Thanks guys.

Yeah here are my two problems with a leveling kit and tire/rims (which would be my top mod by far if it didn't do the following to me):

1. Dealer said if I put on a leveling kit or lift of any sort then my bumper to bumper warranty is voided
2. I've heard both kill gas mileage. I know that I'm driving a truck and bad mileage should be accepted, but I'm not about to make a bad thing worse.
3. If I lift the front, which I do think would make it look better, would the total truck height be over 6'9"? Because I still need to fit in parking garages downtown in which the max height is 6'9".

Black Headlights:

I really like the look of them and I'm going to need to buy another set of headlamps anyhow for my HID retrofit. BUT I'm not sure since I'm doing a chrome and black motif with the truck and I think the chrome headlamps might look better....or maybe I'm wrong? Anyone got pics of a black F150 with black headlamps like the harley and a billet grill with chrome?


I thought about it and my list is as follows:

1. HID retrofit of some sort - whether it's reflectors or projectors
2. Magnaflow SIDO - I've heard they're quieter than all others and prevent HP/Torque loss at the low end. I definitely don't want to hear them going down the highway at 70mph though. Anyone drive a 5.4 with SIDO rear exit magnaflows and have comments on what it does to cabin noise? Also will it hurt my gas mileage? I've heard it might help a little but not much. Also been told it won't void warranty.
3. AF1 - We all know about it and the reviews it's getting. I want to increase power and help gas mileage. Also been told it won't void warranty.
4. Paint all door and tailgate handles and mirrors black to match the truck in terms of paint not plastic. Then chrome just the grip handle itself.
5. Hard Top Cover for the bed: How easy are they to take on and off though? It would be a big help in the winter and when I want to keep stuff dry. BUT I also sometimes, though seldom, have stuff that I need to put in the bed and it's higher than bed height, thus the hard top would need to come off. Anyone know about this? Plus I've heard they're wicked expensive ($800+) Anyone know of a cheaper place to buy besides the dealer?
6. Xcalibrator - I've heard it gets rid of throttle lag which is killing me. However, the dealer told me today that it Ford would void my warranty and would know even if I flashed back to the stock settings. That if I even change it once and something happens I'm SOL. Thoughts?

 

This is all dependent on your dealer. Some dealers are more lenient than others.

Legally, a warranty claim can't be denied unless there's proof beyond the shadow of a doubt that the modifications caused the failure in question.

 

Man....you should get an F-150 short story award for this post.

 

Now that I am at 37k miles a warranty is just a thought - I had ZERO problems getting anything done on my truck.

It's a respect thing! You treat them right they treat you right!

I have bought last 4 trucks from same Salesman and he ALWAYS takes care of me!

 

I dont worry about the warrenty, I mod it like I want it and cross the warrenty issue when I get to it, get a well established 4wd shop to do the leveling kit, if there is any problem they will take care of it. I have a 6" lift and do fine in 7' parking garages, its still scary as hell. Pull up to the warning height bar in the garage add 2" for the leveling kit, then 2" for 33" to be on the safe side and take a measurement.

 

I'd modify Quintin's statement a bit. A dealer only has to make a reasonable case that a mod was the cause. "Beyond a shadow of a doubt" is a very tough standard, a dealer doesn't have to go that far.

As far as a level or lift kit voiding the entire bumper to bumper warranty; that's way on the other end of the spectrum. It's not reasonable to claim the lift kit caused say a fuel injection or computer related problem. However; the dealer could probably back up denying any suspension related warranty claims.


John

 

Lol, yeah I should get a short story award for my post.

I'm just riding the fence on the Daystar Leveling kit. Anyone know what it does to gas mileage or wear and tear on the truck? Or how much does it cost?

 

To expound on it a bit more, if a dealer says something isn't gonna be covered under warranty, then you as the customer can call Ford and they'll send a zone rep or field service engineer to the stealership in question to see just what exactly is going on. Bottom line though, it all depends on your dealer.

 

I installed the Daystar leveling kit with no gas decrease but I did get great looks and a improved ride. Go for it and stop wasting time!

 

Haha, yeah I should just cowboy up and do it. How much did it cost you? Did you do it by yourself?

 

I bought the kit on Ebay for $110. and than got it aligned and my tires balanced for $50. and yes I did it myself. I think it took like 3 hours.