I am looking to buy my first F150 and wanted to hear some opinions on my selection .... perhaps you all can give me advice on what else to get or what not to get ..... here is what I have selected

2004 F150 XLT SuperCrew 5.5' Box
5.4L
3.55 Limited Slip
Trailer Tow Package
Payload Package #1c
17" wheels

Fog Lamps
Manual Sliding rear window
Polished tubular running boards
Power Driver Seat
Deluxe Mirror Package

 

That truck looks great. I would suggest going with a 6 disk in dash CD changer and a must is 2 tone paint. The 5.5' box looks silly without it being broken up some how.

 

With your addition of the trailer tow package, I would select the 3.73 LS axle rather then your choice of 3.55 LS, same price. If you do any towing at all, you'll be glad you did. Many of the options available are a perseonal decision but I really like captains chairs over a 40/20/40 seat. Gives me a place to store things I might need while traveling. For many family men, the extra seating capacity of the bench seat is needed. You didn't say you had chosen a 4x4 so I assume you're going two wheel drive.

 

Sparky and Canadian,
Thanks for the evaluations I will keep your suggestions in mind ....

Sparky you assumed correctly in that I am getting RWD only .....

How much of a difference in gas mileage (sp?) will the 3.73 axle be under the 3.55 .... that is, how many more MPG does the 3.55 get in comparison to the 3.73, if any?

 

I think you will like the buckets seats best as well. The arm rest has a place to put your elbow. I think in the 40/20/40 seat it may have the cup holders in the way, defeating the purpose of the arm rest? At least in my opinion.

 

I seriously doubt if you could see the difference in fuel mileage. All factors being equal, the 3.55's are "supposed" to give better fuel mileage BUT in the real world, both are almost equal. The 3.73's will help both in power and in transmission life due to the ability to "pull" the load with less throttle application.

 

Sparky04SD,

I agree with you about the mileage. I have the 3.73's in my 04 SCREW Lariat and the milage is just as good if not slightly better then the 3.55's I had on my 98' SCAB with the 5.4L. The 3.73's allow the engine a mechanical advantage over the 3.55's which makes it easier on the engine to motivate the truck. Is under hard driving that a milage difference will be noticed at all.

 

I'll agree with the gentleman from BC, 5.5 ft. looks kind of silly. It would not be very practical for my uses. I guess if you're just hauling around some gear around they're fine, but I think you're short-changing yourself with 5.5 ft.

 

unless i missed something big time, i thought the supercrew only came in 1 box size

i might suggest the bed extender. i think is was only about $150 and very useful. answered my concern for the short box on my 01 s-crew and i got it again on my 04. handy for longer loads as well as keeping things reachable at the tailgate (gas cans, etc) . especially with the taller box of the new truck.

 

Rambunctious
I think you are correct, on the ford website where you "build your own ford" it only allows you to select the 5.5' box with all SCrew models .... however much i would love a bigger box it seems to be that I am stuck with 5.5' box .... i have been thinking about the bed extender but for $150 it seems a little steep. Does anyone know of another place I can get the bed extender for a cheaper price (besides some bidding site like e-bay)?

 

i saw quite a few of them at the SEMA show, so i would suggest serching under some of the accessories websites. i wold think you can find them easy.. there was one product at teh sema show that the extender attached to some brackets, which in turn attached to rails on the inside tops of the box. this allowed you to place the extender anywhere alon ghte length of the box.

but as it comes, it is still quite usefull

 

Personally, I'd get the Supercab model. That way you can get a much more useful 6.5' bed, and still have plenty of room for 4 or 5 adults inside the cab. And as far as which gears to get, it depends on your driving habits. If you spend a lot of time in town, get the 3.73s. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, definitely get the 3.55s.

 

I think that you're going to have a really nice truck. I have the manual sliding rear window in my SCab and can't reach it from the front to enjoy the extra air flow. Had one on my Ranger and really liked it. Nice breeze.
I have a manual window in my 04 SCab and don't enjoy it unless someone is in the back seat-to open it. Then it's really nice.
On another note, there is an option on my sticker called "P255/65/R17 OWL all-season $325. It got me some really fine Michelin tires. In 2,000 miles I have been really impressed with how sticky they are in dry and wet. Just a suggestion.
You're going to get a great truck. Have fun!
jimmyj

 

Yeah my dad has an 03 F350 SCrew and complains about not remembering to open the sliding rear window when it is a nice day .... i have thought about the power sliding rear window but for that price and the idea of eventually getting a cap for the box it just doesnt seem reasonable ..... I am not sure what brand tires come standard on the truck .... I would prefer Michelin ..... but I will definately look into that option you refered to .... thanks for the advice

 

Can a FX-4 be had with an 8' bed?