PLEASE help me build a pretty basic F-350.

If you have time to kill, I would prefer you go to FordVehicles.com then select "Build & Price Your Ford" and put one together for me so that you know what options are available for the XL package.

This is very important as I will be restricted to the options for the XL package only.

Also, please keep in mind that this will be a daily driver of about 9k - 10k miles/year.

I currently do not have any towing or hauling applications that I need all this truck for but I like to keep my options open even though I will probably never need them.

Lets just say I like big trucks.

Also, since I will probably never use this truck for what it is intended I therefore would like it to be very fuel efficient.

All input is welcome. Thanks a million to all who contribute.


I know I definitely WANT the following:

• XL (Can't afford a better package)
• Crew Cab
• 4x4
• 6' 3/4" Bed
• Auto Transmission
• 18" Wheels
• A/C
• Softest ride possible (Again, not towing or hauling)

I know I definitely DO NOT the following:

• Diesel (Can't afford no way no how - forget about it)
• Roof Clearance Lights

Considering the following:

• FX4 package (Are skid plates good to have if not venturing off-road? Will they get in the way of routine maintainance)
• Limited Slip Diff
• Vinyl 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat (I want some sort of an armrest)
• 4x4 Shift-on-fly (Worried if it were to fail)
• Reverse Sensor (Do I need it???)
• 12.5k Receiver
• Manual Mirrors/Glass (Will I need if not towing???)
• Speed Ctrl / Tilt Wheel (Probably will not use Speed ctrl - Do I need tilt???)
• Upfitter switches (Currently have no use but maybe good to have???)
• Black Molded Cab Steps

What is:

• TowCommand Integrated Trailer Brake Controller ???
• 10,000 GVWR Package ???

Unsure of Engine and Gear combination - Leaning towards the 5.4L with the 4.10's or possibly 3.73's (Again, a daily driver with no immediate need to tow or haul and a big concern for gas mileage - I live on Long Island in New York)

PS - What is the maintanance schedule like for this vehicle???

PSS - I have to order something real soon!

PPSS - Any reservations about this 2006 F-350 ???

I'm counting on you guys, THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich

 

It seems like you pretty much know what is being offered in an F-350. My best advice to you is to go to your local dealer and test drive the different applications. Personally, I would rather have a loaded truck, that would be 2-3 years older. I currently have an Excursion V10, and if you are looking to conserve on gas, then definetaly stay away from the V10! Averages are city 8 highway 10 and an average of 12. The 5.4L is better, and it depends how you drive to, but the numbers are close. Tow command is a controller for electric breaks that is integrated in the truck. Ford's web-site explains in more deatail. If you are looking to conserve on money, then how about the 150? The best bet is to drive all the different options.

Happy Truck Hunting!

 

Ok, I did what you asked and I came up with $32,600.

Here is my take on your questions...

4x4 Shift on fly - why? I have my 2nd 350 SD and I have had manual hubs on both of them. I get my fat fanny out and lock the hubs in. Too many problems with ESOF, at least 1/3 of the people I know with it have had problems. Don't want to take the chance.
Reverse sensor - you really don't need it.
Upfitter switches - I included them but personally I think they just result in you having things visible in your truck for people to steal. I did not get them on my truck and do not miss them.
Black molded cab steps - I think you can add nerf bars cheaper than you can buy the step bars. I prefer the nerft bars.
18" wheels - Build a Ford would not let me add them. Only 17" and on yours I added the larger BFG tires. If you are going off road, stay away from the Continentals.
Yes, I would get the Fx4 pkg if going off road.

If you plan on ordering, find you a dealership with a "fleet" person and get as big a discount as you possibly can. You might find you can buy an XLT for not a lot more money.
I think, not sure, you can email me from this site. If you have questions, email me.

 

If you were on a tight budget you should just look into a F-150. I know that is not really what you want to see as a reply but a very basic F-350 is still a lot more cash then a F-150. If you want the big truck look just get some oversize tires on an f-150 with the money you will be saving.

 

Gotta agree w/Performance Red, sounds like you should go with an F-150. They're rated to tow 9K and will get better mileage than an F-350, plus you're kidneys will appreciate it quite a bit more.

 

If you're gitting a CC, then get the reverse aid sensors, you'll be glad that you did.
gw

 

Go for the V10 AND 4.30's..it's only about 900.00 more and you will be able to do burnout's..
I would get the XL decor package for 175.00 gives you the upgraded headlights and chrome bumpers,and like said earlier manual hubs.

 

You could just get a basic XLT in lieu of all those options and probably come out even.

If you're worried about fuel mileage and you don't plan on towing, by all means get the 3.73 rear-end.

 

To be honest, I would go with the F-150, you could get a new one with good options, including crew cab etc.

 

well with the options you want in a Xl you can get a XlT for not much more. keep in mind that those are only MSRP . ask ernie or jeff for a quote. they quoted me 22,000 for a XL single cab with very close options. also the 4.10 will net you the best mileage.

 

I agree with most of the others. For what you are going to use your truck for I would get a F-150. You can get many more options and I believe you can pull up to 9000lbs. If you have to have a Superduty I would get a 2-3 year old used one that is loaded.

 

Well here's my take on this. My friend and I each bought new 05 F250's last spring. We then got stuck with his truck because of the Limited Slip differential. If one wheel spins, the other wheel will only get up tp 20 lb-ft of torque to keep you moving. In other words you'd be better off pushing. You could get stuck in wet grass. We were in four wheel drive. So if one front wheel is spinning, and one rear wheel is spinning, your truck is now a two wheel drive which you spent how much for? I suggest you do more home work and get a truck that will not leave you stuck. Apparently the Nissan Titan has a real locking rear diff......Don't make the same mistake as my friend and I....

 

Cajun, the F-Series trucks are made for towing. I agree with you that the limited slip kinda stinks, put in lockers!

 

When you market a truck with four wheel drive and an off road package, those people who buy these trucks would generally intend to use them in this capacity. If I wanted a truck for towing, an F350 and/or dually would top the list, sans 4x4 and FX4. So then I should be given the option of a properly functioning rear differential to go along with my trucks intended purpose. Not a suedo Limted Slip Differential. If you go to the Ford website and Build and Price an F250/350, read what they say how their Limited Differential should operate. Using Ford factory specs, 20 lb-ft of torque is all it takes to have the internal clutch assembly break loose and leave you with one wheel spinning and in no way transfer any power to the wheel with traction. So if you tow a fifth wheel or whatever, why would you ever pay and extra three to five grand for something you would never use? In other words they sucked me and others into parting with their well earned money for something they know would never perform to meet their own claims of performance........

 

I understand your concern, I am into off roading, and when all of the ford Heavy Duty and SD trucks I've had along with my Excursion, I have never gotten stuck while the vehicles were stock. (Not going on crazy trails or anything like that) Then when I wanted to go do some serious off roading, I lifted the truck I had at the time, and put in lockers, 6-8" lift depending, 37" super swampers, etc, but I completely understand what you are saying. (I'm not trying to be rude or anything of that nature) FX4 to me or as the olders ones were 4x4 Off Road, means that the trucks are equiped for the average job site, it comes with the skid plates etc. And that kind of stuff.