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Feb 24, 2012 | 01:48 PM

jthorngate3

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From: Middletown, CT

This or That

Alright, here's the deal. I have an 86 f-150 that I have done a decent amount of work on, and love the truck...but...the potential for future family "growth" is causing me to start thinking a bit about my next vehicle. Obviously a '86 single cab isn't going to cut it, for many reasons. I am pretty confident that I want a crew cab truck, but am having a tough time with the 5.5' bed, especially on these year trucks. I have slowly gained some appreciation for the styling of the 97-03's, but honestly prefer the overall looks(mostly because of the bed/tail lights and interior styling) of the 04+. Enough of the rambling...I am looking for advice/experiences of guys that have owned the 97-03's and/or the 04+ trucks. In particular I am interested in guys that have them as dual purpose rigs, i.e. daily driver/trail rig. Which truck is going to hold up better with a small(4" or less) lift, and has more options for upgraded components to try to combat breakage and the resulting down time and cost? Which truck ends up with better clearances front to rear with said lift? Etc, etc... Kind of looking for the best "bang for your buck" kind of deal. I would prefer to have a separate trail rig than daily driver, but that's a whole other discussion. Thanks for the input guys.

Feb 24, 2012 | 02:44 PM

Sterling Archer

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From: Virginia

I went with the crew cab because ive got kids. I think the bed length question comes down to how much you REALLY think that you NEED a longer bed. In my situation, having the interior space is more important. Who knows...my tune might change the first time that i try to haul a long item. Just my $.02.

Feb 24, 2012 | 03:03 PM

phil6608

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From: Stanton DE

If your looking for off road use, you might want to look at an F-250 crew cab.
Otherwize, 97 to 03 or 04 up will be about the same with any added lift or beefing them up.
I have hauled some lumber in my 5.5 bed without a problem. 4X8 plywood and 8 and 10 foot long boards.
Just put down the tailgate and most of them come with a bed extender to help hold things in.

Feb 24, 2012 | 03:15 PM

jthorngate3

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I have thought about the 250, and do like the added durability and extra space. However, the slightly better mileage, and shorter overall length/width of the 150 appeals to me in the dual purpose realm.

By the way, love the profile name Archer. A fantastic show.

Feb 24, 2012 | 05:58 PM

jthorngate3

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We could also throw the 250/350 into the equation as well. I just didn't want to clutter up the comparison too much.

Feb 24, 2012 | 07:02 PM

04mudslinger

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I have both a 2000 and a 2004 f150 with 5.4L engines. Both are 4wd, supercab, with 6.5' beds. I prefer the 2000. It has no rattles and drives and runs great at 210,000 miles as it did at 10,000 miles. It gets 14 mpg vs the 17 mpg average I get in the 2004 with the 3v 5.4, but I don't care. The 2v engine is quieter. I prefer the torsion bar front suspension to the coil over shock as well.

Feb 25, 2012 | 01:33 AM

jthorngate3

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From: Middletown, CT

Do you guys know anything about the frames being a heavier duty setup on the fx4's? I remember reading about some distinction being made regarding the fx4 vs. a regular 4x4 in the 2002-2003(I think that's when the fx4 came out). I have been trying to find where I read that, but all I can come up with is the f-150 site on wikipedia, and I don't know how much I can really trust that.