Hey Guys,

I've got an '04 F150 FX4 Supercab that has treated me very well for the last 10 years. Now it is time for an upgrade. This is my first opportunity to order the truck I want as opposed to buying what is available. I know most of what I want but I do have some questions.

What I know I want:
Lariat, Supercab, 5.0L, 4x4
502A, Sport, FX4 etc...

My Three Questions:
What I really don't know is what I should get for Differential, Wheels and Tires. I mainly use the truck for everyday driving, some highway, some city. Winter I am in the snow, and summer I drive on the beach and in the mud. Don't do much towing.

1) I don't know if I should get 3.3 or 3.5 diff as I don't tow much and I believe the higher numbered diffs are for towing. 2) I also don't know if I should get 20 inch wheels with 275/55R20 BSW tires or 18 inch with 275/65R18 OWL (not sure what the difference really is).

3) Finally I don't know if I should get a factory spray in bedliner, or opt for an aftermarket one like Line-x or something. I was thinking the factory might know the new truck better (LED bed lights, boxlink etc...) but an aftermarket shop probably has more options?

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

This is my opinion.

1) 3.31 because you aren't towing and with the weight loss the 3.31 is the new 3.55.

2) 18s. Save $995 on the wheels and replacement tires will be cheaper. 18s may be better than 20s off-road.

3) Linex because of the longer warranty.

 

Adding FX4 with the 5.0 is going to bump you to 3.55 elock anyway so non issue.

Ill be getting the 18s for the cheaper tires, rides better, and Ill most likely replace with aftermarket at some point anyway. Take that for what you will.

Ill be waiting to check out the factory liner myself before deciding on that one.

 

Thanks to both of you. I'm leaning towards the 18s because they make more sense and I like the rims more anyway. I'll probably do the Line-x.

jrob, the online configurator will let me choose fx4 with the 3.31, but maybe it is an error? I think the 3.31 is made for the type of driving I do so it might be best if I can.

 

If you can get 3.31's, that's all you need, 1st gear in the 6 speed is quite low and will give you plenty of grunt off a stop. I'd even tow up to about 5k with them without worrying. If you tow heavier when you do tow, I'd go with 3.73's.

 

But 3.73s are faster . . .

All factory tires suck on anything but pavement, so I'd choose whatever wheel looks better to you and is cheaper, which points towards the 18s for you.

I'd also get Line-X over the factory liner. Added extras like lights, etc. aren't something a good Line-X employee would overlook and spray on top of.

 

I've seen the factory spray in liners for the 15's and they look very nice. Very well done.

 

The only issue I've heard with the factory spray liners are that they are the smooth type that lets things slide around. I believe if I were to go to a Line-x shop they have multiple surface types? I've never been but I figured they'd have at least more than one option.

 

You can but youll pay for the step back down. So 770 for fx4 and then 420 to go to 3.31 locker. Would definitely be an order if that isnt a bug, youd never find one on a lot that way. I see 3.55 as a nice in between so that is the way I would go.

 

You make a good point about paying for the FX4 and then more for going to the 3.31. Maybe it does make more sense to just stick with the 3.55.

Thanks again, this all gives me good information to chew on.

 

For some reason 3.55 is included when you buy the 5L + FX4 and 3.31 is $420 extra, but 3.31 ins included when you buy the 3.5 EB + FX4 and 3.55 is $470 extra. I'd stick with whatever one is included with the engine you buy.

Looks like you like the 18" wheels better.

The spray on is a toss up. Factory is like Dearborn Derek says and very well done and applied way better and probably cheaper than the high end Line X jobs. The biggest thing is the prep work. It is a lot easier to have good quality prep during the factory build compared to someone who's supposed to sand it down at a shop.

 

Though each bedliner formula is different, high pressure liners (which are superior to low pressure ones in my opinion) all tend to be the smoother and slicker type. The rubbery, "grippier" ones tend to be low pressure liners, such as Rhino Liner. I'd still get a Line-X though. If a good family friend didn't own a good bedliner shop that I've seen produce liners that hold up well, there would be a Line-X in mine as well. It seems that non-national companies are really hit or miss on quality, most falling on the miss side.

Another thing to consider is a Bed Rug. True lifetime free replacement warranty (you can literally destroy it and they'll just send you a new one), super easy on your knees, and you can even sleep on it somewhat comfortably. They're also cheaper than a Line-X.