DarrenWS6's 2007 Lariat Supercrew
DarrenWS6's 2007 Lariat Supercrew
Hello folks. Darren here. The past year of 2011 my activity has lessened some from work being 12hrs+ avg for most of the part but with winter season here I am home a little more often now. I just wanted to make a little update thread for my '07 F-150 Supercrew.
( The links in this mini-bio here are images, click to view ).
As most of you all know, I started off in 2008 with a pre-owned semi-low miled 2004 F-150 Supercab XLT pictured here. After 3yrs, 47k miles, and $6000 in mods, it sat as pictured here, and a view from the back. Nothing extraordinary, but it was mine & well earned. Had some fun with it, caught some attention with it. Good truck. Towards the end it was falling on its face some. Calipers seizing, transmission gasket leaking, minor rear end chatter, trans slips, and I always disliked the XLT interior. Jeeze, typing it out makes it seem like I abused it badly, though that was never the case.
I traded it in on May 5th, 2011 for a 1 owner black 2007 F-150 Supercrew Lariat. Fantastic condition, just about everything I wanted. Only parts I did not want was the 5'5 bed, I wanted the 6'5 bed, and I don't really like a lot of chrome, and it has the Lariat Chrome Package. I was aiming for an all black FX4 Supercrew 6'5 bed, preferably a late model '08 with the brown COPs ( for obvious reasoning ), or an '09 - '10 pre-owned Lariat or FX4 in Maroon on Lariat, or black on FX4. Didn't quite get what I was aiming for, however I didn't let this '07 Lariat slip. It just felt like a good purchase. I got it for $22,500, talked down from $24,500. The dealership gave me a surprising $10,500 for trade in on the '04, that was $700 more than the quoted trade-in price at that time. Not bad. So I took it home one day to give her a good look down and to feel how well it drove, which was much better than my '04s Bilstein 5100 shocks and 33s. I returned toward the dealer's closing and claimed it "Sold".
I officially bought it May 9th 2011 and took it home.
First thing after pulling in the driveway, I removed that HIDEOUS "chrome package bug shield".
The interior just absolutely had me blown away. What a fantastic interior. I had dreamed of owning a truck of this model since the 2004 body came out when I was 15yrs old. A major jump from the '04s ugly XLT interior.
The '04 didn't have quite a clean history. The '07, shoot, an older man had it and traded it in because he wanted a newer one and a cracked windshield was why he traded. This truck never even towed. No doubt that I will still give it the care an maintenance it deserves. I know I don't exactly 'need' a truck, it is more of a desire to own, but I still feel fortunate to have been able to snag this one up. Even if I only bumped up to a couple years newer and still have those damned original style spark plugs & heads. The MSRP sheet was also very nice to see in the truck.
But that is the story of how I got the truck and a little of my old one. I wish my old truck the best of luck with its new owner.
New truck, new mods. Lets begin.
( The links in this mini-bio here are images, click to view ).
As most of you all know, I started off in 2008 with a pre-owned semi-low miled 2004 F-150 Supercab XLT pictured here. After 3yrs, 47k miles, and $6000 in mods, it sat as pictured here, and a view from the back. Nothing extraordinary, but it was mine & well earned. Had some fun with it, caught some attention with it. Good truck. Towards the end it was falling on its face some. Calipers seizing, transmission gasket leaking, minor rear end chatter, trans slips, and I always disliked the XLT interior. Jeeze, typing it out makes it seem like I abused it badly, though that was never the case.
I traded it in on May 5th, 2011 for a 1 owner black 2007 F-150 Supercrew Lariat. Fantastic condition, just about everything I wanted. Only parts I did not want was the 5'5 bed, I wanted the 6'5 bed, and I don't really like a lot of chrome, and it has the Lariat Chrome Package. I was aiming for an all black FX4 Supercrew 6'5 bed, preferably a late model '08 with the brown COPs ( for obvious reasoning ), or an '09 - '10 pre-owned Lariat or FX4 in Maroon on Lariat, or black on FX4. Didn't quite get what I was aiming for, however I didn't let this '07 Lariat slip. It just felt like a good purchase. I got it for $22,500, talked down from $24,500. The dealership gave me a surprising $10,500 for trade in on the '04, that was $700 more than the quoted trade-in price at that time. Not bad. So I took it home one day to give her a good look down and to feel how well it drove, which was much better than my '04s Bilstein 5100 shocks and 33s. I returned toward the dealer's closing and claimed it "Sold".
I officially bought it May 9th 2011 and took it home.
First thing after pulling in the driveway, I removed that HIDEOUS "chrome package bug shield".
The interior just absolutely had me blown away. What a fantastic interior. I had dreamed of owning a truck of this model since the 2004 body came out when I was 15yrs old. A major jump from the '04s ugly XLT interior.
