PLEASE help me build a pretty basic F-350.

If you have time to kill, I would prefer you go to FordVehicles.com then select "Build & Price Your Ford" and put one together for me so that you know what options are available for the XL package.

This is very important as I will be restricted to the options for the XL package only.

Also, please keep in mind that this will be a daily driver of about 9k - 10k miles/year.

I currently do not have any towing or hauling applications that I need all this truck for but I like to keep my options open even though I will probably never need them.

Lets just say I like big trucks.

Also, since I will probably never use this truck for what it is intended I therefore would like it to be very fuel efficient.

All input is welcome. Thanks a million to all who contribute.


I know I definitely WANT the following:

• XL (Can't afford a better package)
• Crew Cab
• 4x4
• 6' 3/4" Bed
• Auto Transmission
• 18" Wheels
• A/C
• Softest ride possible (Again, not towing or hauling)

I know I definitely DO NOT the following:

• Diesel (Can't afford no way no how - forget about it)
• Roof Clearance Lights

Considering the following:

• FX4 package (Are skid plates good to have if not venturing off-road? Will they get in the way of routine maintainance)
• Limited Slip Diff
• Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat (I want some sort of an armrest)
• 4x4 Shift-on-fly (Worried if it were to fail)
• Reverse Sensor (Do I need it???)
• 12.5k Receiver
• Manual Mirrors/Glass (Will I need if not towing???)
• Speed Ctrl / Tilt Wheel (Probably will not use Speed ctrl - Do I need tilt???)
• Upfitter switches (Currently have no use but maybe good to have???)
• Black Molded Cab Steps

What is:

• TowCommand Integrated Trailer Brake Controller ???
• 10,000 GVWR Package ???

Unsure of Engine and Gear combination - Leaning towards the 5.4L with the 4.10's or possibly 3.73's (Again, a daily driver with no immediate need to tow or haul and a big concern for gas mileage - I live on Long Island in New York)

PS - What is the maintanance schedule like for this vehicle???

PSS - I have to order something real soon!

PPSS - Any reservations about this 2006 F-350 ???

I'm counting on you guys, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich

 

Rich, take a look at the my truck. It's a 2004 version of what you are looking for Except mine is a V10. I see you are from NY, and that is where mine came from. Let Jeff give you a good number on one.

BTW, the vinyl 40/20/40 is the way to go. And, get the tilt

 

If we add everything on your wish list, I get an MSRP of $35350, and invoice is $32599. I'll sell it for $3000 below that (invoice minus $500, minus the current $2500 rebate), plus tax and plates. My suggestions on the options:

1) 40/20/40 seat (vinyl or cloth) is a must. You'll never regret ordering it.
2) From the use you're describing, the 5.4V8 with the 3.73 limited-slip is the way to go. you don't need the V10 or any heavier rear axle, so why kill your mileage? BUT- keep in mind, this might be the least-desirable truck on the used-car market. If you're gonna buy this and keep it forever, then resale means nothing. But other driveline configurations could result in a higher resale/ trade-in value down the road.
3) If you don't want to mess around with aftermarket items, then get the factory running boards. Aftermarket offers MANY more choices, though.
4) Forget the FX4 package; the only useful item in it is the skid plates, and they're only $83 invoice by themselves (that's what I figured in the above price). If you'll never take the truck off-road, then save yourself $83. And I'm not aware of them interfering with routine maintenance.
5) ESOF? A very heated topic around here. The "old-timers" want a lever on the floor, but then you have to get in and out of the cab to lock in your hubs. In the long run, the ESOF will require repairs and maintenance, but so does every other comfort feature on the truck.
6) Reverse sensing should be STANDARD on a 350 crew-cab. The best $203 you can spend.
7) Upfitter switches, at $71, is a bargain. Get the TowCommand, too; this will be the ONE option people will be looking for in these trucks down the road. Same goes for tilt/ cruise. You SAY you won't use the cruise, but once you get used to having it...
8) I can't find any reference to the 10,000-lb GVW. Standard is 10,500, so don't worry about it.
9) Maintenance would be minimal the way you have it set up. One word of advice, though: you say 9-10k miles per year. That means it will take you at least 10 years to get 100,000 miles on it, when its time to change the plugs. What do you think the odds are of getting 10-year old plugs out of that block? I can tell you: zip. Change the plugs every 5 years, regardless of how many miles show on the odometer.
10) I would recommend adding the XL Decor Group, so you get the chrome bumpers. ($145 invoice). The painted bumpers chip and rust too easily, the chrome ones will look good forever.

 

No doubt. The XL Decor group may be the biggest bargain on the option list.

By the way, Rich. When I told you to take a look at my truck, I should have explained how to do that. If you click on my name, a drop down will pop up. Click on "view gallery." Matter of fact, try clicking here There is a picture of the vinyl 40/20/40 in there. Not a great one, but a picture nonetheless You option an XL right and it will fool a lot of people.

 

The only thing I'd throw out there is, if towing and hauling isn't a big deal, why not a 250?

 

Ditto. If your looking for the softest ride(which is extremly relative in any superduty) get the 250.

 

...............

 

> Softest ride possible (Again, not towing or hauling)

Okay, why are you buying a F350 4x4 and not a F-150 4x4? I can understand needing 4x4 in any winter state. It is a DD, so what are you going to use the truck for if it is not for towing and not for hauling?

What you are posting makes it sound almost like your employer is going to buy it for you to drive, correct?

I believe limited slip is standard, but, that is an option to have.