So I recently rolled my supercharged 2003 ranger fx4 level II that had loads of mods to make it a blast to drive and a decent tower (I only have a pop-up). And decided that with the $10200 I got from insurance plus my tax return I want to get an f-150 that will allow me to carry passengers a little easier.

I have already settled on a 04+ body style in a 4 door but all the trim packages (stx, fx4, etc) still confuse me on these. What should I look out for? benefits each? engine options? What should I expect in terms of fuel economy, anything I can do to maximize this (tuners, etc..), Common issues/problems I should look for when test driving?

My ranger left me unscathed (despite not wearing a seatbelt) so I am sticking with ford. I am fairly tech savvy and an Automotive students so I am not to worried about fixing things so I'd be willing to get minor issues for under $13k



Thanks

 

I would look for a 2006 or newer truck as most of the kinks were worked out by that year. If you want a 4x4 similar to your Ranger, get a FX4 or a lariat 4x4. If you like the looks of the FX4 as I do, try to find one with the luxury package, this package will give you most of the options that a lariat will typically have.
The STX model is basically a sporty looking XL model with few options. A FX2 model is a sporty looking 4x2 XLT model with a few more options, a FX4 is a 4x4 XLT with slightly better shocks and skid plates added with a few more options.
I also went from a Ranger to an F-150, I still like the Ranger, but I don't think I could go back to one after driving an F-150 for 5 years!

 

As far as common problems, search this forum for..
Intergrated Wheel Ends
spark plug issue
climate control
ticking noise from cam phasers (mostly in 2004 and 2005 trucks)

 

You'll love the F150 like I do. I honestly believe they're the best looking half ton truck on roads with this 04-08 generation. FX4 and Lariat are nice! Check out the dealer lot on various trims. Get the 5.4L as it'll probably be within your league coming out of supercharged Ranger. The 5.4L is no race track power, but sufficient power to accelerate to move this big and heavy vehicle around. The gas mileage isn't that great with average 15 mixed city and highway. We all know any full size pickup isn't gonna give you excellent gas mileage, so no need to make a big deal of it.
Try to get 06 or newer if you can afford, as Jon mentioned above. But with 13K, it'll be challenge finding outside the 04-05 with reasonable mileage on odometer. Best of luck.

 

Subscribing

 

I actually just upgraded out of a Ranger. If you want anything with options, you will have to get a Lariat or FX4 with the Lariat being the loaded versions. Also, make sure it doesnt sound like a diesel, if it does run as it has cam phaser issues

 

Link apparently blew up...edited out

 

Chris, you are not to far from where I live over in Somerset.

Jag, I hope you find what you are looking for. I've got an FX4 and I love it. Like the others have said, I'd shoot for an FX4 or Lariat if you can. They are much nicer, in my opinion, over the others.

Chandler, your link doesn't lead anywhere for me.

 

So with this cam phaser issue, will it do any damage other than be annoying?

 

Also is the issue more prevalent in partiular motors or VIN ranges?

 

Ok, I was gonna make it a warning when I saw the first post about the selling of your truck, but it was a lot worse than I thought, so I edited the thread and deleted all talk about you selling your truck, Chris.

Please keep the talk to PM's or in the classified forum.

This is not an opportunity for anyone to advertise their truck for sale.

Stewart

 

this link didnt work for me

 

Sent ya a message man email me.

 

Thanks for taking care of that. It didn't bother me but this is not the place for it anyway.

 

It is more prevalent in the 2004 and 2005 models, but some 2006 will have it as well. It is not a huge problem unless it get really loud.