New 150 questions
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New 150 questions
After months of thought, and looking at Expeditions, I am now leaning toward a new 2006 F150 Lariat... my first truck after years of driving Explorers... I have a few questions I am hoping you can all shed some light on for me...
About my use of the truck... daily use, light infrequent towing, 50% city, 50% hwy use.
1) On the decision about axle... after searching the forums, I think that the general consensus is that going with a 3.73 Limited slip is the best all around option compared to 3.73 non-lim or 3.55 lim slip... am I correct here?
2) For tires... the Lariat comes with 18" wheels... I like the look of the 20" wheels better... is going from 18 to 20" wheels going to cause me any problems in any other areas I am not aware of? mileage? performance? handling? cost for tire replacement?
3) I am getting a black Lariate with Arizona beige lower... and black interior. The only thing I hate about the Lariat is the wood grain accents... are the only places the wood grain appears at teh 4 door handles and around the radio? Is this easy for me to order the trim pieces through parts dept that would appear on the FX4 model with black interior and change them myself or even have the dealer do it? Is this a simple fix?
4) Am I correct in that if you want leather front capt chairs you MUST get the flow through console and floor mounted shifter? Only way to not have a floor mounted shifter is with bench seats? Am I missing something or is this it?
5) Anyone know if the XMDirect unit will work with the 06 F150 audiophile radio unit? Or know fo ANY way to add XM instead of Siruis, besides the modulator method? I am reading that the 06 Ford head units use a different bus than the 05 units... anyone know about this or have a link to a site with any techy details on this?
6) I want the overhead rail and DVD prep wiring... BUT, the DVD prep wiring option says it is NOT available with the Siruis radio option... what could they have in common? Would it be anything that would prevent me from having an XM sat radio option installed aftermarket when I find one?
7) Any recommendation for bed liner and hard tonneau cover? locking? waterproof?
I really appreciate any info or advice anyone could give me on these items...
Jeff
About my use of the truck... daily use, light infrequent towing, 50% city, 50% hwy use.
1) On the decision about axle... after searching the forums, I think that the general consensus is that going with a 3.73 Limited slip is the best all around option compared to 3.73 non-lim or 3.55 lim slip... am I correct here?
2) For tires... the Lariat comes with 18" wheels... I like the look of the 20" wheels better... is going from 18 to 20" wheels going to cause me any problems in any other areas I am not aware of? mileage? performance? handling? cost for tire replacement?
3) I am getting a black Lariate with Arizona beige lower... and black interior. The only thing I hate about the Lariat is the wood grain accents... are the only places the wood grain appears at teh 4 door handles and around the radio? Is this easy for me to order the trim pieces through parts dept that would appear on the FX4 model with black interior and change them myself or even have the dealer do it? Is this a simple fix?
4) Am I correct in that if you want leather front capt chairs you MUST get the flow through console and floor mounted shifter? Only way to not have a floor mounted shifter is with bench seats? Am I missing something or is this it?
5) Anyone know if the XMDirect unit will work with the 06 F150 audiophile radio unit? Or know fo ANY way to add XM instead of Siruis, besides the modulator method? I am reading that the 06 Ford head units use a different bus than the 05 units... anyone know about this or have a link to a site with any techy details on this?
6) I want the overhead rail and DVD prep wiring... BUT, the DVD prep wiring option says it is NOT available with the Siruis radio option... what could they have in common? Would it be anything that would prevent me from having an XM sat radio option installed aftermarket when I find one?
7) Any recommendation for bed liner and hard tonneau cover? locking? waterproof?
I really appreciate any info or advice anyone could give me on these items...
Jeff
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 136
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From: Western MA
To answer a few of your questions limited slip is def the way to go in the rear end with the 3.73 and as far as the tires go there's been a ton of discussion in here and in the other groups on fte about how it changes relative gear ratio and affects power, I have the stock 18 inch on my 04fx so I can't really say if it does make a diff for where you're going to be driving and towing you'd have to talk to someone who has them for that. I love my rhino liner, there's been a lot of debate about that and linex too but my suggestion to you is to talk to people around you I really think thats more about who installs it than the brand but i would say no doubt about it spray in is the way to go. Youll find that the F150 is far superior to an explorer in every way although sometimes its not as easy to find a place to park it esp with low clearance garages. But I LOVE MY TRUCK I still miss my bronco but if i could live in her i would
jbs
jbs
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If you dont like the woodgrain look, I would suggest the carbon look. With the black interior that would look sharp. I know I've seen some posts with those kits. Heck, you can even get your FORD oval emblems redone with the carbon look.
Last edited by opie71; Nov 19, 2005 at 10:24 PM.
