I hate to sound like a broken record, but I think Ford is really screwing up with all these trim levels. I went to the Utah Auto Show Today and was talking with a Ford rep and he said that I was not the only one. For example:

I can get a Bright Red Lariat, but not with a Stone Grey interior.
I can get a Stone Grey interior in a Platinum but not in the Bright Red.
Others want a Patinum but can't get the Black interior.
Others want a Lariat, but want the Stone interior.
Some want the Lariat with the Blue Flame, but it's only available on other trims.

You can't get everything you want because the options are spread out over to many trim levels. For example: The Platinum stole the grey interior from the Lariat.

If Ford was smart they would let people special order an available paint color and mabey charge a $1000.00 fee. As it stands now I will have to buy a white Platinum and have it painted Red, How silly is that? I can't stomach the thought of painting a brand new truck, but if I'm going to spend 40+K on a new truck, I want what I want. So after patiently waiting two years I will have to wait longer or shop another brand.

 

I think that they're also missing the boat by not offering the 4.6 V8 with a 3.73 locker in an XLT 4X4. In order to get any locking rear end, you have to upgrade to the 5.4. In order to get a 3.73, you have to go with the max trailer package too. My guess is that, with the six-speed transmission, the 3V 4.6 ought to be on a par with the '08 5.4 3V and the four-speed. Can this all be CAFE related?

 

The thing that most aggravates me is the loss of mechanical shift on the fly. I hate the electronic 4x4 stuff - it always seems to fail you the minute you need it. It looks like they'll only let you have a lever on the xl or stx with the 2v 4.6. It seems like 1997 all over again - back then they dropped the msof and they didn't start optioning it again til I believe 99. I know it'll never happen but I wish they'd just make a solid axle half ton with lockouts and a lever on the floor. Give me some cup holders, a good stereo and comfy seats for the interior. Thats all I want. I hate that I have to buy a big heavy sd just to get solid axles and manual hubs. My 78 half ton rides well enough and everything on it always works.

 

All I want is separate options so I can get what I want without being forced to get a bunch of stuff I don't want or need.

 

I have written to Ford about this and all I got was a load of BS that did not answer any of my questions. I want a Blue Flame Lariat with an e-locker, and the reverse camera but not the reverse sensors. If I can see behind me why do I need something to beep to tell me there is something there? There is no reason why we can't have it like this but Ford as well as all the others have decided this is the way it will be.

 

I would have thought the same about the reverse beeper but it has saved me from night time dings about 4 times so far. If you use the rear cam then it gives you great night vision but you end up using the cam because you cant see anything out of your side mirrors in the dark. Well the beepers will sound if you get to close to something which is out of the cams viewing angle. I used to hit my neighbors post box 5+ times a month, where it's painted black. Ain't hit it once since i had me truck.

 

Exactly my point, you don't mind paying for it, you just want to be happy with your selection. What if Ford would let you special order a Blue Flame Lariat? Would it be worth a small special order fee? Its not like they don't normally use that color!!!!!!!!!!

I too have written to Ford and got the same BS answer (no answer).

 

I'm guessing it's a cost cutting issue. It's easier to manage the inventories and set up assembly work orders. Doesn't make you feel any better, but that's probably why they are doing it.

 

I think it's crap and I believe you are correct sir. My next truck will probably be with me for 10+ years, it needs to be the way I want it. My current truck is 21 years old for a few reasons. First of all, it's well built. Secondly, I didn't like the direction that Ford took the post 97 model trucks. My '88 is still in great shape, it'll last long enough to get me past this current generation of trucks also if need be. Ford is being a bit nit picky if they are going to limit paint options on certain trim levels. It's like saying that ALL XL's will be white.

Tim

 

Surely you can special order it the way you want...

 

No, that's why I'm so frustrated!

Did the 04-08 Lariat models have a grey interior option?

 

I'm trying to order a Lariat. All I want is a Pearl Blue with Chrome bumpers. Nope. No special order for that. It has to be Gold two tone with gold painted bumpers. My Lightning front end has been abused by rocks and sand over the years and I want as much chrome on the front end to keep the paint chips to a minimum. I really want the blue and silver combo with chrome bumpers available on the Superduty. I suppose I understand why they have limited the option packages, but you would think they would offer the same options on both series.

 

paint is a hard fix, but couldn't you work out a deal with a dealer to do accessory swapping?? i mean, if you want chrome bumpers and thats whats governing the sale, the dealer could easily swap bumpers with another vehicle to get you what you want. not going to be that easy, but its something to think about...

 

Paint should be an easy fix since these models go through the same paint shop and all colors are available to the robot that is spraying the truck. I could see colors not being available if the XL, XLT, STX, and FX4 were built at one plant while the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum were built at another but that is not the case. All of the 09's at my dealer were built at DTP, and he has, XL, XLT, and Lariat models. Just a load of BS that could be an easy fix, just like the chrome vs painted bumpers, or requiring two tone on certain paint colors with certain models. I don't believe that it could be a cost issue since that would just be added to the price of the truck.

 

Fords going back to their roots, soon we can have any color we want as long as its black.