Hi I am brand new to the forum. I have just started looking at the 04 Superdutys and I am concidering ordering one.

I have noticed that these trucks are built in Kentucky and Mexico. Here in the Northeast most are from Kentucky and have a VIN beginning in 1FT. The trucks built in Mexico begin with 3FT. Is there any differences in build quality and parts used between a 1FT Kentucky truck and a 3FT Mexico truck?

Thanks,

Mike

 

I havn't ever heard that brought up. Good point though.

Welcome to the forums.........I'm sure someone else will chime in..

 

No difference in trucks at all.

 

Although the trucks may use the same parts. We should all support products that are built in the USA whenever possible.

 

That's right, BUY AMERICAN!
I'm biased against Mexican trucks....
Although I am die hard Ford, my family is, or shall I say was, a GM family. In 85 my dad bought an new S10 4X4 Tahoe whose powertrain had been built in Mexico. 1st engine at 58000 miles. 1st trans/transfer cs at 65000....you get the point. Before he retired that truck at about 225000 it had 3 engines + 2 trannies in it. And they say Fords leak? That truck leaked more oil than an Exxon tanker, even the rebuilts.
I used to cap on the old man about that truck so bad, and show off my 77 F250 to the GM fans in our family. I got a lot of experience wrenching on Chevys, and it was my Ford that always went on the beer and parts runs, because it always ran!
Now my 2 brothers own Fords, and the old man bought a Tacoma...
Oh well, 2 outta 3 ain't bad!
But because of the S10 experience, I will never buy a Mexitruck.
I know times have changed in 20 years, and quality has probably gotten better, but I'll always want to help keep the work here.

 

Both gas engines are assembled in Canada and the majority of wiring as well as several suspension components are made in Mexico. Like it or not, there is no "American Made" to be purchased.

 

Thats correct, The new term is "Assembled in the USA".

Do you hear that sound, its a giant sucking noise! -Ross Perot-

Lenny

 

That's true, all vehicles are somewhat global...
My 98 Ranger was assembled in Louisville with a German engine, French transmission, Spanish coil (distributorless) ignition sytem.
The product quality does vary by country however.
Regarding N. American products:
Canadian products are very similar in quality to ours.
The 6.8 is built at the Windsor plant, I believe. That plant's engines are well proven. I have a 75 E350 with a 351W. Good engine.
Now, my 01 F350 has a Canadian engine in an American built truck.
My 96 F250s have 7.5s (from Lima, OH). The trucks were assembled in Oakville (Ontario truck plant) Canada. Good trucks.
How's that for a switch?
In the purest sense, you can't buy American because no vehicle is 100% American anymore.
But, they sure beat buying a Kia, Hyundai, etc.
Some Dodge trucks are completely from Mexico. Friends I know who have them complain about the durability and quality. I think a lot of the problems are with the assembly line, with the parts quality second. Fit and finish, bad. Falling apart. Sloppy. Sure, Canadian and American assembly lines have their share of problems, but overall, not like Mexican.
I think it sucks that American companies are shipping jobs out to foreign countries in order to increase profits.
Thank NAFTA politicians for allowing that to happen. Our biggest export under NAFTA: manufacturing. Now service jobs are following, going to Asia, etc.
Meanwhile, I will buy American as much as possible, and avoid Mexican vehicles with domestic names, such as the 3FT. I would never buy a Ford made in Mexico.
Stepping off the soapbox now..