Looking at a Lariat SCREW 6.5ft bed, EB w/ 3.73 ELocker. Looking at the website and have a few questions...

It doesn't appear that the HD Payload package is available with a 6.5 ft bed? Is this true? Or does the 6.5 bed have a higher GVWR than a 5.5 bed by default? I won't be towing anything of substance in the near future but I will be using the bed to haul quite a bit of "stuff" (rocks, mulch, lumber, etc) I want to make sure I'll be able to throw as much as possible in the bed.

Chrome + Lariat. Is there any way to get paint matched front and rear bumpers instead of chrome? I like everything else about the lariat (especially in 2013 with HIDs, MFT, and Power Fold Mirrors) but i'd rather have painted bumpers than chromed.

Box Side Steps - Worth it? Older trucks i usually just use the wheels as a step...but these are old beater trucks.

Cheers!

 

While I am not sure on the HD Payload package, I can take a stab at your other questions.

Either get an FX2/4 trim level truck *you get painted bumpers with that trim* otherwise, youd have to order new bumpers and whatnot *if you are choosing a truck off of the lot*, and if you have the backup cam/reverse sensors, that could be a bit of a job.

You can get all those same options in the FX2/4 trim, 3.73 Elocker, 6.5 ft bed, EB. The real difference comes down to the painted bumpers and interior trim pieces.

Is this a lot truck you are looking at, or would it be a custom order situation? 2wd or 4wd? That will help us to help you decide which trim Level would be better,

With the Lariat, if its a 4wd, you get the option of 4 Auto, which is useful if you live in an area where the weather is constantly changing, sorta like a set it and forget it mode, it uses 2wd until it feels slippage, then engages the 4wd. Whereas the FX4 only gets 2hi, 4hi, and 4lo.

As far as for the box side steps, I will leave that for someone who has that option, but in my opinion, I dont think they are worth it.

Hope this helped a tiny bit.

Anthony

 

Cheers Anthony,

I'll be doing 4x4 - forgot to mention that. And I'm looking at either a 2013, or a 2012 and it'll be a custom order regardless. We're fortunate enough to get A Plan pricing, so I figure unless they have the exact truck I want on the lot I'll be ordering.

I liked the 4Auto option in the lariat models...not required but since my Fiance` will be driving the truck as well that would be easier for her to manage.

 

Ok, well in that case, from what you have stated in both posts, it looks like the Lariat is the hands down winner for you.

In my opinion, I think the 2013 changes are enough to make one wait for the 2013, either way, its a 6 week or so wait, whether its 2012 or 13. So I guess it depends on how badly you need/want the truck, or if you are ok with waiting a bit.

If your current vehicle can hold you over for a few months, Id say 2013 would be the way to go, *hids, tow mirrors, new nav/control interface*, but in the end, its up to you and your Fiance. Keep us updated though on whatever you choose.

Anthony

 

I have a 2010 Lariat SCREW 4x4 with the 6.5' bed. The GVWR is listed on my door tag as 7350 lbs. I am not sure what the 5.5' is listed as but I am sure others on here can answer that one better. As for the box side steps, my first thought was that they are somewhat on the ugly side but they are functional if you have a tool box that you need to access to frequently (oh and once my lift was installed, they are almost a necessity now). However, if you get aftermarket step bars like the ones from NFAB (and many others I'm sure), they have some with a bedside step which sooner or later I would like those to replace the somewhat bulky side step (can see in my picture)



I too was like you and wanted the painted body colored bumpers with the truck initially, but I have come to like the chrome on my truck even though I want it only as an accent rather than the main feature of the truck (if that make any sence).... All personal preference with that one I think

 

For 2012 models, Heavy-Duty Payload is available on a 6.5' bed Lariat, but not with E-Locker. Choose 3.73 Limited Slip and Heavy-Duty Payload will be included. For 2013, more details are coming soon.

 

HD is available in 6 1/2' bed, but the HD package is only available with the 3.73LS axle. You must select the LS axle to see the HD package and 8200 GVWR.

 

ah so i'd have to give up the e-locker..hmm i think i'd rather have that than the extra payload. That's annoying though! Thank you everyone for clarifying for me!

 

The LS would have automatic+quiet+seamless operation. It would be with you day in amd day out, with out you having to do anything.

Combined with the factory traction/skid control, i dont know how much you will really miss the locker.

If it boiled down to locker vs payload for me, id go for payload. If i were to make any change to MY truck (an alternative - not that i regret my choice) id have done the 6.5 & Payload pkg.

 

Depending on weather in your area the side steps when I had looked at them would not be suitable with snow, ice and salt build up. People that I had talked to that had them said they would freeze up and you could either not get them out or back in most of the time. I opted to not get them as they were a $300 option and did not seem to function well in my climate. I'll just have to continue stepping on the rear tire.

 

how much payload difference is there with HD payload or not? you are probably right that i'd use the payload more than the e-locker, especially since I probably won't be doing any crazy off roading, probably just some muddin through fields while camping/hunting a few times a year.

 

I use my side steps all the time to reach into my tool box or grab something out of the bed that has shifted.

 

You can get a Lariat with painted bumpers its the two tone paint option, costs like $250 or something like that.
I chose the Lariat over the FX4 so I could get away from the painted bumpers.
Personal choice but with the Lariat it comes either way.

 

Went to the dealer the other day and looked at the lariat with the two tone since they happened to have one. Salesguy was great, actually knew his trucks and if he didn't know the answer he'd say he didn't know...not give me some BS.

In any case, I actually liked the blue two tone, with tan interior...nice looking truck and not too much chrome.

On the HD Payload - what is being upgraded? Or rather, what is the limitation on the E-Locker that you can't have HD Payload with it? Could I just get the e-locker, and then add another leaf spring from some place like here: http://www.huskyspring.com/2009-2011...Kits_c_24.html

That'd give me an extra 1000lbs payload....assuming my tires were rated enough, and i'd have the best of both worlds correct?

 

+1 for the Side Steps - I have them on my truck, and use them quite a bit, especially to grab stuff out of the bed up near the cab.

Also, some of the aftermarket ones don't have as high a capacity for each step as the factory ones.

As for winter weather, we didn't really get any last winter, but I rinsed them (and the rest of the truck) off quite regularly, so nothing built up in them. They function perfectly every time.

-John

Edit: On my web site, I wrote a review of my Lariat, and included pictures of the side step, both extended and retracted:
http://www.road-reality.com/2011/12/...oboost-lariat/