I know i should know better than to go on Ford's website while deployed, but I did anyway and played with building a new F-150.

Things I would have to have...

XL
Manual Windows/locks
Tow Mirrors
4x4
Ecoboost
Extended cab

Now I wouldn't have a problem with an 8ft bed, but my '08 is a longbed, so this could be a short bed and not be a hinderance. However the only way it will let me build a shortbox version of the above truck is with the other V6 or 5.0L.

Why does the Ecoboost XL force an 8ft bed?

Adrianspeeder

 

Just a guess, but they taut the Eco as the torque beast of the engine choices (meaning they consider it for serious work, with some play thrown in) and most fleet truck XLs would do better with 8' beds, than a shorter config.

Just a guess....

 

Probably because that's the max tow package and the longer wheelbase is needed for stability and load carrying capacity.

 

But I can build an XLT short box ex cab Ecoboost.

XLT has too much fluff.

Adrianspeeder

 

It's assembly line economics.

 

The people who want the fluff don't work their trucks... so why would they want the long bed?

 

Betcha it's not max tow.

 

Exactly, and thats what I want, just i like the plain look of an XL, and the hose out interior.

I suppose I can settle for an ex cab long bed, as I'm already forced to settle for an automatic, but still just bothers me.

Adrianspeeder

 

I work the crap out of my 05 xlt f150, its my pumping truck and gets driven on lease roads. I also work my 2011 f250 psd lariat, I just like having the nice leather, climate control and navigation because it makes working out of it more enjoyable.

 

That is cool for you. I prefer the more utilitarian XL vinal seats, rubber floors, and a manual tranny. Back when trucks were trucks!

Adrianspeede

 

 

You might as well plan on keeping your 08 diesel forever - it's the last of an era. The last F-150 with a manual that had any kind of performance was the 03/04 Heritage with a 4.6. The 05-08 NBS with the V-6 was pretty sluggish. I'm planning on keeping my 03 indefinitely - its performance is not great, but it suffices.

The ONLY full size pickup trucks left with a manual now are the Rams with a Cummins.

 

Thats cool for you. I prefer to be comfortable and like new trucks with better motors and transmissions.

 

My left foot is better than a computer.

But before this spirals into the manual vs auto debate any further, no one has a good idea what prevents an xl short box ex cab truck?

For sure. I am still lookin' for a clean 7.3L six gun to add to my collection as well.



Adrianspeeder

 

You can get one, you just can't get it with an EB. The only way to get an EB in any XL is with the max tow package, and that requires a long bed. You *CAN* get an extended cab short bed XLT with an EB, and that does not have the max tow package.