Nope, if I am not mistaken tan was it when they were first released then black was introduced.

 

Boys, let me tell you, when you have a computer driven assembly line you should be able to punch in anything they have and it be fetched by the robot and a few guys and assembled (everyone is cross trained to do all truck models)then when it gets to the paint area it be painted by the robot station that is loaded with that paint. This is 2009 boys, it ain't rocket surgery to get it done..... automatically. The young studs show the boss they save money their way on paper and nobody knows how many people switch to other vehicles because of their "idea", thus loosing money. Hello!!!

 

I agree on the packages. I'll be ordering a standard cab XL and it looks like you can't get one with a rear sliding window. However, you can get that same standard cab in an XLT and get a slider. Makes no sense to me at all.

Should be a fairly easy process to pick the items from the options list that you want, unfortunately, they make it hard. For example, I wanted the 3.55:1 limited slip rear axle. You can't get a limited slip in that particular ratio unless you get the 3 valve engine and 6 speed auto trans. And you can't get those unless you get the 145" wheelbase....

Rob

 

Spoke the the rep about my rebate problem and asked him what the deal was with some models having stuff others cant. He said from what he knows it comes down to stock control. He said that they have trouble sourcing enough components of certain types of stuff. As an example he said that not all models can have the power deploy running boards as stock is allocated to the platinum as they don't have enough stock to fit it to other models. He said that this apply to every other component and as you go up in the range the stuff you can get increases and this is how Ford know what % of parts to keep in stock. He also said that the reason that a lot of stuff is bundled is because 80% of people may order part (A) as an option and then only 70% of people order part (B) as an option and this leaves unneeded stock levels. So they just bundle the parts as a package to keep the cost down. Which in turn keeps cost down for customers. He said that this has been improved year after year so that most bundles are a common things people order. Most will like the bundle option but he said you cant make everyone happy.

Sounds like a good reason to me. He couldn't explain the paint options though as he said he has no idea how the lines work and how the trucks are batched for paint.

 

I just submitted this to 3 different departments at Ford I am not holding my breath on getting a response that actually addresses the email. I wish you could write longer emails but the limit you in the number of letters. If they actually get back to me on this then I will address some of the other issues but like I said I am not holding my breath. It would be nice to get what I want in a $44K truck instead of what they (Ford) wants me to have. I will let you know if I hear back and what their response is.

My question is regarding the 09 f150 and the options for the truck. I am on several ford truck enthusiast forums and there are a lot of people upset and looking at other model tucks (Toyota, GMC, and Dodge) for there new truck purchase rather than staying with Ford. These trucks go down the same automated assembly line, however the color combinations for the exterior and interior are vastly different between models. We understand having more luxury the higher trim level you go, but why limit the paint options? A robot paints the trucks and is loaded with whatever color the computer tells it to. Ford could probably win back a significant number of truck sales if they would visit these forums on a regular basis and see our thoughts on the vehicles that are being produced. After all we are the ones keeping your business going. Here are some of the ones I am on: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum193/, 2009 Ford F150 Super Duty Ranger Trucks, Blue Oval Forums, Ford Edge Forum, Ford Flex Forum, Ford Sync Forum, Lincoln MKS Forum, Ford Fiesta Forum

 

I was playing around on the build site last night. There's just a lot of stuff and fluff that I don't want to pay for but would take if the deal was right. Anyway, I was building an STX Scab 4x4 last night and you can't get the 5.4L on the STX. You can get the 3.73.1 LS axles. I compared the STX and XLT trucks in price and t he basic models are only separated by about $1400.00. Not bad right? Wrong. You add the 5.4L $695.00, 3.73.1LS $300.00, OOPS, now you have to get the towing package, another bump in price. By the time I built a fairly basic XLT Scab 4x4 w/ 3.73.1 LS axles I was in it for 36k. The SD equipped the same with the 5.4L can be had for the same money or slightly less. I'm not cheap or poor but realistic. Why pay for things are of no use or interest to me? Anyone notice that roof clearance lights are not even available on the F-150? I have them on my '88 and I love the look.

