Is the Ford FX4 Off-Road Package Worth It?

Sometimes, instead of a 4X4 decal stuck to the bed of a Ford truck, you will spot a minor difference: An F in place of the first 4. No, this isn’t a typo or some bizarre word puzzle, it’s designating Ford's off-road package for their trucks.

Prior to 2002, the FX4 package was merely referred to as the off-road package, but Ford changed the name to keep up with the branding of Chevy and GMC trucks. Their off-road package was given the distinction of the Z71 package, complete with a flashy and aggressive looking decal to show off how capable the truck was.

The FX4 package is available on both the F-Series and Ranger Ford trucks. While there are minor differences between the package on each specific model of truck, they are all intended to make your truck more off-road capable.

What Does The FX4 Package Include On F-150s?

What's included in the FX4 package then? For one, any FX4 equipped truck is given a lift and improved, off-road-tuned, Rancho shocks. Additionally, there is an electronically locking rear axle, skid plates on the fuel tank, transfer case, front differential, a tough tray-style floor liner, a shift on the fly 4X4 transfer case (which allows 4wd to be engaged while the truck is in motion), and Hill Descent Control. Finally, FX4 equipped Ford trucks come with that flashy decal on the bed.

The FX4 package isn't equivalent on every vehicle. The Super Duty's FX4 package is much simpler and cheaper when compared to the Ranger's. In fact, the Ranger FX4 trucks have quite a lot of unique components, like the terrain control system, a trail control system (cruise control for trails) and a robust off-road data cluster that can be shown on the dashboard to help you keep track of pitch and roll, among other variables.

Is the FX4 Package Worth It?

As opposed to the F-150 Raptor, the FX4 package isn't intended to make your Ford truck into a dedicated off-roading vehicle, at least not without further upgrades. Instead, this package is more engineered to allow your truck to conquer difficult situations, allowing you to haul and tow with greater freedom. Some of the upgrades really do pull a lot of weight in this regard, like the locking rear axle and the array of skid plates. These can help get your truck unstuck from plenty of sticky situations, as well as ensure that your truck doesn't get injured on the trails. While it can't conquer incredibly tricky trails, it opens up many more opportunities for your truck.

All in all, the FX4 package is great for those who need to traverse rough terrain, but isn't as perfect for dedicated off-roaders. If off-roading is your number one priority with your truck, then the Raptor is the best choice. The FX4 is a happy medium between the two, and for that reason, it is a popular option.

FX4 Features and Price

Depending on which truck you wish to take off-road, then here's a list of the major components of the FX4 package for each Ford truck. Part of the reason for the disparity between some of the functions is due to the different base specs of each respective truck. Additionally, the Ranger is innately more of a capable off-roader because of its smaller stature. For that reason, its FX4 package is considerably more robust (and expensive) than the one offered on the larger truck models.

Ranger

• Rancho Shocks
• Hill Descent Control
• Skid Plates
• FX4 Decal
• 17" or 18" OWL Off-Road Tires
• Exposed Front Tow Hooks
• Exposed Steel Bash Plate
• Terrain Management System and Trail Control
• Price: $1,295

F-150

• Rancho Shocks
• Hill Descent Control
• Skid Plates
• FX4 Decal
• 3.31 Electronic Locking Axle (with 5.0L V8 or 3.5L V6)
• 3.55 Electronic Locking Axle (with 2.7L V6 EcoBoost)
• Price: $905

Super Duty

• Rancho Shocks
• Hill Descent Control
• Skid Plates
• FX4 Decal
• 3.73 Electronic Locking Axle
• Price: $400

Source: 2019 F-150 Brochure, Ford

Image Credit: Ford