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to help answer your questions:
1. above answer correct 3.73 ls is fine 3.55 is good if you do not tow heavy stuff
2. 20 in wheels are avail on 06 models if you want them i have 18 on my lariat and have no complaints
3. i think the trim pieces will not be the same due to to trim levels and also auto temp control panel will be different than on fx 4 etc. check vehicles on dealer lot for comparo
4. that is correct flow thru with floor shift with captains chairs column with bench only
5. best of my knowledge fm mod will be the only way to go xm but an installer might have a better way to work it out.
6. i believe that they would have to use the same output on the back of the radio head(aux?) to function thru the radio controls but other than that should be no conflict. again check with an installer.btw PLEASE get the audiophile--it is worth every penny!!
7. i have the ford liner in mine but spray ins are great if you dont mind the extra cost over a drop in(any of these should be fine and less price than the ford one). as far as tonneau covers my choice is the hard shell retractable but they are expensive.
hope this is a little help to you
jim
1. above answer correct 3.73 ls is fine 3.55 is good if you do not tow heavy stuff
2. 20 in wheels are avail on 06 models if you want them i have 18 on my lariat and have no complaints
3. i think the trim pieces will not be the same due to to trim levels and also auto temp control panel will be different than on fx 4 etc. check vehicles on dealer lot for comparo
4. that is correct flow thru with floor shift with captains chairs column with bench only
5. best of my knowledge fm mod will be the only way to go xm but an installer might have a better way to work it out.
6. i believe that they would have to use the same output on the back of the radio head(aux?) to function thru the radio controls but other than that should be no conflict. again check with an installer.btw PLEASE get the audiophile--it is worth every penny!!
7. i have the ford liner in mine but spray ins are great if you dont mind the extra cost over a drop in(any of these should be fine and less price than the ford one). as far as tonneau covers my choice is the hard shell retractable but they are expensive.
hope this is a little help to you
jim
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
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From: The Land Of Time
I have the 20's on my 06 it tows great it has the 3.73 with the limited slip. As far as the fuel mileage goes I only hve 500 miles on it so its not really broke in yet. It seems to be as good as the 99 f150 I had. Not as good as the 6.0 but the fuel economy meter on the dash says 13.8 and I do mostly city driving. The 20's are a great look and the ride is sweet. I agree the audiofile system is the way to go.
sarge
sarge
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Boise, ID
You could probably buy the Harley dash pieces as they are black and it is based on Lariat.
With 20's you would probably not want less (numerically) than 3.73s.
The seats are the same whether you have the console or not. You either get the column shifter and mini-seat or floor shifer with console.
With 20's you would probably not want less (numerically) than 3.73s.
The seats are the same whether you have the console or not. You either get the column shifter and mini-seat or floor shifer with console.
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Bruce... good idea... I will look into the Harley dash piece... I assume since it is based on the Lariat it would also come with auto air... and the same face plate. I think in all the literature I have seen, there is only one shade of black used on the radio plates...
Jeff
Jeff
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From: The Land Of Time
I will take some pics of my truck and try to figure out how to put together a gallery. I tried once before but it didnt work. I will do it after the truck is clean. It snowed here today so its dirty. I try to keep some tire wet on the tires all the time but they look good even without. It has pirelli Scorpion AWR's on it. Nice tread not to agressive but handles well in the snow. I do have the power rear slider and I love it. First time I ever had a loaded up truck like this and its absolutlelyt the best truck I have owned so far.
Happy Thanksgiving all!!!
Sarge
Happy Thanksgiving all!!!
Sarge
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 264
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From: SE Michigan
Originally Posted by jscozz
After months of thought, and looking at Expeditions, I am now leaning toward a new 2006 F150 Lariat... my first truck after years of driving Explorers... I have a few questions I am hoping you can all shed some light on for me...
About my use of the truck... daily use, light infrequent towing, 50% city, 50% hwy use.
1) On the decision about axle... after searching the forums, I think that the general consensus is that going with a 3.73 Limited slip is the best all around option compared to 3.73 non-lim or 3.55 lim slip... am I correct here?
Get the limited slip for sure, 3.55 will probably get you alittle better mileage. The 3.73's you will appreciate of you tow.
2) For tires... the Lariat comes with 18" wheels... I like the look of the 20" wheels better... is going from 18 to 20" wheels going to cause me any problems in any other areas I am not aware of? mileage? performance? handling? cost for tire replacement?
For $1000, which is what the 20" option cost is, or a little more you can get great looking aftermarket wheels that will be wider and allow you to run more tire combimations. Overall tire height and width is probably the same for 18 or 20 so performance and such should be uneffected. You may be limited on tire choices with either size take a look to see what is available for the type of tires you like all terrain, mud terrian, pavement pounders etc.
3) I am getting a black Lariate with Arizona beige lower... and black interior. The only thing I hate about the Lariat is the wood grain accents... are the only places the wood grain appears at teh 4 door handles and around the radio? Is this easy for me to order the trim pieces through parts dept that would appear on the FX4 model with black interior and change them myself or even have the dealer do it? Is this a simple fix?