The '04 didn't have quite a clean history. The '07, shoot, an older man had it and traded it in because he wanted a newer one and a cracked windshield was why he traded. This truck never even towed. No doubt that I will still give it the care an maintenance it deserves. I know I don't exactly 'need' a truck, it is more of a desire to own, but I still feel fortunate to have been able to snag this one up. Even if I only bumped up to a couple years newer and still have those damned original style spark plugs & heads. The MSRP sheet was also very nice to see in the truck.
But that is the story of how I got the truck and a little of my old one. I wish my old truck the best of luck with its new owner.
New truck, new mods. Lets begin.
Continued
Now, there is the introductory bio, now here is the enhancements.
First off, I had OEM carpet floor mats. I must have rubber/weather mats. I ordered a set of black Weathertech digital fits. They looked great new. Lost their luster after a half year of use and cleaning but that was expected.
Next, I must have tint. I ordered a 20% all around kit from Northern Tint Co LLC. Didn't look bad, but didn't look great. It remained a charcoal like look on the outside. A couple months later I discovered a website that sells Llumar brand films computer pre-cut. They are http://www.tintzoom.com. I ordered a 15% all around kit in their ATR line of films, and a 5% eyebrow. MUCH better. Dark black look outside, looked lighter inside, and the sunstrip is great.
Hated the amber 3157s. Replaced them immediately with Autoluminations chromed 3157s that glow in amber.
A few months later after the dealership warranty had ended, the front right caliper had seized. Same issues I had with my old truck. I got on here and hunted for the best deal for a set of PowerSlot slotted front rotors, Hawl LTS pads, and bought OEM refurbished calipers and painted them silver. About $500 in front end brakes. Labor charge? Free for the DIY guy.
The chewed rotor.
The aftermath.
I plan to replace the rears when they need to be ( soon ), and bleed the system at the same time. The truck braked much better especially having to slow down those 33s.
Around that time I had also put on the 20" XDs with 33" Toyo M/Ts I saved from my old truck.
I had a little uneven tire wear after a minor incident, so I threw the stockers back on. Was nice to have the better highway gas mileage for the 2011 Holiday season with the stockers anyways,
Alignment done, still no leveling kit ( planning Rancho quicklifts ), no exhaust, not much at all. Darn bills. But I did throw the 33s back on.
For Christmas 2011 I bought myself a set of heavily dark smoked LED taillights from a member on here in the classifieds section. Love them. They helped push the truck more toward the look I want, a dark, yet still chromed look. From my research they are the Spyder brand of LED tails. The fit isn't 100% perfect like OEM, but that was expected. They don't fog up, that is mostly all I cared about. I waxed them in Collinite 845 and let them cure for a couple days and put them in.
That is it for now. I will update accordingly with modifications, & photos. I plan next to get some 6000k HIDs for the fog lamps only, a future retrofit for the headlamps. I will not run HIDs in the OEM housings. I also plan to buy a different LED brake light than what the classified tails came with and having it smoked darker.
Also on the list of whenever it can happen is, LEDs throughout, 09+ Lariat badges, 09+ DSG 4x4 decals, black & chrome ford emblem overlays, an exhaust system ( which is already planned, just need to buy & install ), Rancho Quicklifts & RS9000XL shocks, possibly PTM bumpers, and possibly a Harley Davidson grille. PTM the door/tailgate handle buckets also, leaving the chrome grab bars. Might even do a minor sound system. The Audiophile is great, but I now see why a custom system is fun. I also wan to replace the fuel module over the spare before the heart of winter starts. I also am kind of thinking of going to 4.56 gears for the better city economy since the truck doesn't see a "lot" of highway, and I just may be able to lift someday, or at least fit 35s when the Toyos are worn.
And the list never ends.
-DarrenWS6
First off, I had OEM carpet floor mats. I must have rubber/weather mats. I ordered a set of black Weathertech digital fits. They looked great new. Lost their luster after a half year of use and cleaning but that was expected.
Next, I must have tint. I ordered a 20% all around kit from Northern Tint Co LLC. Didn't look bad, but didn't look great. It remained a charcoal like look on the outside. A couple months later I discovered a website that sells Llumar brand films computer pre-cut. They are http://www.tintzoom.com. I ordered a 15% all around kit in their ATR line of films, and a 5% eyebrow. MUCH better. Dark black look outside, looked lighter inside, and the sunstrip is great.
Hated the amber 3157s. Replaced them immediately with Autoluminations chromed 3157s that glow in amber.
A few months later after the dealership warranty had ended, the front right caliper had seized. Same issues I had with my old truck. I got on here and hunted for the best deal for a set of PowerSlot slotted front rotors, Hawl LTS pads, and bought OEM refurbished calipers and painted them silver. About $500 in front end brakes. Labor charge? Free for the DIY guy.
The chewed rotor.
The aftermath.
I plan to replace the rears when they need to be ( soon ), and bleed the system at the same time. The truck braked much better especially having to slow down those 33s.
Around that time I had also put on the 20" XDs with 33" Toyo M/Ts I saved from my old truck.
