Looks can be deceiving, in my opinion...

The new interior, in my opinion, is very very nice. I'm not sure that I can really gage the difference between the 2005-2008 KR and the new 2009 F-150 KR...

Sure, the leather is chaparral leather but, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's been 'cheapened down'. In fact, I think the reason that it was changed was more along the lines of long-term durability issue as most of the KR owners out there aren't nearly as ultra-**** retentive about our leather.

Plus, I'd challenge you to check the difference between the 2001 and the 2005...

The 2005 was a substantial downgrade from the 2001 (yes, I went from a 2001 to a 2005) from a leather standpoint but, overall, the 2005 was a much-improved experience over the 2001 (ie: not just leather).

After driving/riding for about 50 miles, the new interior doesn't feel like it's a downgrade to me... in fact, I think the interior is a tad more refined.

-RP-

 

I'll have to confess, RockPick - I was just reacting to the pictures. I've not seen a new one "in person" yet. I DID like the overall look of the truck in the pictures but the seats left me sort of "cold".

Guess this is one of those times when it's better to keep one's mouth shut!

- Jack

 

No no... not trying to disprove or anything like that, Jack. Sorry to have come off that way.

All I'm saying is that looks may be decieving...

To add, I actually think that the new seats are more comfortable.

 

Peace, brother. In rereading my post that "slammed" the new leather, I realized I sounded like I'd made a "side by side" comparison and knew what I was talking about. In fact, I know nothing - only that I enjoy the leather in my truck.

I'm glad to hear that Ford does not seem to have "lost sight of the ball" in this model though.

- Jack

 

HAHA! They take a lot of 'cuts' at the perverbial ball. They will, with less than regular frequency, knock one or two out of the park. We'll see on this one...

 

Again, its still a KR there is nothing on the market comparable. So no matter what year we own we have THE BEST 1/2 ton pickup EVER BUILT!

I'm just addressing my concern of the seats going from 'strait' saddle leather, to thinnned out saddle leather, to... well something that wouldnt last a day between a pair of cinch and a thouroughbred.
I went from an 01 to an 06 and they cheapened things up a bit. Yes, Long term, I know the 06 seats will last longer than the 01 and obviously the 09 even longer but somethings are just better left unchanged.
Its the opinion thing, I like real saddle leather seats. Not darn BMW look alikes. And I dont want to come across like I'm dissing your truck either. I'm not! Once again, its still a King Ranch!

Thanks for the discussion Guys!

 

No 'diss' taken.

I see both sides of this coin as well. As a former owner of a 2001 KR (the Original) and now a 2005, I concur with you on the 'cheapened it up' thought. They did -- the leather is a long shot from what it was in 2001 but, to that point, I understand why Ford did what they did with the 2009.

I concur as well that it would've been better left untouched but, I think we saw it coming when the new Super Duty switched over to a Chaparral leather. I believe that they saw a spike in claims from faulty leather that was likely due to folks not taking care of it. These claims (all warranty) were probably tagging the bottom line a little bit and they saw a materials change as a way to mitigate the problems. In short, the new leather - while it may look a bit different - may negate some of the problems that some were having with it previously.

Double edged sword, so they say. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

None the less, the 2009, in my opinion, is a very sharp truck. It doesn't have the same absolute feel as the Castano interior but, it's definitely great in its own rite. We're witnessing the opening of a new era of KR interiors -- change isn't always bad; we're just reluctant to it most of the time.

-RP-

 

Great looking truck. But in my opinion they squared up the chrome part of the grill too much on the 09's. The 08 grills are better.

 

I should add... not sure how the 52" TV picture thing jumped in there (user error)... that's not a KR. It does, however, demonstrate the intuitive design given to the backseat (flat and tall).

-RP-

 

I've had my 2009 KR 4x4 for a grand total of 2 days. Traded in my 2006 Lariat CC 4x4. Very pleased so far with the improvements. Seats are very comfortable & the extra crew cab 6" is amazing! Took me a while to find the jack & lug wrench though. It's definately out of the way. The Synch/Sony system is great. Listening to text messages can be hillarious when the one sending throws in a few %*#^ words. Backup cam cool! Had 107,00 on my '06 w/no problems. Hope this 1 is as good.

 

Thanks for the report, Fuzzy... I'm itching to jump into one after driving it in Dearborn but, the other side of me screams that I should put the cash into a way for my daughter to get through college...

LOL!

Damn responsibility! Damn it!

 

Don't like the new front end or the seats?

 

After my dream Kr08 was totaled, (sandwiched between an explorer and a light pole in a snow storm), I went to replace it with another exact replica, couldn't find it. I opted to go and pick up my new 09 KR, I actually rejected the truck and opting for another model because the interior was just not a king ranch, it seemed as if they put a stamp on a cheap hybrid leather. I was thinking to rip out the interior of my totaled 08 and stick it in the 09.
I waited 10 years to get that KR 08, well i am now eagerly awaiting my new 09 plantium edition. this week sometime, who knows its up to the shiester car dealers. I am sad about my KR08 and that they didn't keep that rugged luxury feel of the King ranch in the new 09. I have to stick with ford because the KR saved my life in a real life test crash. Box held up to a massive hit, the pole ripped the bed right off the truck. But the interior looks as if nothing ever happened. Thank you King ranch for sacrificing your life.
Have you hugged your KR lately.
P.s.
They gave me a dodge dakota pu for a rental at first. I wouldn't even get in it.

 

Sorry to hear of the demise of your KR and it is good to hear that you are OK. From what I have seen the Platinum will be a good truck. Enjoy!

 

ChazmaKR1...I'm also sorry to hear about your '08 KR and glad to hear you are okay. I agree with you, if I was to replace my '07 with one of the newer F150's it would be the Platinum edition vice the new King Ranch. I wish Lincoln continued the Mark LT for '09, that might be a better alternative. I've heard rumors it might return in 2010.