I was playing around on the Ford build site and I was building an XL truck for GP and noticed that the 7 lug pattern is available with steel wheels. I was under the impression that the 7 lug wheels were only available when the diesel was being tested and would be part of a HD package.

Additionally, when getting the max tow package on the XL truck, only the 3.73 reg axle is available. Am I missing something? Is a reg axle better for towing than a LS?

This could be built to be a very stout truck.

Tim

 

When you build a Lariat 4x4 with with the max tow package, it requires a 3.73 LS. I'm not sure why they would make it different for an XL, other than to save money. Also, I can't think of ANY reason a reg axle would be better for towing.

 

The Heavy-duty package with 7-lug wheels is an available option on the 09's XL and XLT, just like it was always an option on the 04-08's.

as far as the diesel, who knows if/when that is coming.

 

I wasn't aware of the 7 lug being limited to XL & XLT models and has been. Thanks for clearing that up.

Tim

 

here's the info about it straight from the 09 order guide:

HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE (627)
Usage: Increases GVWR to 8200 lbs. for improved payload and towing
Availability:
• Regular Cab Styleside 8.0' box (145" WB) SuperCab 8.0' box (163" WB), Mid-Box Prep Regular Cab 5.5' box (145" WB) or Mid-Box Prep SuperCab 5.5' box (163" WB)
• XL and XLT
• 36 gallon fuel tank (655) required with Regular and SuperCab 4x4; optional with 4x2
Requires:
• 5.4L V8 Engine
• Max Trailer Tow Package (53M)
Includes:
• High capacity 17" 7-lug steel wheels (64K)
• Heavy Duty shock absorbers, frame and 72 amp battery
• Upgraded springs, radiator, and auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• 9.75" gear set
• Standard 3.73 axle
• LT245/75R17E BSW All Terrain Tire
Optional Equipment:
• Snow Plow Prep Package (62S)

 

7 lug bolt pattern has been around for a while. 1997-1999 F250 light duty and 2000-2003 F150 7700 payload package have the 7 lug bolt pattern. They were 16" wheels though.

If you are considering 7 lug bolt pattern, keep in mind that finding aftermarket wheels are like finding hens teeth. If you don't plan to put fancy wheels on, then it is no big deal. I looked for wheels for my 2000 F150 7700, the few that I found cost your first born and some body parts.

 

Thanks again Steve! I really don't want this package but found it interesting as I was playing around on the build site. I still don't understand why it specifies the reg 3.73 axle vs. the LS axle.

Tim

 

Bump, I just picked up a new "10" XLT with the 7 lug steel wheels. They have to go... has anyone found any good aftermarket offerings? What i'm finding is there's still not much out there.

 

I think the Heavy-duty guys have been looking for wheels since 2004 with not much luck. You can try asking them in the 04-08 F150 subforum.

I did notice in the new 2011 F150 order guide that they are coming out with a new aluminum 7-lug wheel for the XLT HD package rather than the steel rims. But they don't have a picture of it yet. Maybe it will be decent looking and you can try to get a set of them?

 

LS vs regular less to go wrong given the abuse it will get with loads. The listed specs earlier in this thread is my truck. If you want to haul or tow with a 1/2 ton truck then that's the one to buy. My truck is to get something done not just a people mover. I will go into the mountains of PA with a 22' trailer & skid loader (10.5K) and it runs nice. My two cents, Chris

 

If you want to see the new xlt wheels just build one on the f150 site. Then when you get to the wheel section (you only get one choice) hit details and the thumbnail expands. They actually look pretty nice. That is the setup I want (xlt heavy half, 4x4 scab w/3.5 ecoboost) Figure I go with a mild leveling kit and put on bfg mt2 in the size of 255/80r17. Anyway the advantage of a open diff over ls is just to keep it simple and keep the cost down. I believe the xlt will have the ls in it. Now I need to go to the ford site and build one to verify. Sorry about going off topic with what I want in my next truck, I started daydreaming.

 

Yup the xlt comes with the ls

 

^sorry, unless I'm missing something, I just see the regular 17" XLT rims (thumbnail image) on there along with the optional 18's and 20's. We are talking about Heavy-duty package 7-lug wheels. Actually, when I went to the 2011 build site, I didn't even see the heavy-duty package listed at all when trying to build a XL or XLT???

The official order guide has thumbnail images of all the wheels except for this new 7-lug aluminum wheel and the 22" Lariat Limited wheel it says "image coming soon"

 

You need to get the 8' bed to get the seven lug. So that means xl or xlt. and no crew cab.

 

ahh, that was the step I missed, the 8' bed option. I knew it didn't come in crew cab form.

well here's what the new heavy-duty 7-lug wheel looks like: