Just a thought on what Ford should maybe consider for the next generation F-series trucks.
<O</O
First Ford tried to compete with the Japanese on their terms. That plan doesn’t appear to have worked real well.

You used to be able to order a truck (actually any vehicle Ford sold) with exactly the options you wanted. Why not go back to that approach? Build good quality trucks that can be custom ordered with any option available in any F-series. For example; I’d like an F-150 reg. cab, 4x4, HD suspension, 5.4 V8, 6 spd. manual tranny, rubber floor mats, headliner delete, A/C delete, selectable locker.

There’s no reason that a body on frame vehicle couldn’t be designed to accept more options, without having to order “packages”.

I believe that 40 years ago you could theoretically order a truck with a 240 I6, or a 427 side oiler. If Ford could do that then, then why not now?

It appears that trucks will become less “trendy”. Ford might do well by appeasing those of us that still need a truck
<O</O
As I said… just a thought.

 

It's too expensive to build trucks like that in todays ultra high volume manufacturing. Packaging options is more profitable.

However, I agree with you 100%!

Tim

 

With modern computer-assisted manufacturing it should be easier, faster and cheaper to "customize" a special order, not the other way around. Lazy management I believe is the root of the Big 2.5's problems.

As far as powertrain choices are concerned, it is more complicated. Emissions testing required for each engine/transmission/GVWR class combo is very expensive and time consuming.

BTW, in the 1960's there were not that many engine choices for Ford trucks. Cars, yes, but certainly not a 427 in any truck. Examples from 1965, which is before any emission controls except PCV systems; F-100 and F-250 were available with three engines (no diesels) and three transmissions, 240 and 300 I-6 and 352 V-8 each with "three on the tree", "four on the floor" or Cruise-O-Matic. I dont have the data, but as I recall, 4x4 trucks did not have any trans options, no automatic, just a 4-speed/single speed transfer case on F-100 and three-speed/2-speed transfer case on the F-250.

Jim

 

I partly agree with Dirty; maybe not to the point of headliner delete, as that would require additional R&D work for Ford - i'm sure the sheetmetal isn't pretty behind that headliner. (You can get one w/o ac); but there should be a few things they could do easily without much R&D.

Gears: no brainer; they already make different gear ratios, make 'em available from the factory. optional 4.10s and 4.56s would cost ford nothing. For those people looking into lifting the truck and putting some big tires on em, 4.56s from the factory would be a god send.

tranny options: Just about anything would be nicer than the current stuff, and the expedition 6 speed is a step in the right direction, but with the HD package, I'd like to see the proven torqueshift in the F150... It already mates to the mod motors, so only additional R&D would be in computer controls and maybe driveshaft length.

Engine options: They already make 3 major kinds of heads for mod motors. Mod motors are supposed to be flexible in this aspect - head designs, cylinder count, etc... Why not take advantage of that and offer more options? A dohc 5.4 and 6.8, as well as a dohc v10 based on the 4.6 stroke, would all make great engines, esp for an F150 (well, maybe except the dohc v10, but seeing the power levels for the competition lately, wouldn't be bad to be on top for once, instead of 100hp behind). I know this one would need a good bit more R&D, but again, these heads are all developed already. Camshafts aren't exactly rocket science to create; only thing would be intake design and EPA testing.

 

Actually, you cannot get an F150 with the HD Payload package AND A/C delete.

 

except the millions in epa certification......thats the problem with too many gear choices

 

This brings up an excellent point.

Why is it that I can order a computer from Dell, or Apple, online just the way I want it, and have it delivered to my door, and not a truck?

What if Ford adopted the direct sales model.

Build your Ford on the Ford website, get your financing (if needed) approved online, and have it shipped to you door?

Get rid of the stupid stealers, they are clueless anyway.

Adopt the direct sales model, eliminate the middleman, and pocket the difference in $$$.

That's how Walmart, Dell, and Apple make money. Why not an automaker?
What is the problem here? Dealer contracts? Dealer service? Dealer inertia and stupidity? Or is it management idiocy?

Wake up Ford, or go the way of the Dodo.

 

Ahh, my bad, you're right. I guess it does make sense, you can't order the 5.4 period without A/C.

 

do they really test every gear combo? On the EPA site they seem to only test engine/tranny/cab config.

 

Franchise laws. Shutting down Oldsmobile cost GM billions because of dealer lawsuits. Are you going to ship your broken truck via FedEx overnight to a service center for warranty repairs? Imagine talking to a call center in India about a problem with your truck.

Jim

 

sadly, i've met some service advisors that i swear would be ideal for those call centers in india...

"Hi, i wanted to see what I need to do about getting an ABS light code read, so I can figure out which sensor is out"

"yeah, you need to drop the truck off, it'll take about 3 hours, and 100 bucks"

"uhh, isn't it just reading a code from the computer?"

"yeah, but you see, we need to plug the truck's computer into our own computer, scan the whole thing for codes, figure out what the code means in the database, and write up a diagnostic."

"...and that takes 3 hours?"

"yeah"