We have discussed this before, and some here speculated that a six and a half foot bed would never be offered on a Super Crew, primarily because it would necessitate using another frame. I read this thread at the FTE forum, which suggests the six and half bedded SC may be offered later this model year. Does anyone have information that would confirm this speculation?

 

I guess it's all speculation at this point. I guess all we can do is wait and see if it happens. For me, the 5.5 SCrew is very suitable for my needs.

 

wouldn't a Screw 6.5' bed fit on a longbed frame (not sure exactly which one). just a thought. it would be cool, but i wouldn't hold my breath if i were you.

 

It is not going to happen anytime soon. It would require a different frame. The longbed frame is the same as all f-150's. If you need a bigger bed buy an f-250 crewcab.

 

I'm a little confused here, perhaps you could enlighten us as to how five different wheelbase combinations are being offered on just one frame? Not trying to break your eggs here, just trying to understand what you have implied.

For example, if I look at the engineering drawings and dimensions published by Ford for the Super Cab trucks, they list the wheelbases as 132.5", 144.5", 163.0", respectively for the 5.5', 6.5' and 8' beds. The length from the center of the front axle to the back of the cab is (of course) the same, and the distance from the center of the rear axle to the end of the frame (inc. rear bumper mounting bracket) all measure 41.0". So, that leaves the remaining distance from the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle to account for the disparity in lengths; which in this example is 25.9", 37.9" and 56.5".

So, how is it that Ford increases the distance in the middle of the truck, yet the frame dimension remains unchanged? If a 5.5' bed is supported by equally dimensioned framework, as is an 8' bed truck with the same cab size, then where does the extra length get added?

What about the Heavy Duty Package trucks? The enginering dimensions note the Heavy Duty Package maximum side (frame) rail section as 8.86" x 2.91" x .150", vs. that of the non-HD as 8.86" x 2.91" x .120". I took that to infer there is a different frames used for the HD Package equipped F-150s. Is my understanding incorrect?

Lastly, there are many valid reasons to want a 6.5 bedded '04 F-150 Super Crew truck over a similar offering in an F-250 (or F-350) Super Duty Crew Cab -- not the least of which a level of refinement that IMHO, the current Super Duties can not begin to match.

 

they are different frames. Overall length may be the same but if you look at the rails they are not perfectly straight and level. They are lower under the cab than under the box.

Although in overall length it would be the same as Scab long box

also, the parts are off the shelf... 6.5' beds are already being made... 4 door cab is already there... all axle/brakes/wyheels are the same... its just the new frame and longer driveshaft.

 

i'm surprised that 6.5 aren't optional on supercrew's...that's pretty much about the size the majority of truck users are going to want and it even looks better... the 5.5 makes the truck look like a midget mobile and the 8ft looks too long, but you only get 8ft if you REALLY use your truck for work hauling...cause when you think about it, a 5.5. foot bed is a pretty small bed... think of someone that's 5' 5"... or better yet, if you're 6 ft tall go lay in the back in the bad and notice that you have to bend your knees and think then of how many things you might lift that are bigger than you

 

Pretty much what I was thinking, but since screwbuilder is on the production line floor, I thought he might have more first hand information than most. Either that, or his post did not accurately reflect what he meant to say. Hopefully screwbuilder will clarify his "same as all" comment.

 

My brother sells them and tells me that a 6.5' bed will be offered late in the '04 year. Don't know who's right or wrong on this one.

 

I hope your brother is right Ralphie!!

 

screwbuilder,

Would you please expand on your remarks regarding the frames used to produce the new F-150s? I am still wondering how the frames can all be "the same", when Ford produces trucks speced from 126" to 163" wheelbase. Over three feet of wheel base difference... and the same frame is used for both??

Thank you in advance for your reply.

 

What I was getting at is that all the frames go down the same assembly line. If they were to use a longer frame some of the lines would have to be reconfigured because of the extra space needed. There are some tight corners along the line. The trucks barely have clearance at many points. A bigger bed on a screw would take a lot of re-engineering along the line also with equipement that we use. Frame loaders, etc. In fact we just got a new frame loader for this truck installed and I am not sure if it handle another foot or so of frame.

 

screwbuilder, you hit on a point most of us overlook... production capacity and capability.

If it cant be physically assembled at that plant, then it doesnt matter how many parts are common.

 

Thought I might show you some interesting numbers. Got these off www.fordvehicles.com under 2004 F-150.
-Wheelbase on a Supercab with an 8ft bed is 163 inches and overall lenght is 248 inches.
-Now if Ford does a SuperCrew with a 6.5 ft bed the wheelbase would be 150.7 inches and the overall lenght would be 236 inches.
I got those number for the SuperCrew by adding 12 inches to 138.7 inches for wheelbase and 12 inches to 224 inches on the overall lenght. Now if the SuperCab with the 8ft bed is longer and they are able to produce it then they should not have a problem producing a SuperCrew with a 6.5 ft bed. They just need the fram which a SuperCab with an 8 ft bed fram adjusted to the proper length would do fine and the drive shaft. I hope that everyone understands what I typed down if you don't, I will try to explain it better the next time I post.

 

Ahh, now I see... Thank you for clarifying your remarks screwbuilder.

So, if I am reading correctly here, then there is more than one frame being used. Is a different frame used for each of the various wheelbase configurations?

If bluedevilsfan is correct with his estimates on wheelbase and overall lengths of a 6.5' bedded SuperCrew (and I arrived at the very same figures as well), then it would seem, at least from a production standpoint, that a150.7" wheelbase/236" overall length SuperCrew would be buildable -- on a production line built to accomodate the dimensions of a SuperCab with and 8' bed and its 163" wheelbase and a 248" overall length.

Hope you get the word soon screwbuilder, on our new 6.5' bed SuperCrews!!