Nice combination, I had a truck same exterior with tan interior. Personally I like the wood grain accents. The trim panels should be able to be swapped out easily, my guess is they just snap in. You may have to get a tool to remove the radio for the center panel. I believe the doors will be an entire door panle not just the small piece you see, so the could be costly.
4) Am I correct in that if you want leather front capt chairs you MUST get the flow through console and floor mounted shifter? Only way to not have a floor mounted shifter is with bench seats? Am I missing something or is this it?
If you get captains chairs you get the floor, bench gets you the column shift. Captains are very nice, I have them in my truck.
5) Anyone know if the XMDirect unit will work with the 06 F150 audiophile radio unit? Or know fo ANY way to add XM instead of Siruis, besides the modulator method? I am reading that the 06 Ford head units use a different bus than the 05 units... anyone know about this or have a link to a site with any techy details on this?
6) I want the overhead rail and DVD prep wiring... BUT, the DVD prep wiring option says it is NOT available with the Siruis radio option... what could they have in common? Would it be anything that would prevent me from having an XM sat radio option installed aftermarket when I find one?
7) Any recommendation for bed liner and hard tonneau cover? locking? waterproof?
Do a spray in Rhino or the similar. A plastic one just rubs the paint off and you end up needing to do a spray on in the end. On top of which nothing stays put, things just slide all over the place. At the price the dealer wanted to charge me for a plastic $300.00, a spray is only a little more at $420.00.
I really appreciate any info or advice anyone could give me on these items...
Jeff
About my use of the truck... daily use, light infrequent towing, 50% city, 50% hwy use.
1) On the decision about axle... after searching the forums, I think that the general consensus is that going with a 3.73 Limited slip is the best all around option compared to 3.73 non-lim or 3.55 lim slip... am I correct here?
Get the limited slip for sure, 3.55 will probably get you alittle better mileage. The 3.73's you will appreciate of you tow.
2) For tires... the Lariat comes with 18" wheels... I like the look of the 20" wheels better... is going from 18 to 20" wheels going to cause me any problems in any other areas I am not aware of? mileage? performance? handling? cost for tire replacement?
For $1000, which is what the 20" option cost is, or a little more you can get great looking aftermarket wheels that will be wider and allow you to run more tire combimations. Overall tire height and width is probably the same for 18 or 20 so performance and such should be uneffected. You may be limited on tire choices with either size take a look to see what is available for the type of tires you like all terrain, mud terrian, pavement pounders etc.
3) I am getting a black Lariate with Arizona beige lower... and black interior. The only thing I hate about the Lariat is the wood grain accents... are the only places the wood grain appears at teh 4 door handles and around the radio? Is this easy for me to order the trim pieces through parts dept that would appear on the FX4 model with black interior and change them myself or even have the dealer do it? Is this a simple fix?
Nice combination, I had a truck same exterior with tan interior. Personally I like the wood grain accents. The trim panels should be able to be swapped out easily, my guess is they just snap in. You may have to get a tool to remove the radio for the center panel. I believe the doors will be an entire door panle not just the small piece you see, so the could be costly.
4) Am I correct in that if you want leather front capt chairs you MUST get the flow through console and floor mounted shifter? Only way to not have a floor mounted shifter is with bench seats? Am I missing something or is this it?
If you get captains chairs you get the floor, bench gets you the column shift. Captains are very nice, I have them in my truck.
5) Anyone know if the XMDirect unit will work with the 06 F150 audiophile radio unit? Or know fo ANY way to add XM instead of Siruis, besides the modulator method? I am reading that the 06 Ford head units use a different bus than the 05 units... anyone know about this or have a link to a site with any techy details on this?
6) I want the overhead rail and DVD prep wiring... BUT, the DVD prep wiring option says it is NOT available with the Siruis radio option... what could they have in common? Would it be anything that would prevent me from having an XM sat radio option installed aftermarket when I find one?
7) Any recommendation for bed liner and hard tonneau cover? locking? waterproof?
Do a spray in Rhino or the similar. A plastic one just rubs the paint off and you end up needing to do a spray on in the end. On top of which nothing stays put, things just slide all over the place. At the price the dealer wanted to charge me for a plastic $300.00, a spray is only a little more at $420.00.
I really appreciate any info or advice anyone could give me on these items...
Jeff
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Stacy, Minnesota
5) Anyone know if the XMDirect unit will work with the 06 F150 audiophile radio unit? Or know fo ANY way to add XM instead of Siruis, besides the modulator method? I am reading that the 06 Ford head units use a different bus than the 05 units... anyone know about this or have a link to a site with any techy details on this?
heres a link to a PIE It worked for me for adding XM or whatever
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/log...efrd04aux.html
heres a link to a PIE It worked for me for adding XM or whatever
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/log...efrd04aux.html