I'm getting ready to order an 2008 FX4 over here in Okinawa from a Military Sales vender. Not too many Ford dealerships over here, and the salesmen/brochures are only so helpful. So, is what I am looking at:
FX4 Super Crew with 6.5' bed.
Luxury Package.
Here are some options I am trying to decide on:
1. 30 vs 35.7 gallon gas tank. I'm thinking of going for the 35.7 gallon tank for extended range (I hate filling up). Is there a downside to the larger tank?
2. Cargo Management System: Sounds good on paper. I like the integrated tool boxes...easy to remove when necessary. Better than putting a full size tool box in. Alos like the tie down capability. Question: can you get a drop in bed liner in with this system installed? I like drop ins better than spray in.
3. FFV engine: I'm thinking of ordering the truck with the option to run the E85. I'm not sold on E85, and where i am moving (NM), E85 still is not plentiful. Is there a downside to getting the E85 engine?
4. 20" tires with 3.73 gears: I won't tow much with the truck, but i will haul plenty in the bed. I'm worried about adversley effecting my haul capacity with this set up. Can't find anything in the Ford literature on it. What do you all think?
5. How's the leather on the FX4 Sport Seats? Do they come with perferation or are they solid? Are the rear seats really vinyl?
That's about it. Any other suggestions you all might have would be most appreciated.
Great site, and thanks again for the help!
-Ken

 

I just left oki in march. Where are you at there?

I would definatly get the audiophile stereo, it sounds great, unless your into all the aftermarket stuff. The backup camera is a awesome feature too

 

Just bought an 08 limited and here are some suggestions.

The reverse camera is worth it. I didn't want it but the 4wd I wanted came with it. Now that I have it I have trouble driving other vehicles that do not have it.

Electric rear window, again did not want it but ford seems bent on putting the split rear window on all higher end trucks. Now that I have a screw it is nice to have because you can air out the cab when you get in without having to stretch to the back. A benefit in Florida.

Reverse sensors are nice

Get the power fold mirrors if you have the opportunity, putting the truck in the garage is a bunch easier with this option.

5.4 V8 as well just nice to have the option and i do not think the 4.6 saves that much in gas (others can speak to that)

Just mMO

 

1. The only real downside that I can think of with the 35.7 gal tank is that when it is full, it adds any extra 50 or so lbs. worth of fuel to the driver's side of the truck, therefore making it more prone to slightly sagging over time to the driver's side.

2. Cargo Mgmt. System I can't really comment on. If you like it, then order it.

3. FFV is a definate option to get. It doesn't cost you anymore and it allows you freedom down the road. Same engine, just with non-corroding fuel system parts.

4. Get the 3.73's even if you get the 20" wheels. It costs an extra $50 this way as the 20's come with the 3.55's (or the 18's come with the 3.73 for no extra charge if you request them) but the 3.73's are a must if you ever plan on going to slightly larger tires.

5. If you get the Luxury package and you order the leather, you will not get the FX4 Sport Leather, you will get the Lariat Leather seats.

Also, do not get the Audiophile as you can install a much better aftermarket system for less than the cost of the Audiophile.

The power rear slider is a must in a Supercrew as you cannot reach a manual rear slider.

Reverse sensors (or I believe the camera for 2008) is a very nice option as these trucks take some time to get used to backing up with the higher bed.

All these statments were base upon the 2007 model year options when I ordered mine.

 

35.7 - 30.0 = 5.7g

5.7 x 6.2# (approx. weight of gas)

~35#

 

I was using the weight of water (8.1 lbs./gal.). Forgot that gasoline is lighter than water.

 

lol, an extra 35lbs making the "truck sag" on the drivers side, LOL. Thats pretty funny.

So your telling me that a truck drivin by a 220lb dude as compared to a 170lb guy is going to have a list to one side over the life of the truck. Lets see, I believe the payload capacity of the truck is over 1500lbs easy to I don't think 50lbs will do anything. Trust me the leaf springs in the back can handle 50lbs like it wasn't even there.

i don't think there is any disadvantage to the larger tank. Gas mileage effect is neglible.

 

Whatever you do, spring for the bigger engine. I learned that hard way over the years -- now any time I purchase a new vehicle I opt for the largest engine that's available.

I have the 5.4 in a Regular Cab - Short Box truck and it isn't exactly a rocket ship -- I can't imagine what a "dog" the 4.6 must feel like in the Screws......

 

I ordered mine about a month ago, I was also interested in the Cargo Management system, the salesman showed me a brochure on the Limited that had pictures of it, it is just two "poles" that go across the box (like they use to keep stuff tight in a moving truck). I was very unimpressed and opted to not get it. It sounded much better on paper. If I am wrong hopefully someone will correct me, ideally I would have liked to have seen it on a vehicle in the lot, but they didn't have any.

