most all these trucks with larger tires including mine have a steering wheel shimmy at 50-70 mph at 70+ it is smooth as glass some say steering stabalizers fix it I plan to try it one day waiting for Thumper's assessment though after he gets his installed.

 

When considering a new/used truck, do not take only into consideration the payment. Look at the total cost of the vehicle over the life of the loan. Consider the fact that this truck is older and is likely of less value than your current truck, which looks like a fine truck.

You've already paid the majority of interest on your current truck, to start again with a fresh loan, you will repay the initial interest onslaught.

You say you' cant afford it yet you are willing to take on a longer loan, which will cost more than paying off your current loan. doesn't sound wise to me. You're truck looks great, put some nice tires and wheels on it and be happy. It will be paid off in a couple years and then you'll have more money in your pocket.

Remeber, cars are depreciable assets, they lose money every year.

I'd say keep your 05 and save for a while to get the lift you want. Who knows what the previous owner did to his truck.

 

Is that a jab at me? I would check the underbody, crossmembers, etc. for any scratches, bends but especially mud. You can tell how badly a truck was wheeled by looking under there. It's impossible to get all the mud out without disassembling so you can be rest assured the evidence is there. A good majority of the lifted trucks out here are unused (Northern California) and rarely ridden offroad, you'll run into no problems with slightly used or mudded trucks (a few times a year is not abused). It's hard to get away with wheeling but even harder to not tear up a truck doing it.

 

No jab intended. Just worry that sometimes you get guys that have no experience with llifts and off-roading and do stupid things to their trucks without realizing the consequences.

I was one about 20 years ago and lifted my 77 F-150 6 inches, first without the alignment, then put 36" mudders on which changed everything and then off-roaded in sandy riverbeads. Got the alignment quickly but ruined my front bearings, wore through tires and wasted a lot of money. I was 19 years old. Alot of kids these days are buying trucks and putting way too much stuff on em and ruining the design Ford intended.

 

I have the Fabtech dual steering stabilizer. I got a it realigned when it was installed as well, no shimmy. The only time I get a nibble/shimmy in the steering wheel is when the truck has been sitting for a while and the tires get a bit of a flat spot. After the tires heat up, it goes away.

I don't know...I think I would have a hard time trading in my truck...kinda got that bond 'ya know? If I didn't have the cash saved up for the lift/tires try for a 90/120/180 day interest free loan to get them and keep your original truck. I would also hate to get someone else's headache. But, I guess that all depends on how well he took care of it.

Oh, and BTW, if you decide on the other truck...dump those pro-comp MTs...they are junk (along with the A/Ts as well). The sidewall on them suck. The Xterrains and the Extreme A/Ts have nice thick sidewalls and are GREAT tires. Matter of fact...I will be getting a set of the Extreme A/Ts when new tires are due.

 

Thanks again guys! The owner had it done in California when he traveled out there a while back. I don't know what I'm going to do. He's going to let me know Monday his initial figures so we'll see. Is it a stupid thing to do the financing thing brypink is talking about? Who does that kind of thing?

 

Interest free loan is a good thing. If you can get paid off what you borrowed in the alotted interest free time, why not? I've done this in the past when I wasn't making the money I am now.

 

Who does that kind of thing? I doubt anyone around here does it.

 

You got to be kidding???? What does that mean???? I'm sure someone around here has used and interest free/same as cash loan. So, if no one around here will chime in and say that they used one you wont use one? WOW! LMAO

An interest free/same as cash loan is out of the question to get a lift and tires. BUT...buying a-whole-nother truck isn't. I just gotta say...WOW.

Look, I'm not saying it is the right thing for you...merely another possible option to look into before going and buying a-whole-nother truck, that's all.

 

NO...NO...NO...Total misunderstanding! I meant no stores in my area probably does the loan thing. There are hardly any places here that lifts trucks hence why I have done a lot on the side. No, I completely understand what you are saying is so much better than buying a new truck. I'm sure guys use the option you're talking about but what I meant was no shops here in my area offer that option probably.

 

I'm sorry, my bad. I did misunderstand you.

I know 4wheelparts offer the same as cash loans alot, I get them in the mail all the time.

Good Luck! Keep us posted on what you end up doing.

 

Interest free loans are a great deal...we buy all our furniture using that. I even bought my Kubota tractor that way. Use one of those interest free credit card apps you get in the mail. Just be sure to pay it off before the free period is up.

Bottom line though, if you don't have the money, don't do it...not even interest free! Keep your truck, save up the cash, and do what you want when the money is available.

 

Well he called me today and said they were selling the truck for $31k and that my payments would be about $50 more a month which if I saved for the year that I will be paying extra since I've already paid a year on my truck, I would save $1500 on a lift, wheels, and tires if I traded. If you figure just say $4000 to lift, wheels and tires, that would be about $300 extra per month I would have to save for a year. But by trading and only paying $50 more a month, I end up spending less money. However, I know I would be taking a huge bite trading my truck and I know I would be taking a huge risk with this other lifted truck. I don't know exactly what to do but I'm leaning toward this: buying some 18's since I alread have 18's and getting new tires when my stockers go bald. The leveling kit looks good and my wife is afraid that although lifting is cool now, it might not be in 3 or 4 years and I might be tired of it by then. Plus I might be starting some sidework where I'll be pulling a trailer a lot and the extra strain of the lift and bigger tires might be too much. I want to lift reeeaaally bad but it just might not be the practical thing especially since I've got so much other stuff going on right now with fixing up our new house. What do you guys think?

 

If that lifted truck has less miles, I'd go for it after you check it out and drive it a good bit.

 

I think if you're on the fence about it because of money then you shouldn't get it. I think you'll be happy with new rims and tires and the money that's left in your pocket.
I am much like you, I get a fever for something and then it consumes my mind until something else comes along. FIGHT THE URGE BROTHER! You'll be happy once you do.