I gots to see it!
What do you think of the shocks, radiator, and the skid plates?
I live fairly deep in the woods on a dirt road, and do some beach driving during the warmer months. I'm very interested in the fx4 and would like to hear more about it. Too bad they don't come with the captains chairs in the back.
So I have the FX4/Max- have about 5k miles on it. Cant speak to the radiator- its winter and no issues yet on heat loading.
Shocks- I do think the ride on the FX4 is a little more stiff than the reg Expy- so thats is a trade off
Skid plates- the under carriage is well protected. Plates are solid- I was not expecting much but all the critical components are protected. I have done a little off roading in the new rig- did some trails with decent inclines/declines with mud and some rocks. Tires on the FX4 are nothing special- so those will go to T/A K02s once these wear a bit. I was out with my jeep buddies so i did get into some tight spots and did end up high centered at one point. Took two jeeps to help pull me out of that - but no damage to anything underneath- plates handled it with barley a scratch. the exhaust is really the only thing at risk.
Have had it in light snow- again the traction management system really takes care of it- tires are limited, but no issue with 2-6" on trails
So in summary- its good for what it is- large family hauler for light or moderate large trails- its no rubicon so you really need to be aware of trail size.
Light trails- check
moderate mud, compact dirt. small -mid size rocks, ruts, roots- check
snow/ice- moderate- probably ok- might need better tires
rock climbing- nope
tight trails, with sharp elevation change- nope
So far thats what I got
But given the cost of the option - I would say the plates alone are worth it
