My son has a 2006 F150 4.2L XL. After just riding 2 hrs with him to a college visit I realize he NEEDS cruise control. Does anyone know of an aftermarket kit for this truck? No luck with JC Whitney(If I searched correctly that is.) The FOrd dealer where my wife works says they can't get one from the factory. I thought about getting the parts from a salvage yard but I'm not too sure about that route; particularly with modifying the steering wheel for the controls or if it's safe/possible to swap steering wheels due to the airbag. Any ideas ya'll?!?!?

UPDATE: After posting this, idiot me decided to search old threads for this topic. I found one that suggested www.bought4less.com. Evidently all that is needed is to buy the horn pad controls ($119.99) and have the dealer turn on the cruise with their scan tool. Can it really be that simple? Has anyone else tried this?

 

Here are two links that should be helpful to you. Sounds like a fun project enjoy.

How-To: Install Aftermarket Cruise Control Switches on 04-08 - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

Ford F-150 OEM Cruise kit '04-'08


Neither of them say anything about the engine or model being an issue but the second did say the dealer would have to program the features after install.

 

Yes it is as easy as putting the switches in and having them program it. The wireing harness for the button should already be in your steering column.

What i did in my STX was i bought a steering wheel off ebay with the cruise buttons, took it to the dealership, had them put it on and they had to turn on the cruise feature in the computer. After that, cruise control! These trucks dont have a throttle cable, its all electric, so a computer feature can hold the throttle open for cruise. Unlike the old styles with a vaccum connection and extra line going to the throttle body.

What color do you need, here is a grey one.
04 05 06 07 08 Ford F150 Flint Gray Steering Wheel OEM | eBay

Black and Sliver.
06 07 08 Ford F150 Black & Gray Steering Wheel OEM LKQ | eBay

Here is just the switches.
4L3Z9C888AAJ CRUISE CONTROL STEERING WHEEL SWITCH OE | eBay

I didnt come across any just black ones.

None of those are as expensive as what you showed above. I kept my eyes open on ebay for a while to find just the right steering wheel that i wanted, got it for under $40, and it was brand new. I dont know what the dealership charges to program it. My dealership was jackin me around with some repairs so i told them to put this steering wheel on and program it for my troubles and they did.

 

Guys, I REALLY appreciate the help. It's hard to believe it's that simple. I gotta admit though: Foolin" with that airbag scares the you-know-what outta me! Makes me wonder why Ford doesn't make cruise standard equipment.

Sounds like I have a Saturday project coming up. Thanks again guys

 

I would have a hard time messing with the airbag too but once I read through the one thread from the other site it doesn't sound too bad.

 

What i would do, cause i wouldnt want to mess with the airbag either. Is since you have to take it to the dealership to get it programmed anyway, just have them pop it on. It shouldnt cost that much. And if you do take it to get programmed, make sure the people you talk to understand how the cruise works. Because when i first found out it was that easy and i went down to tell them. They had no idea you could just do that. I talked to the service department and the parts counter. Finally the guy at the parts counter took my number and said he was going to call his accessories rep and ask him about it. The next day he called me back and said yep your right, thats all we need to do. So obviously its not something that poeple do all the time.

Heck the one guy wanted to send me down the road to a car audio place to have them put the cruise in, like the old style. I said thats not going to work at all. There isnt a throttle cable. Where these people hire these employees is beyond me.

 

Gentlemen,

I have run into a little problem. I have started a new thread, "Updated update",
explaining the new problem. I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

 

The www,bought4less.com has the parts and instructions.

The "messing with the air bacg".. You are just un bolting it and setting it on the column through the wheel.
You are in no danger, it won't go off on you.