09 + Ford F-150

[Hematite]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

The FX4 does have heavier duty shocks and other suspension components for "offroad" use. Those components are definitely a help while towing although when not towing you will get a firmer ride. I have the FX4 model in a 2007 and chose it because I felt that it would be better while towing and have been very satisfied with this model.

Once you add the 3.73 axle and the LT tire option to the trailer towing package you've got a great truck for towing. The LT tire option is a must because you can air up the tires to increase the stiffness, directional stability, and load capacity way beyond the standard "P" rated tires.

 

[dodge man]

Dodge started the "high" truck wars in 94 when the did the major redesign. They actually looked at the critical dimensions needed for off roading and trying to build a truck that was actually an improvement in those areas. It seems like GM decided not to jump on the band wagon and compete. Depending on how you use your truck, it may not make a difference. I have had a 4 wheel drive truck for maybe 12 years and can count on 1 hand where the extra ground clearance MIGHT have come in handy. I suspect most people are like me, the 4 wheel drive is mostly used in the snow and unless the snow is really deep, clearance isn't an issue.

I once drove through an area that had some deep drifts in my 98 Dodge. I remember the snow coming over the hood like waves, almost like a boat going through the water. In that case the extra clearance may have helped me from getting stuck. There was a Chevy guy sitting at the bottom of the hill warning me that he had just pulled two cars out of the snow drifts. I looked at his truck and tires and was pretty sure if he made it I could. I just smiled and said "I'll give it a try".

 

[buck12]

I know, its crazy to have so many options. They have said that with all the options, colors, engines, trannys, 4x4, bed/cabs, ect, ect, ect there is over 300,000 variants of the F-150 alone.

They are streamling the process so each truck is not basically a custom made vehicle. They really only need 2 suspensions, the standard and a heavy duty one.

Chris

I've been looking at the new F150 and while there are a lot of available options I cannot get a locking differential and chrome bumpers and grill on the same truck. I have 93 F150 that I ordered exactly as I wanted which has served me well for 16 years. I think I have kept the truck for so long because it was made to my specs. I hate Ford has gotten away from allowing the customer to buy what he/she wants.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

Not really, other than bigger shocks and heavier springs. This just makes it set a little higher and has bigger tires and wheels which will actually make it a little doggier.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I've been looking at the new F150 and while there are a lot of available options I cannot get a locking differential and chrome bumpers and grill on the same truck. I have 93 F150 that I ordered exactly as I wanted which has served me well for 16 years. I think I have kept the truck for so long because it was made to my specs. I hate Ford has gotten away from allowing the customer to buy what he/she wants.

I am not sure to be 100% but I guarantee my dealer would make it happen. They will order special tires, bumpers, ect and install them at the dealership.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

One of the things I don't like about the new Fords is how high the side of the bed is. I feel like a little kid standing next to them. We have one at where I work, its 2 wheel drive, and I can hardly reach into the bed standing beside it and i'm 6 feet tall. The 4 wheel drives are worse. I think they just make the beds a little deeper.

I hate that about all the Made in U S A Pick up trucks.

 

[LBrown59]

Box height doesn't bother me

It does to me when I need to bo able to load and unload Dirt sand gravel etc with my BX23.

 

[Duffster]

So what would be your perfect truck LB?

A f550 in a S-10 body?

 

[Groo]

I purchased an Avy for the little lady's ride. it has a way smoother ride than the exended cab shortbed I was considering. that is becasue it is based on the suburban, not the pickup. Its got a 5 link coil suspesnion in the rear instead of leaves, and the frame/body is stiffer. I've hauled a snowmobile, lumber and similar stuff in the back. I sure wouldn't haul manure or the like. Its great for camping and drive-in theaters with an old sleeper couch mattress in the back and the rear seat folded down. I don't like how high the back seats are, not enough headroom for me.

 

[Builder]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

Not really, other than bigger shocks and heavier springs. This just makes it set a little higher and has bigger tires and wheels which will actually make it a little doggier.

I think the only thing that some off road packages come with that bears any usefullness is a skid plate. The shocks are a joke. The decals on the sides of the bed are a weak attempt at impressing others of the impressionable ilk.

I'm not macho. I only off road my truck around my construction sites (which can be muddy & loaded with ruts), through snow & ice or occasionally pulling other stuck vehicles off my jobsites, which my truck does fairly well. Although it has about a 12" lower stance than Ford, the GM brand rewards me with a lower truck height at the end of the day when I'm tired to step in/out of and get tools & materials on/off of.