Hi all. I'm a new member, but have been visiting here for a while. Hopefully you can help answer some questions I have. Basically, my father is ready to get a new truck, and he is offering to sell me his 04 Lariat (about 32,000 miles on it) for a "family" price. While I certainly appreciate his offer and couldn't find a better deal anywhere, there are some reasons why I would be hesitant to buy this from him (see below). I have been looking at new trucks now, and with all the incentives right now I think I could get what I really want for about $5k more. But, this additional $5 would really stretch the wallet.
Here are the reasons why I would be hesitant to buy dad's truck. It is an 04, and I have read of problems with the 04. In fact, he already has had the rear pinion/gear replaced. He tows about 5000lbs regularly with it for long distances. It is not limited slip, which I really would like to have. Most importantly, I am concerned about the payload. Ideally I would like to safely and comfortably be able to haul (not tow) 2000-2300lbs. I know many guys will say "oh don't worry about, I know a guy who hauls 3000lbs all the time with no problem...", but I really, really don't want to risk any damage to the frame or suspension. If I purchased his truck, I would get a set of helper springs (I don't want air bags, so please don't suggest them), but I am still not sure that doing so would be enough not to damage anything. So, my main concerns are the payload capability and the durability of an 04 model that has towed frequently. Oh yeah, I would purchase the extended warranty if I would buy the truck.
The upside of the truck (aside from the price) is that he has maintained it very well and it runs great. He gets between 14-19 mpg depending on conditions, etc.
By the way, the trucks I would consider buying, should I not buy his, are 1) a 06 150 with the heavy duty payload package, and 2) a 06 GM 2500

Any help, suggestions, or ideas would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

If you need to haul, get the Heavy Duty Payload F150. My '05 Heavy Duty has held up really well with no issues whatsoever.

 

thanks rocky85. How much can/do you haul in it? I calculated the RPMs given the gear differences- I figured that with the 4.10 in the HD 2000RPM is right at 65mph, and 2500RPM is right at 80mph. Is this about right? If so, how's the mpg? (by the way, for the regular 3.73 gear 2000 RPM should be at 70mph, and 2500 RPM should be at 88mph).

 

(bump to front)

But, really is there no one out there who can give me any advice?

 

Just compare the payload ratings to what you need to haul. Then select the right truck. Perhaps a Super Duty will better fit your needs. Also, Dad's Lariat will likely have a short bed which is pretty small for hauling stuff around.

 

Your figures are a bit off. I have 3.55 gears in my 05 S'Crew and 2k rpm is 73mph.