Why do you guys think that they did away with the handle on the driver side a pillar. I just noticed it here

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/.../photo_03.html

 

Only tall people are allowed to buy the '09. I am sure they have a reason. I just hope it was not to just cut costs.

 

maybe someone finally discovered the the drive does not need a ohhh sh*t bar since they have the steering wheel........

 

From this article: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articl...-ford-f150.php

"Vehicle Engineering Manager Dennis Slevin told me that the company held numerous focus groups to discuss the pros and cons of a driver's assist handle, and finally decided against it, on the grounds that its usefulness didn't outweigh a visibility issue on the A-pillar."

 

It's an old Ford trick to move future products.
All you need to move the '09 is that it is a new bodystyle.
You will be able to differentiate an '09 from a '10 thru '13,
Gauruntee, they will be on the 2010, to help move that product.
It's called de-contenting.

The bumpers are the same on the 1999 thru 2003.
The only way to know you are looking at a 1999 is no drivers grab handle.

"numerous focus groups..." yeah, right
When I asked my dad about the truth concerning Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny,
he told me to ask the Birthday Squirrel.

Ford: "Let's have another Focus Group on the Driver's side grab handle. I realize we've already had five and they are expensive but, dang it this is just too important in the development of this truck."

Now, who are you going to believe, Raoul or Vehicle Engineering Manager, Dennis Slevin?

 

that is hugh change, i use that handle all the time to get in the truck.

 

Then just wait for a 2010.
The 'focus groups' will have a miraculous change of heart.

 

I don't care one way or the other if the handle is there. I don't use it.
But if they are going to leave it off the driver's side then leave it off the passenger side as well because I hate that unbalanced look from the front.

 

i disagree...no matter what im driving when i go sliding around a corner i like to grab onto something solid and something that doesnt have the capability of "turning" and potentially wrecking

when i drove trucks without an "ohh **** handle" i usually grab the door handle and it feels awkward and uncomfortable

 

I don't need it to get into my truck but about the small women who may need it. I use mine sometime when I'm going around a corner. Am I the only one that noticed this change?

 

It's def not due to cost cutting. They have gone to a lot of effort on this truck over any i have ever seen. Even some high end cars. There a lot of little details i am seeing everytime i do something different with the truck. The interior is something else. It's got High end writen all over it. Makes our range rover sport seem crap inside lol.

 

I think Ford used to make Range rover or something like that. The Platinum interior reminds me of a Range

 

- If they angle it "right" it does not affect visibility.

- Pulling yourself up via wheel will/can damage your steering collumn.

 

It it all about ,money, I guarantee u using the wheel to pull yourself into the truck will eventually cause steering column damage

 

Just take the door if you really need help to get into the truck...