Tim

 

I dont believe so. Black or tan is your options. Are you ordering online or through the dealer? Cuz dealers can do much more than online.

 

You've rounded up my thoughts just about identically... I never much cared for the looks of fords trucks after the late 80's/early 90's models... maybe because I grew up with those I like em so much. But I ended up with a 99. At least I like the fact that I got a stick shift and manual 4x4. Those are the two things I like the absoulte most about the truck. Now they are taking that away from me and charging me more. An otherwise simillary equipped SD just with the manual options will cost about the same or even less. And you get the solid axles and manual hubs as well and a bigger more capable truck to boot. Just got to deal with a few less mpg and not being able to parallel park downtown lol. Soon as I can I'm ordering a SD. But anyone else sharing my views better act quick because the same fate will come to the SD line... starting for 2010 they will be dropping the 6 speed manuals from many of the trims as well as some other options. Dont know if I'm going to be too late or not... cant buy a truck till my house sells and thats not lookin too good right now.

 

I got a few quotes today to paint a Platinum Bright Red:

Maaco: $2800.00
Dealership: $6500.00

I also got a quote to change the trim in a Lariat interior from Camel to Grey:

Plastic trim and headliner: $4500.00
Recover Seats: $1500.00

In summary, the cost is about equal which ever way I decide to go, unless I use Maaco.

My biggest fear would be that after I choose one of these options is that Ford would decide to make them available. Heven forbid they give me a straight answer.

I would be interested in everyones opinion.

 

Hear you all load and clear. Was looking at the 08's due to the rebates and such, but finally seen an 09 in person, and liked most of what I saw. It still has to grow on me a little. Took a brochure home and started looking it over. I'm looking for a basic truck with 4wd, but love the color razor red which is not avalible on an xl, or stx, so I'd have to step up to a xlt, which isn't that bad but does cost more. I have decided on a 2nd and 3rd colors so I could get the xl, but fear that next year they will make it avalible on all models and it'll be to late. Bill

 

Instead of spending more of your hard earned money toget what you want, wait a year, actually 8 months and see what's in store for the 2010's.

Tim

 

I would but I've allready waited two years. If I knew for certain that they would include Bright Red to the Platinum I definatly would wait.

 

The fact is, gentlemen, every manufacture does the same thing (those that are successful, that is). Exterior color + interior color + level of trim does not always equate. Get used to it. Custom built, aka. customer preference, affects the bottom line.

We should be glad Ford is still fiscally capable of offering the products they do; unlike GM and Dodge (Chrysler) standing on the corner asking for handouts from tax payers. (How pathetic...Can we get more help for our own inadequacies....? (Cry me a river....losers...))

It's a different time. Comparing 1999 product offerings to current is not even on their radar (nor should it be). If you can't accept what's offered, shop elsewhere. When you find exactly what works for you...Buy it, especially if they give you the interior/exterior color combination you're looking for.

Keep in mind, because of your preference it may not be a Ford. Or, you could just buy a Platinum....

 

Ford is saying lately that they listen to "Truckers" so I'm just sharing my opinion. I have read about alot of people who are unhappy that options are not crossing the trim lines, and checking a box on the assembly line for a color does not hurt Ford's bottom line. It makes a customer happy!

 

Join the waiting game. I've been waiting since '97 for the F-150 to employ a great 4x4 system, instead they followed the pack went all electronic and or no manual lock-outs.

I was going to get an '08 during the price wars inspite of the 4x4 system and saw my first '09 and decided to wait. Now the '09's have all these funky rules on colors and trim packages.

I've discovered that the SD even with the short comings on MPG's seem to be a more of a traditional truck and a little easier to get what a fella wants.

This has proven to be one dilemma after another for me. The 6.2L is looming on the horizon as the base engine for the SD. I would prefer to have the Boss motor than the 5.4L, I'll wait. Perhaps in that time, the F-150 package restrictions may loosen up a little.

Tim