It is time to decide what I'm going to buy.
I've narrowed down my choices to one of three trucks. I'm thinking of a loaded up XLT Scab w/ the 8' bed, which will give me the heavy duty payload package and towing capability, and a 4:10 LS rear end, or one of two FX4s; the flareside 6.5' bed Scab loaded or the styleside 6.5' bed loaded, with a 3:73 LS rear end. I've looked through the book I got from the dealership, and the differences in towing and payload don't seem like that much. And it just so happens that the dealer has an FX4 on the lot that I like.
I tow jeeps and work trailers right now w/ my 94 f150, and want to tow a small camper trailer or a two-horse trailer.
Ah, decisions, decisions. Any feedback from you guys would be appreciated.

 

I do not know what the price difference between the two vehicles you like with the options you want, but the FX4 has a lot nicer interior. I would take the FX4 with 17" wheels/tires and 3.73 gears for towing.

 

That's the way I'm leaning too. I've got a 94 XLT right now, and the FX4 is a nice ride.
I'm curious though, why the 17 inch tires vs the 18 inch? The FX4 I'm looking at has the LT 18 inch on them.
Thanks

 

I almost went with a loaded xlt(supercab 6.5') for like 31.5k but when i put together the fx4(supercab 6.5') with leather, audophile, and flareside plus a way better looking interior it was 33.3k. It was a easy decison from there, for an extra 1800 bucks i ordered a better truck in my eyes.
As far as the wheel issue the 17s and a smaller tire has less rotating mass then the 18s with a larger tire,wich makes it easier for the engine to turn. I ordered my fx4 with 17s and the 3.73s also for this reason, plus theres allot more tire choices for 17 inch rims right now.

 

I was getting the tires on my 94 rotated today; they do it for free since I bought the tires there; There were no 18 inch tires in the shop, but lots of 17's. That, along with your explanation, went a long way to deciding to go w/ 17's. I went by the dealer today, and the truck is still in stock; maybe they'll swap out the 18's for 17's?
Thanks.

 

The FX4 based on just the interior is a better choice IMO. Get the Flareside if you want a sportier look.

 

17" wheels for towing: They weight less and have less mass farther from the center of the wheel which means less inertia and sap less power. Effective gear ratio between 265/70R17 and 265/65R18 is almost the same. LT tires are even heavier. 18" tire choices are sparce right now, but maybe in a couple years when 2004 F-150 owners start needing repalcements selection will be better. However, if the dealer has one on the lot and the only difference is the wheels, I'd probably take it. The 18" FX4 wheels do look a lot better IMHO and it is a very cheap upgrade.

Edit. Just looked up the tire sizes for FX4. 255/70R17 or 275/65R18 giving the 17" tires a 3.35% shorter gearing advantage over the 18" combo, plus the lighter weight/less inertia.