It is? I guess ya learn something new everyday.

 

Thanks for everyone's input. The bottom line for me is that I don't NEED 4wd for anything I do, so unless I can get a killer deal on one, I'll probably save the money and get the 2wd. I don't think I've ever used the 4wd on the truck I've got now that I've had for 2 years.

 

That's right... I looked when I was getting out of my POS Z71 but didn't even see a truck with a manual shifter on the lots in my area. I'm sure I could have ordered one but after all the bad luck I had with the previous 4x4, I didn't feel I needed it. Loved the look though however with my 05' SCREW and some taller tires, I get the 4x4 ride height. My 4x2 Screw sits as high or maybe slightly higher than my 03 Z71. Ford really needs to reconsider the access to the beds on the newer model F150s. I'm 6'6" and even on my 4x2, it's difficult to lift heavier objects over the rail. The sidewalls on the bed are so darn high.......

 

I'm a foot shorter and if you think it's hard for you.........

I have a friend who has not bought a new Ford for this reason. He has a GMC that needs replacing but the height of the Ford would make it very difficult to load his motorcycle (also true with the Tundra) so he is waiting to see what the next generation Ford looks like. Even though he is a GM fan, their new pickups didn't do it for him.

 

I don't think 1.9" difference (20.1" vs 22") between the two is that much noticeable.
I have a 4x2 3:73 limited slip (LS) axles and pull a boat well over 7K lbs. The ramps have never really been an issue. The LS works well.

 

I've never needed 4X4, owned one, but never put it 4X. My '04 is 4X2 with a 3.55 LS. No traction problems yet, but I don't go off road, I do however tow a 4K lb boat, and have no problems with the ramps, the key is to NOT get the wheels spinning, LS and left foot on the brake works wonders.

 

Sounds like you boys need to get to a gym. I'm 5'7 and lift a 110 lb toolchest over the side when I put my Suzuki GSXR in the bed. Either that or need to just open the tailgate....problem solved

 

I'd pay money to see a 5'7" guy lift a money 110 lbs toolchest over the bed rail of an FX4(in your sig)...what's that card game called....oh yeah- BULLSH**....

PS im not saying it's impossible, but i'm a fairly stout guy and at 6'2" I find it difficult to lift my 75 pound box over the bedrail. It's not the weight of the box itself, it's the geometry of it. It's always much harder to carry that weight at chest height and at extended arms, making it able to go over the bed rail. I did notice the tailgate comment, if you're just lifting into the rear of the bed via the tailgate, that's not near as impressive/difficult.

 

Having a large frame has nothing to do with it. I saw plenty of that growing up playing football. I'll see if I can get a youtube vid on line! Its very possible..I guess it helps that put the object on the rail then get on the side step to lower it. But I can definately pick it up past my chest with no problem...its called a powercling!

The tailgate was for the ones that can't get the job done OTR.

PS.-> Sorry for DEVIATING FROM THE MAIN THREAD POST.

 

All a person would have to be able to do is lift 110lbs over there head. I'm skinny, but I can do it if I need to.

 

Once you lift it over your head, how are you going to put it over the side of the bed and then lower in into the bed? All you will need to do is be able to do is hold the 110 lbs. straight out with your arms long enough to put it into the bed. Also, how do you reach far enough down to sit the 110 lbs. in the bottom of the bed while still holding it? Go pick up something and see if you can do it.

 

LOL, You would have to throw it in!

 

I'm 6'2", and I'd like to see someone lift anything out the center of a ford bed while standing on the ground. Funny how it is always the short guys who say it is easy.... With steps, it would be easy, a child could do it. With a brand new truck, no way am I "dragging" stuff to the side to get it out. My 07 is much taller than my 77, and as far as what it will haul, the 77 is an F350, not a F150. Tall sides, JUST looks.

 

Napoleon Syndrome

 

Saving the dents for later?