Originally Posted by dsq3973

SuperCrew
5.4 V8
FX4 or above trim package
4.10 rear end
Load range D or better tires and not the P rated craptastic tires.
Heavy towing package
5-1/2ft bed

Originally Posted by DriverBill

Thanks for your very informative reply.

I am especially interested in your pointing to the proven reliability of the 4.6 two valve engine--reliability and long-life mean the world to me.

So I'm thinking of getting that engine with the extended cab and I guess a 6.5ft bed.

Do you have any suggestions as to axle ratios, rear ends, wheel size/type (I'm looking for the best function, not the best looks!).

Thanks!

D.B.

Originally Posted by Turbo77

Agreed.

My SCrew has worked perfectly as a family hauler / pellet hauler / general dd. Awesome truck.

Where ya movin to?

Originally Posted by brocious03

The f 150 is going to be just fine for what your looking for. I just came from living in the rocky mountains (Montana) and I have been in some serious stuff. Feet of snow, narrow roads, dirt roads composed of boulders not gravel at 9000ft, ditches, drop offs, steep inclines, -40 degree temps. Never been stranded, stuck, or had anything major go wrong that I did not have an advanced warning of (IWE solenoid). Just a XLT with no skid plates and no damage done and yes I've hit boulders in some bad places. And this was with my General Americraps with 33,000 miles on them before my 33" Toyo M/T's. Plus it will be fine for residential plowing with a small plow, not the big commercial 8+ footers that are very heavy. And I'm sure the boat your getting is not a yacht so it is going to tow it just fine. Good Luck, hope you figure it out.

Originally Posted by glc

If you get the 6 speed auto, axle ratio won't make much difference - 1st is a stump puller and 6th is a super overdrive. However, definitely get rear LSD. Stock tires are fine, as I said in my previous post, you should get a set of crap wheels and studded snows anyway.

Originally Posted by DriverBill

Thanks for your advice.

Based on your Montana experience, would a Ford Ranger be out of the question for that kind of environment, or must it be the bigger F150?

Originally Posted by DriverBill

Is axle ratio the same as rear end ratio?

Many people here advised I get a 4.10 rear end.

Do you think with a 6 speed transmission, a 4.10 rear end isn't necessary?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Zaairman

If you want to do any plowing I wouldn't recommend a Ranger.



I think it'd be easier to find a truck with 3.73s. But either way, gear ratio won't affect you too much, especially since you won't be doing much towing or hauling.

Originally Posted by DriverBill

Would a Ranger get me around OK in a place like Montana in the winter?

Originally Posted by OGTerror

[I]There-for we should help an American company Ford that is by buying their products and helping in this tough economic times. This is the time when we should stick together and help each other now that we can. Buying foreign product will only dig a deeper and deeper hole in our economic down turn.

Originally Posted by glc

The SFE package comes with a 4.6 3v, 6 speed auto, and a 3.15 axle. 1st gear is a stump puller so it works just fine. For what you want to do with this truck, the ratio is not that important.

Originally Posted by DriverBill

Thanks.

One more question: For light, occassional towing (e.g., Uhaul trailer or SMALL boat), and for just driving around, would a Ford Ranger be good enough in the northern winters, wet muddy springs, and over bad roads?