 

All F-150 Fx4's come with the 5.4 L.

 

I would def. suggest getting the flow through console and captain chairs (not sure if it comes standard on fx4). I didn't go this route, and way regret it! Also would say the back up camera would be a great feature! I am looking into getting some type of after market one myself. Sounds like your going with a great set-up, only thing I wouldn't want, is the 20" WHEELS (not tires !). Too me, is stupid to have 20" rims on a truck. plus the ride will suffer (if if only slightly) and those fx4 18" rims look pretty darn sweet (IMO). Plus going with the 20's, tires will be just that much more expensive ! Plus if your towing or hauling or seeing any "dirt time", 20" rims wouldn't be your best bet. Just my opinion tho...

 

my dad just got a 08 KR and he got the 20s, and doesnt like them. i told him he can have my lariat 18s when i lift my truck this winter.

definitly get the 3.73s.

 

1. get the 35.7 my first fx4 had the big tank, my new one has a 27 gal. and I wish I still had the big one. Besides, it's only a hundred dollar option, and it will cost you about 8 bills to upgrade after the fact.
2. Don't know
3. Get the FFV engine, free option and you may need it to run e-85 some day.
4. If you plan to upgrade to aftermarket wheels, just get the stock 18's they're cheaper. If you plan on keeping the factory wheels, get the ones you like, don't worry about towing, the difference is miniscule. definatly get the 3.73's, I had 3.73 in my first one and 3.55's in my new one and I do notice a difference in driveability.
5. If you plan on getting the luxury package, it comes with the solid leather from the lariats. And supercrews with the lux pack get the fold down armrest in the rear seat like the lariat screws get. The only portion of the seats that are real leather is the seating surface on the front seats, everything else is vinyl, no matter what leather set you get (lariat or FX4 luxury, or the FX4 sport leather)

Also, if you want the sliding rear window, get the power one, you can't reach the slider anyway even in a scab, you have to climb in the back to open it if you have the manual slider, the power is just more convenient.

 

I'm at Kadena. Headed back to the states in May to NM. Looking ot order soon so it is waiting for me when I get in. Did you go thru AAFES for your truck? If so, do you have any advice, regrets, etc...

Thanks,
Ken

 

Thanks for all the inputs.
I've driven several Ford trucks in the past. Moved from Rangers to Broncos to F-250's (biggest being a crew cab). I'm comfortable driving a big truck, but do see the value in the sensors and rear camera. They are on my list of options, as is the electric sliding rear window, though I did consider the fixed one with defrost.
I've always had good quality drop in liners and like them best. Never had a roblem with warping, not even in NM's sun and heat. I like how they absorb impact, and hell ,they are a bit cheeper and certainly not permananent. What I like about the cargo mgt system? The tool boxes. I like that they are on the rails, quick disconnest, keyed with the ignition key, and off the floor of the bed...very little impact on cargo carrying capacity. Great place to put chains, tools, tow straps, and other stuff you want ot keep out of the cab. But i would pass on them if i couldn't get a drop-in liner in the bed. I know it is listed as a "factory installed item." Any reason it could not be installed after the fact? If anyone has additional info on this, I'd appreciate it.
I think getting the FFV engine option is the way to go. I just want to make sure that maintnenance costs are not higher, or reliability less, since I can't imagine running E85 in the Albuquerque area (just not plentiful or cost effective).
I'll definitely get the larger gas tank. Thanks for the help there. I hate filling up on long trips.
As for the 20 inch rims...I think they look great. Purely a "bling" thing, but doesn'tsound like they negatively effect anything drastically. Like I said, biggest concern would be load capacity (I'm sure I'll be maxing it out), as this truck will be hauling heavy weights in the bed, and I'd hate to diminish that just for looks. Why would 20" rims not be good for towing and off-roading? 15 used to be standard, then 16, 17, etc... I'm not sure I understand.
I'm going with the stereo upgrade. I'm not a music conniseur (can't even spell it), so a good stock radio is all I need. Debating on the Sat option.
Thanks for the info on the seats. Vinyl on the back. I guess that is good for the kids/dogs, but kind of dissapointing. Still looks good. What does the King Ranch offer?
Here's another question: Whay is the bed extender not an option on the 6.5 bed models? Try as we do, we can not get it to come on the truck I want. I imagine one can be orderd after the fact, but it seems silly that the OEM one is not an option. Looking for advice/confirmation here.
Thanks again for all the help! Keep it coming.
-Ken