Ok, I just priced a 2004 F150 XLT 2wd reg cab flareside for about $25k. I figure a year from now when I trade my truck in, I should get at least $6000-6500 for it. Because it list for $7775 at KBB right now. So I used the payment calculator again, and I used MSRP of about $25k, and a trade in value of $6000, and 4.9% APR @ 60 months. The monthly payment came out to be $373. All in all I'll be financing about $19k. Which isn't to bad. And that's at MSRP, so I figure my payments to be a little lower than that. Problably closer to invoice. Now if my uncle who is retired from Ford can get me that A-plan or X-plan watchamacallit, I'll get it even cheaper! Man the wait is killing me!

 

I've got a question for the flareside folks out there--I've never owned a truck before, and I was wondering what benefits does the flareside offer over the styleside?

Thanks,
vindaloo

 

There really aren't any. You actually lose cargo bed volume. One thing I never liked about the F 150 stepsides is the back step. I always thought it looked rather out of place. I have a 97 Splash and IMO, the Ranger stepside beds are the best looking on any truck hands down.
That's really the advantage. It's just pure looks. No real added functionality.

 

When you're driving and all of your stuff slides up in the middle of the bed right behind the cab, if you're a short fellah like me, the step helps out a lot in getting into the bed to reach stuff (toolbox, off-road recovery kit, beer cooler). Also, it helps people get in and out easier when I'm at a tailgate party and there are a bunch of girls jumping in and out of my bed a lot. Other than that and looks, not much. But, I like it.

 

Thanks guys--sounds cool. I'm not sure which model I saw it on, but there was a picture of an '04 flareside that had heavyduty rubber on the "step" part of the flareside that looked pretty sweet. God, i can't wait for these trucks to get to the dealerships...

 

I still like these...

 

Did it ever occur to you to simply step on the tire and either reach over, or to get in throw your leg over? I don't need those steps, I need my bed space.

 

Personally I think the flareside’s (97 – 03) have more character and just look beefier. The 04’s (04 flareside = stick something on the side of the flat surface that looks like an afterthought) on the other hand look like crap…

 

I think 97 -> 2003 Flareside have a near classic style to them. But then, I have one so I'm prejudiced My two previous cars were a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T (more classic styling) and a VW Rabbit GTi (some say another classic style - Robert Porsche design I think).

Flareside rear fenders are fiberglass, and the bed is a little smaller, and so is the rated load capacity, though I can't figure out why. I mean, if the regular bed's rated at 1300 pounds, why should the flareside be rated at 1100 (or whatever the relative numbers are)? Sure, the bed's smaller, but the frame / suspension's the same. Why can't it carry a denser (same weight less volume) load at the same weight rating as the regular sized bed?

So you pay extra for less load capacity.

Also, I don't believe there are stakeholes in the flareside rail. The rail itself tapers in a gentle curve. I don't think you can get rail-bars for the Flareside, or if you can they're a lot rarer than those for the regular bed, though I personally never have liked the rail bar look anyway.

Bed mat, or a Bedrug no problem for the Flareide, both available.

 

the new flareside remind me of the pre 97 era, bulky and muscular, i really like it....

 

I agree with menchar on the flaresides for 97 - 03. The new ones just look like it was an after thought...

 

I like the 04' flaresides better than the 97'-03's. Call me crazy but that's just me. And I think I'll go with the 4.6L engine too. After I thought about it awhile, there isn't going to be a dramatic difference in power between the 4.6 and the 5.4, ( .9 seconds in the 1/4 mile) and I don't use a truck to drag race, and I don't tow anything. And the 4.6 will be easier on gas. So I'm going with the 4.6L

 

I'm not really into buying flaresides, but I do like them. I love the current body style flaresides! But I do think the new ones look better. Curves are being pushed out of style... the new ones are edgy.. they look very sporty and muscular to me and I love 'em... just my two cents, though!

 

Maybe I have not seen the right picture which shows the flareside. Does anyone have one they can post?

Oh, and Peacemaker you are just crazy...

 

Here you go, Sport! These are right out of the gallery on this site if you want to see a few more.

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