I had a little uneven tire wear after a minor incident, so I threw the stockers back on. Was nice to have the better highway gas mileage for the 2011 Holiday season with the stockers anyways,
Alignment done, still no leveling kit ( planning Rancho quicklifts ), no exhaust, not much at all. Darn bills. But I did throw the 33s back on.
For Christmas 2011 I bought myself a set of heavily dark smoked LED taillights from a member on here in the classifieds section. Love them. They helped push the truck more toward the look I want, a dark, yet still chromed look. From my research they are the Spyder brand of LED tails. The fit isn't 100% perfect like OEM, but that was expected. They don't fog up, that is mostly all I cared about. I waxed them in Collinite 845 and let them cure for a couple days and put them in.
That is it for now. I will update accordingly with modifications, & photos. I plan next to get some 6000k HIDs for the fog lamps only, a future retrofit for the headlamps. I will not run HIDs in the OEM housings. I also plan to buy a different LED brake light than what the classified tails came with and having it smoked darker.
Also on the list of whenever it can happen is, LEDs throughout, 09+ Lariat badges, 09+ DSG 4x4 decals, black & chrome ford emblem overlays, an exhaust system ( which is already planned, just need to buy & install ), Rancho Quicklifts & RS9000XL shocks, possibly PTM bumpers, and possibly a Harley Davidson grille. PTM the door/tailgate handle buckets also, leaving the chrome grab bars. Might even do a minor sound system. The Audiophile is great, but I now see why a custom system is fun. I also wan to replace the fuel module over the spare before the heart of winter starts. I also am kind of thinking of going to 4.56 gears for the better city economy since the truck doesn't see a "lot" of highway, and I just may be able to lift someday, or at least fit 35s when the Toyos are worn.
And the list never ends.
-DarrenWS6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,731
Likes: 47
From: Concord, NC
Looking good Darren! Very good looking truck. I have a style led third on my truck that matches the Harley tails... if you smoke one it would look like your tails
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62648936@N05/5864667089/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62648936@N05/6002502705/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62648936@N05/5864667089/http://www.flickr.com/photos/62648936@N05/6002502705/
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 0
From: Destin, Florida
Trending Topics
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 9
From: OH-IO
You should add a Mark LT shifter handle to complete the look. The one mistake ford made on the lariat interiors is that cheap plastic shifter handle when everything else is leather. Since your "new" truck is an 07, the LT handle is a literal bolt-in. One little torx head screw (T-15 IIRC) under the button and it comes right off.
Here is mine, the day I installed it
and the part # for the black one is 5L3Z-7213-T
Here is mine, the day I installed it
and the part # for the black one is 5L3Z-7213-T
Thanks for the comments all!
I take it yours are worn down by now huh 
. 40k miles & going here!
. 40k miles & going here!
You should add a Mark LT shifter handle to complete the look. The one mistake ford made on the lariat interiors is that cheap plastic shifter handle when everything else is leather. Since your "new" truck is an 07, the LT handle is a literal bolt-in. One little torx head screw (T-15 IIRC) under the button and it comes right off.
and the part # for the black one is 5L3Z-7213-T
and the part # for the black one is 5L3Z-7213-T
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,387
Likes: 9
From: OH-IO
Actually you pop out the button and the screw is under there. remove screw, pull up handle to slide off, reverse to install new one, reuse your old button on new handle so don't scratch it up when you pop it out. Entire job takes about 30 seconds, a little less if you don't down a six pack while your working.
The LT handle has the leather and stitching already there, including the new chrome cap on top. It comes pre-assembled and ready to bolt on and even has a new plastic c-clip to hold in the button cause chances are you will break the old clip when you pull out the button.
1. Put shifter in L1
2. grab bottom of button and pull out
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
3. slide a small flat screwdriver up into the gap behind the button
4. pry out button being careful not to scratch the chrome plating on button
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
5. remove T-15 torx head screw
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
6. slide up handle to remove
7. drop new handle onto shifter
DRINK MORE BEVERAGE
8. replace screw
DRINK AGAIN
9. replace button, DONE
FINISH OFF SIX PACK
total elapsed time-about 30 seconds, maybe 17 if you lay off the beer until the job is done.
The LT handle has the leather and stitching already there, including the new chrome cap on top. It comes pre-assembled and ready to bolt on and even has a new plastic c-clip to hold in the button cause chances are you will break the old clip when you pull out the button.
1. Put shifter in L1
2. grab bottom of button and pull out
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
3. slide a small flat screwdriver up into the gap behind the button
4. pry out button being careful not to scratch the chrome plating on button
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
5. remove T-15 torx head screw
DRINK ADULT BEVERAGE
6. slide up handle to remove
7. drop new handle onto shifter
DRINK MORE BEVERAGE
8. replace screw
DRINK AGAIN
9. replace button, DONE
FINISH OFF SIX PACK
total elapsed time-about 30 seconds, maybe 17 if you lay off the beer until the job is done.
Last edited by 05RedFX4; Jan 2, 2012 at 12:20 AM.