Yes, if you're not going for Lariat trim, XLT+FX4 is the way to go, massive gains for $800.
Until God forbid you encounter an transmission issue and the dealership spots an aftermarket cooler . Right or wrong, warranty claim issues will ensue.
However the 235 tires are taller than the 225's resulting in a final drive ratio more close to the non-4k package in the AWD trucks...
Yeah, you can drain oil [& coolant] much easier if you simply hit a "rubber alligator" without that pesky skid plate! Not like we see a lot of debris on our highways!
Ford would like you to look at these bundles as providing a "free" radiator and cooling fan upgrade for choosing a bundle with the cost attributed solely for the other parts - skid plates, stickers, suspension for FX4 and transmission cooler, gearing, upgraded hitch for the 4k package.
The 235 tires are due to off road. Need extra cushioning so you don't ruin rims. 17 in. vs 18 in rims. The final drive makes up for lack of Sport mode. Mine is hot, but according to speedometer I am averaging 24-25 mpg. around town. Goes up closer to 30mpg on short road trips. I have both fx4 and 4k tow pkgs. on a lariat lux. Town driving consists of 0-65 between lights about a mile apart. I did put in a K&N air filter. Did'nt seem to change mileage but seemed to give a slight boost on power. Lower gear ratio makes for a fun factory made machine, that at this point is within fuel specs for truck. I also have started using mid grade fuel. Has less ethanol than reg.
17" vs 18" wheels does not factor in, 18" wheels are not available on the FX4. That 'extra cushioning' is virtually non-existent at 1/3" LOL
Fx4 has 17" rims other packages have 18" rims. the outer diameter comes out to be the same for either tire. The taller tire is put on 17" rims, thus the outer measurements are about the same. Only way to get larger diameter is to custom build and put larger tires and rims on. Most are also putting lift kits on with the larger tires.
You don't automatically get 235 tires with a 4k package. You don't get 235 tires as an option period on an XL trim either. You get the standard 225/65 R17 Continental A/S tires. Same deal with the XLT. If you want the 235/65 R17 A/T tires you have to pay about ~$3000 more to switch the rims and tires or get them as part of the 1st edition package for 2.0L ecoboost engines. Far as I know you only get 225/65 R17 A/T tires with the FX4 package.
Without going into the boohoo me details, I thought I bought a fx4 with 4k. How ever, I didn't! If I add the transmission cooler and trailer break can I tow over 2000lbs?Yes, because of the transmission oil cooler. Yes the radiator and the fan are increased with just the FX4 package but the life blood of a transmission is the oil. Once the trany oil gets too hot you will lose a lot of its lubrication properties. Now, if you don’t need to tow more than 2k lbs then no, you don’t need the 4K towing package. I myself am getting FX4 and the 4K towing. I want to tow an off road style tear drop travel trailer.
No, 235 tires are available on the AWD trucks with 17” wheels. Those are slightly taller and help offset the lower gearing in the 4K tow package.
