I'm interested in buying my first pickup and would appreciate any advice. Obviously, I've decided the F-150 is the best choice, but that still leaves a lot to decide.

Here's what I'm thinking. I just need the regular cab and want the long bed to haul stuff. I need the 4x4, probably with limited slip, because my car is RWD and not great in snow, so I want to be able to count on the truck for getting to work in bad weather, but otherwise won't use it to commute. I have a Kubota tractor I'd like to be able to tow sometimes, so I'll get the towing package, but don't need the max tow package (maybe 5000-6000 lbs total).

So, playing with the build your own page on fordvehicles, I came up with this:

XL trim level, regular cab, 8' styleside box
4.6L 3V engine, 6speed, 3.73 limited slip differential, 4x4 drive
Trailer Tow Package
XL Decor Group (apparently needed to get Brake Controller)
Fog Lights (also needed to get the TBC, jeez!)
Trailer Brake Controller

If I end up ordering it, I'd probably also choose
Skid Plates
36 gal fuel tank
tailgate step
side steps (maybe)

Since this will be my first truck, before I try to find or order it, I'd appreciate any advice, recommendations, or critiques (pro or con) about this configuration. Is there anything I've left off the list I should consider?

 

I haven't read any reviews on how the 3V 4.6 works in the new platform but with 3.73's it might be a very good compromise. Now that being said, I'll bet that the real world mileage difference between it and the 5.4 is only 1-2 MPG so if it were me, I'd just go with the 5.4 and call it a day.

This isn't an "anti 4.6" response either. My 97 had one it is was an awesome, VERY reliable engine and it did everything I asked of it.

 

I would like the 5.4, but then you can't get the limited slip differential. Should I try to keep the limited slip, or should I get the 5.4, and then if I get stuck in the snow use the brake and throttle together and get unstuck with brute force?

 

I have the XLT 5.4 with the limited slip and 3.73
It's an awesome combination. You can't go wrong.

 

5.4L + 3.55 LSD over the 4.6L 3.73. Fuel economy will be within 1mpg of each other. Resale and obviously torque will be better. Otherwise, sounds like a good configuration. Get the bigger fuel tank and skid plates, skip the steps (man, err tailgate, and side).

 

Hmm, when I try to configure the 5.4L it makes me deselect the limited slip. Maybe this is just a problem with the build-your-own page. So you can get the limited slip (3.73 and 3.55) with the 5.4? Can you still get it if you get the max payload package and/or max towing package.

As for the "man" step, my handle describes both my location and size!

 

Forddirect let me pick the trailer tow, but not the max tow.

 

make it a super cab long bed 4x4 cuz you might have to haul some other stuff you want kept dry, like passengers =) and get the 5.4

 

I would recommend at least a supercab and the 5.4 engine. And max tow if you are doing any towing. If you cant get limited slip, no biggie, you will have the traction control standard and four wheel drive.

 

What he said.

 

I can see the benefits of getting the supercab, although I'm a little worried how it will handle. That's a long truck.

What's up with forddirect? Just a couple days ago, I configured and priced just that combination, supercab with an 8' bed. I even printed it, so I know I'm not imagining it. It did make me go up to the 5.4L. Now when I choose supercab, it makes me reduce the bed to 6 1/2'.

Also, a couple folks responding here seem to have been able to get the limited slip with the 5.4, but build-your-own doesn't let you price that. Guess I'll need to ask a dealer.

BTW, thanks everyone for all the advise!

 

I figured out the forddirect thing. It's like a maze you have to navigate in exactly the right order. You need to start fresh with the base XL config, and change the engine to 5.4L. It makes you change to the 6spd trans and 8' bed. Then you change the drive to 4x4 and the diff to 3.73 non-limited slip. THEN you can change to the supercab. Try not to think about the spinning price digits which end up about 10k over the base.

 

I would say the steps are a very good option to have. I use mine so many times when im at work that when i try to get in and out of another truck bed it feels so much hassle. They are def worth having.

 

I would get the 4.6L 3V. It weighs less, gets better economy (especially in traffic or idling) and makes almost as much torque as the bigger engine. It also burns cleaner from a cold start due to the tighter clearances on the cylinder/piston fit. Less combustion blowby in your crankcase means cleaner oil. All minor points but the 4.6L 3V has PLENTY of power for your intended uses, especially with the 3.73 differential and 6 speed transmission.

 

I imagine the steps, especially the tailgate step, would be super handy. I ordered it on mine. Why kill your knees for no reason? You only have one body.