O.K. - Ford is sending some R&D people and design engineers to Dallas this weekend for some feedback on the new F150.
I've got a 2:00 appointment. They're going to pay $150 for an hour and half of my time.
They're going to want to hear about things that could be done better on the truck. I know there are tons of opinions out there on this. Give me some of your favorite improvement ideas, and I'll relay as many as I can this weekend.

 

Only problem I have and could suggest that it needs to be fixed is the ashtray rattle. Other than that, the truck is perfect

 

Gee, I wouldn't mind getting paid for my time like that. I wonder if there's a way we can volunteer for the research!

 

not a real issue,, but the cargo light will stay on if the door is not all the way closed,, talked to my service manager and he said the light "should go out" if the door is not closed in about 45 minutes,, i say again he said "should",, in cold weather this is a bad draw on the battery and could be a problem,, thanks

 

texfx4

Thanks for asking - I've come up with two for my reg cab, xlt 2WD. As you can see, there ain't much wrong with this truck:

Automatic folding outside mirrors

Automatic emergency break release ( my last truck was an SHO )

What mod are you going to get with the $150?

 

Hi. I like the idea of improving the product. I have a larit 4x4 super cab.

> the rear interior reading lights do not have a seperate switch like the front. A switch to turn on the rear lamps only would be nice, especially on long trips.

> an engine compartment hood light would be great similiar to prior 2004 models

> the information center is located in a very poor position. It can be a dangerous distraction to locate the buttons to toggle between displays. The buttons are completely out of your vision and you have to take your eyes off the road to see and use the buttons. Only after using many times can you do it from memory and feel. The displaywould be better located in main dash somewhere by cd deck or climate controls.

> a seperate switch to turn on the rear cab lite so when you are hooking up your trailer or loading the box you do not have to
leave the door a jar.

> an indicator for fan speed on your climate control display.

 

Need more stand alone options . We have to buy package we don't want just to get one or two items. Can't get wheels you want unless you buy another pkg. More choices of colors and interiors.

 

Still waiting for Versacover to produce a cover for the flareside bed. I guess I'll save the $$ for that.

Talked with a friend up in your neck of the woods (Issaquah) the other day. He mentioned a huge rockslide on SR20. Ah, to experience the joys of dealing with all that rain...

 

MP3 capability in the Lariat's CD player.

Standard Interfaces in the radio for adding XM and Sirius.

Alternately option/credit for no radio for adding OEM.

Navigation System Option

A Lariat Regular Cab.

Custommer communication WEB site for checking VINs

Better customer communication on new production. My truck was built on 7/17 with a planned delivery date of 7/28 received on 9/10/03. Actually got mine after others who ordered very similar trucks later. (Due probably to the Virginia Beach parking lot).

Better console "outfiting" with powered PDA and cell phone storage.

Option for spray in liner.

 

TEXFX4 , TELL THEM WE NEED SOME TYPE OF DOOR MOULDING , SIMULAR TO WHAT THEY HAVE USED IN THE PAST. I'VE HAD MY TRUCK ABOUT 2 MONTHS , AND ALREADY HAVE 2 SMALL DOOR DINGS JUST ABOUE THE SMALL CHANNEL NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.

 

There was a very good thread on this topic some time ago, anybody remember the name? Several comments on likes, dislikes, and suggestions ranging from dual zone AC to floor mats larger than postag stamps. IF anyone can remember the name of the thread it wold be great just to take it with him hand it to them.

Screwdriver

 

texfx4

Rain, rain go away - say, I just heard from Ray at Undercover. His latest estimate for the flareside top is "early to mid-first quarter" next year. I think that means some time in Feb.

 

power retracting mirror than can be activated from inside. this would help when pulling into the garage.

a new display on the radio. it is the same generic display from the 1998 Explorer. they should make it look nicer.

under hood light.

retracting antenna or shorter antenna.

get rid of the fake plastic wood inside the lariat. if they don't want to use real wood, just use the FX4 dash. the fake wood looks cheap IMHO.

move the computer display in the Lariat to a more visible location so everyone in the car can see the temp and compass.

drive-by-wire has a dip when you hit the accelerator. immediate response would be nice. the cruise control is awesome though, definately did it well with the drive-by-wire.

 

I would like to see:

More options for the overhead rail system (I know they're coming).

Engine-bay light.

More gear options.

A MANUAL TRANSMISSION!

The cruise-control to "keep" the pedal @ the speed its at, rather than you set the cruise and it completely releases the pedal (so that to get out of cruise control, but still maintain that speed you have to "find" it again with your foot).

A stronger plug for the rear 9V access on the XLT. The scrawny plastic hinge looks like it's just waiting for a day to break off.

"unlockable" rear bench seat that is easily removed almost like minivan seats.

Has anyone mentioned a selectable LOCKER rather than this limited slip nonsense?

I think that's it for now...

 

More engine to go with all the improvements in frame strength, brakes, etc. The 3V 5.4 is acceptable, but not great. A truck that can tow more than 9000 lbs of trailer, needs more engine.

How about just dropping in the 2V V10? To offset the CAFE issues, offer a V6 or I6 as well.