Hello. I'm looking for a truck and I need the opinions of people who own them. I think a Ford F150 SuperCrew meets my needs, but I need more info!

I currently own a 1998 Jeep TJ. It has a 2.5L 4cyl engine, 3" lift, 33x9.5" mudders, lots of mods. It was the perfect vehicle for when I lived in Canada, but now it's driving me insane. I race motorcycles and have been doing a lot of towing. The Jeep just isn't the right vehicle for this. It's tons of fun, and there's nothing like dropping the top and hitting the beach, but it's time for a change.

I like being able to sit four people (or two people and a lot of gear). In fact, it's a must, so I've been looking at four-door trucks. I've seen some reviews of four-door vehicles, the most notable being the Edmunds one (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/compa...2/article.html).

Are there other reviews that comprehensively cover the F150 versus other four-door trucks? I like the idea of a 'real' truck, but I'm not convinced I need it. I haven't taken my built Jeep offroad ONCE since I moved to California 1.5 years ago. I think I used 4wd twice. I might be willing to give up 4wd, and I definitely don't need a 2-ton truck. So, got any links that compare the F150 to the Nissan Frontier (or others like it)? Opinions?

Can someone point me to a list of vehicle changes over the years? What differences are there between a 1997 F150 SCrew and a 1999 F150 SCrew? This is something I've been searching for without much luck.

Are there multiple bed lengths for the F150 SuperCrew? My motorcycle is something like 6.25' long and I'd prefer not to angle it in the bed (so I can get tools, fuel, etc in there with it). How long and wide IS the bed? Do those bed extenders work well with the Ford tailgate? (ie: can the tailgate bear a load?)

The next question I have is about the height of the truck. I've seen some F250s and F350s that look like they have stock wheels, but the suspension travel is HUGE! The bed angles down to the front and the tailgate is 4' or more. Since the reason I'm getting a truck will be to haul motorcycles, I'd like a low bed height. I'm not interested in lowering the truck, just having a low bed height to start with. Two questions here: does the offroad package or towing package increase the bed height? What's the stock bed height and what options are available to me?

Couple more questions: what real-life mileage numbers do people get from the assorted SCrew engines (nothing in the bed)? I'd like the larger V8 for my manliness, but the smaller one would probably suffice. Got any opinions here? Please share!

Last question: anyone got a medium-mileage 1998-ish F150 SCrew for sale? Anyone want to trade for a 1998 Jeep TJ?

Thanks for your help.

 

Dont trade the Jeep!!!! Jeeps rock man! I used to have one yj with 33s also

Anyways, the 97-98 F150 had a different bumper then the 99+. The 99+ is pretty much all plastic with not a lot of chrome. The 97-98 had a lot more chrome on it. I believe that that tailgate is 6' long. The bed extender does work and should be able to hold your motorcycle very well. The SuperCrew is basically an Expedition with a bed. The best way to see if its for you is to take it for a test drive. Good luck.

BTW, they are very dependable. This is my 130k miles truck! So far no problems. You will love the seats also. They rock@

 

First of all, you won't find a '97-'99 screw. They didn't come out until 2000. It's OK, the body is the same with only minor changes. I have looked at fully loaded 2002 Lariat trim Screws with as few as 25,000 miles for $18,000. (That's in TX, don't know about CA.) I bought a new '03 because I needed the rebates to accomodate my being upside down on my Tahoe. I have seen new '03 XLT Screws as cheap as $21K in the ads here.(personal note, hated the Tahoe, love the Epedition!)

I don't think you can compare a small truck to a large one. The Screw only comes with a 4.5-5.5 ft. bed (I can't remember which). I know the Frontier Crew Cab can be bought with a long bed. Check edmunds.com, Cars.com, msn.com (autos section) for specs. You can also check Fordvehicles.com and look at the 2003 Screw for dimensions.

5.4 vs 4.6. My mother and sister have expeditions (a '98 and an '03) nd get anywhere from 15-19 miles to the gallon. The 19mpg is really all highway driving. They average about 16mpg with a mix of city and highway. My father has a '98 F150 SuperCab with the 4.6 and averages 18 mpg with a bed cover (also mixed driving). We haven't ever owned a 5.4L. We don't tow or go off road. The 4.6 is plenty peppy, especially if you put a chip in it!

Try e-bay for finding one for sale. I don't know how I feel about buying something sight unseen though. My family loves F150's. We all have Supercabs right now. My grandparents are about to trade their '00 for a new Screw.

Hope this helps!

Ox

 

I bought my tonneau off a mechanic who told me that he seldom see's F-150's in his shop compared to other cars and trucks. He had over 100K miles with no problems and I am at 20K with no problems. They are good trucks and you'll be sure to find any accessory you want for it.

 

First off, welcome to the site !!!!!!!!

You mention in your post that you don't really need 4x4 and that you don't want a 2 ton truck. Unless I have misread something, you move your bike in the back of the TJ or do you have a trailer for it ??? If you have a trailer and don't want a big truck, why not look at a SportTrac (Explorer with a box), Explorer or even an Escape. They all move 4 or more people with gear and would be capable of towing the trailer & bike and other gear in the trailer if designed properly. They come with 4x4 or all wheel drive depending upon the options that you wish to get. Generally, they would get the same fuel mileage or better when driving as well.

Now, don't think that I am trying to steer you out of a F150. These are the same trucks that have been the Best Selling Pickup for over 25 years in the United States and over 35 years in Canada. Just giving you some options to consider since you really don't want a truck sized vehicle. Let us know what you decide to do.

Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean

 

ive seen a s'crew with a hyabusa straight in the bed with the tailgate down i dont kow how big this bike is compared to yours but it fit just fine

 

i would think the bike would fit with the gate down but you may want more room for gear.

i have a scab with 5.4 4x4. mine usually gets 14 mpg. mixed highway and city. my boss gets the same with his s'crew.
another option would be the s'cab the only drawback is getting people in and out in parking lots with the clam doors.but you get a little bit bigger bed.

i've talked to a few people who have the dakota quad cab and like it as well.

putting the bike in the bed of the truck you will want a good size ramp to adjust the angle. i use a 6.5' and it's still a little hairy sometimes. unless you're near a hill.

as far as 4.6 or 5.4, you'll find much debate here about it. myself when i test drove a 4.6 i thought my v6 could pretty well out run it without even starting the engine. i do not regret the 5.4 at all. when pulling a trailer it's especially nice.
also the mileage pretty much evens out because this motor doesn't work as hard to get down the road. my v6 used to get 17 mpg, not that great a difference.

hey welcome to the site and let us know what you get, even if you end up on the other side

 

BTW, there were some changes over the years in terms of more horsepower. The earlier 97-98 were down by somewhere between 15-30 then the newer ones.