I plan on taking the plunge in a week or so and need help deciding on a few options to get or not get.

1. limited slip differential.....not sure if this is needed or not seems like a waste of money

2. FX4 package or just skid plate package?

3. Snow plow prep pack....I'm not buying it to plow snow but maybe I will someday...it's cheap to add it on but will it really make to ride to hard? Some say the stock setup will handle a plow just fine.

4. Carpet or vinyl floor...I like the idea of being able to hose it out but I don't plan on going 4wheeling.

thanks for any replies in advance

 

silvermaxd,

Here is my opinion on your options:

1) Yes i would get the limited slip as it allows both wheels to turn in slippery conditions as opposed to only one wheel turning (the one with the least traction) with an open rear end. The factory LS is not as good as an aftermarket LS or Locker (ie TruTrac or Detroit Locker) but it is cheaper and will work fine for you since you don't off road.

2) Skid Plate Package. It is cheaper than the FX4 package and IMHO you are better off spending the saved money on aftermarket Bilstien shocks if you don't like the factory shocks (the branded FX4 shocks are a waste of money IMHO).

3) Snow Plow Prep only if you think you will be plowing or adding alot of additional weight to the front of your truck in the form of winches and heavy duty off road winch bumpers. If you are not going to plow then you may find the ride a little to stiff for your liking as the snow plow package comes with the highest rated front springs at 6000 lbs GAWR. It is a personal choice on your part if you are not going to plow.

4) Carpet is a personal choice, kinda like the type of oil you like etc. I have had both carpet and vinyl truck floors. IMO Carpeting makes the interior of the truck a little quieter. For my everday driver i prefer carpet and have never had a problem keeping it clean. However if it is a serious work truck, mud bogger or used on a farm, you may want vinyl as it is easy to hose out.

Hope this helps

 

I'm on my 5th SD
I did order one with L/S and it was limited alright, as in didnt work at all !
If you really need some sort of traction device a Lock-rite or PowerTrax
will do the job without removing the ring gear.
But both are lockers and will be a bit harsh at times....
A TrueTrac is the way to go but it requires removing the carrier and
resetting backla$$.
FX4 pakage waste of money unless you really need the sticker
Vinly floor, cleans up like new every time!
Throw some carpet floor mats on top of the vinly then throw them away
when there trashed!
I just got another SD a few days ago 07
It has carpet and a L/S I bought it off the lot.
To each their own, these are my opinons
Gene

 

1. The Ford LS is total crap compared to the ones I have in my Wrangler and had in the '68 and '71 Vettes, it may help get you moving on flat slippery surface but if there is any hill at all forget it. You'll be hitting the ESOF switch. I'd put the $300 toward an aftermarket unit.

2. Mine came off the lot with the FX4. I replaced the shocks with Bilsteins at 7k mi. Huge improvement on the washboard/potholed dirt roads out here. The sticker went before the shocks went on, much cleaner look without it. Since you're ordering you have a choice get the skidplate option, I needed a truck that week so I had to take what was available.

3. I have the camper package which has heavier front springs (not sure if they are as heavy as the plow package) and rear helper springs. You won't forget you're in a truck but I've done 12 hour drives empty and 14 hours with ~ 7000lb load/trailer and wasn't beat to death. Not bad 'round town either. I say better to get more than you need now if you're might use it someday.

4. Carpet, it does cut down on noise. Get the Ford mud mats, I'm in and out often with lots of mud on my shoes, the mats catch 99% of it, just take them out and hose them of and vacuum the carpet and you're good to go.

JMHO

 

I got my 05 off the lot with the snow package, rides good but front end sits up higher than the back. Thinking of putting the 4'' blocks to level out. Don't relly like how the 250 looks like it always has a load in the bed.

I'm a big fan of vinyl floor and love mine. Just my opinion on floor.

Limited slip is a plus, if you do order, make sure truck comes through with it! I have had ordered cars and it was on the sticker but rearend was open carrier. Unless you are serious off roader, Ford L/S always worked great FOR ME.

Not sure if you want it, reverse sensor in bumper is great!!! Had no thought on this till I got my S/D with it. I really got use to it!!!

 

I just ordered an 07, here's what I ordered and why.

1) Open differential. The L/S on my existing truck wore out in 30000 miles, the chaeper aftermarket lockers need an open diff. to be installed.

2) Skid plates only - everyone seems to think the shocks are purely cosmetic.

3) I ordered camper package, plan on buying a slide-in camper. The plow package also provide a different fan clutch setup than the standard one. Reading on the internet indicates it cools more readily at slow speeds, but may have a negative impact on fuel mileage.

4) I ordered an XL with the options I wanted, so I get vinyl floor.

Enjoy the new truck when you get it.

 

L/S is cheap up front and significantly more to add later. If it helps get you out of trouble once it'll likely pay for itself when a tow/extraction would cost more

Skid plates, that's what you "need", as opposed to the sticker and shocks.

I'd get the snow plow package if you're ever going to add weight up front, winch, plow, etc.

Carpet looks better and probably adds more sound deadening. I put some husky floor liners that are the same color as my carpet and I think they look good and protect the carpet.