudfuel07]

Used to, don't know if it still is, but the FX4 shocks were nothing more than rebranded cheap Rancho shocks. It won't hurt or help with towing.