I am trying to make up my mind on what trim level to get for my 2005 F150. I am leaning toward getting the XL (or STX, if I could find a paint color to like), as it seems that the XLT is not the value it once was.

My question is, does Ford put the same amount of sound-deadening insulation, dashboard materials, etc into all F150s (I realize instrument clusters/stereos differ, and Lariat models get some additional window-dressing)? I don't want to save a few bucks to find out that the XL trim level takes away some of the nice/refined features of the new trucks (since perhaps Ford thinks XLs are just for work crews or something).

 

From what I understand, Ford removed the 'filler' layer from between the steel that makes up the firewall, so there's no quiet steel in the XLT trims and below. But I don't know if that's 100% accurate. The reports say, sound deadening was removed.

 

Interesting info. Thanks. I'll try to find out more. However if the XLT level doesn't have it, then I just won't worry about it -- one less detail to worry about.

 

My 04 XLT is quiet as a mouse. If there is a difference in the trim levels my salesman was not aware of it. One of Fords biggest selling points in all the 150 line is the quiet, stable ride.

 

Yeah, that is one of the reasons why I stopped trying to look for an 04 Heritage earlier and am now concentrating on the 05 model. However I have read that one difference between the 04 new model f150 and the 05 model is that the fancy "quiet steel" sound insulation was taken away of all models except the Lariat, to cut costs.

I have decided that I am getting too hung up on stuff like that -- this is after all a truck, not a Benz, so I'm not going to worry about it.

 

That may be true but it seems it would hurt Ford. My Five Hunderd is at the dealer for a minor checkup, when I pick it up I will ask the service manager about the "quiet steel " issue and post his reply here.

 

Listen, I called and spoke w/ someone at a Ford dealership that has been around and I trust. The only difference in the different models is the level of trim, or options. Chassis, sound proofing ect are all the same. ( Concerning F-150's)

 

Thanks for asking and passing on the info.