Posting here and Ford Truck Enthusiast
First of all I would like to say that having a place like this to inquire, reassure and research anything imaginable about Ford Trucks is Terrific!

I’ve been driving a 1991 Ford Ranger for 12 years and it’s time for a new truck. I’ve chosen what I think is a great looking truck in the F150 Super Crew.

I only have a few questions on options and everyone’s experiences with them.

1)Lariat’s leather seats Pros and Cons. (durability and maintenance) My Wife and Daughter both burned their legs at the local dealership when we test drove one.

2)4X2 or 4X4? I like the bold look of the 4X4 but not the price. I don’t go off-road but knowing I could is nice. lol

3)5.4 vs. 4.6? Only thing I would ever tow would be Trailer with two Motorcycles and possible a future boat.

4)Class III Towing package and limited slip axle, do I really need these options by what was mentioned in question 2 and 3?

5)Cost? These are the three options I’m looking at with my company’s X-plan and 2500.00 Rebate. Are the prices pretty reasonable or can I do better?

Option 1 $25132.00
4X2 4.6L XLT
Class III Towing Package
Limited Slip Rear
Cloth Captains Chairs
Power Moon roof
Chrome Running Boards
Bed Extender
17 inch Wheels
And all XLT regular

Option 2 $27085.00
4X2 5.4L Lariat
Lower Two Tone
Limited Slip Rear
Leather 40/60 Bench Seats Front and Back
Power Moon roof
Chrome Running Boards
Bed Extender
17 inch Wheels
Power Drivers Seat
6 in dash CD
AC Temperature Control
And all other Lariat Reg.

Option 3 $30424.00
What Dreams are made of!! Lol
4X4 5.4L Lariat FX4
Everything that Ford Offers

Thanks in Advance for any information and wisdom you can pass my way.
Think I have a FEVER New Truck Fever! Lol

 

Welcome aboard.

Your comment in question #1 was why I didn't get the Lariat, the seats burned my legs on a test drive. I even ordered it special but I went for the XLT 4x4. I use mine offroad alot and no problems.

Question 3&4 You should be OK with a 4x2 but I would definatley get LS and class III tow package. I like my 5.4 and wouldn't do it any other way.

 

These are my opinions, but I hope they help. I've had my SCrew since '01 and still love driving it every day!

1) Lariat leather seating - I had a '97 Lariat Supercab with leather and it held up real good, but I was never impressed with it (kinda plasticy feeling, and tranferred heat really bad). As a result, I selected cloth seats in my '01 SCrew and bought a set of seatcovers (about $90) for use throughout the week. I simply remove them (and throw 'em in the washer) when I want the truck to look it's best, and the cloth never burns any little legs. So far this arrangement has worked out great for me.

2), 3), 4) I tow several trailers (boats, cargo, other) throughout the year, and opted for a XLT 2x4, 5.4L, with heavy duty tow and cooling packages and limited slip RE with 3.55 gears. As far as I'm concerned, there is no comparison between the 4.6L and the 5.4L (forgive me, those that drive 4.6's). I had/have no 4x4 asperations, so I didn't even look there. The setup I chose has served me flawlessly and I wouldn't change a thing in it.

5) As for your pricing, it doesn't look bad, but I'd only offer one comment. I bought my truck in April '01 when consumer demand for the truck was extreme, with a pretty good list of accessories and no rebates, for right at $26K. Given current market conditions (i.e. demand, rebates, incentives, new '04 truck coming), I really think you should be able to buy the same truck I bought (but an '03) for less than $26K.

Hope this info helps. Good luck on purchasing what you want.

-Mike-

 

Welcome,

1) I've never had leather so I don't miss it much. I am happy with the cloth seats, and if I ever get the coin, I can get some wet okole seat covers....

2) Mine's 4x4. I haven't taken mine off road at all, but I like it in the winter driving home through NE wisconsin and Uppper MI. I've never had LS, so I never gave it much thought.....guess if I had it, I'd like it, but if I get in a spin, I flip the 4x4 switch. If I had a 4x2, I'd probably get it.

3) Get the 5.4 motor..no question.

4) I have nothing to tow yet, so I didn't get the tow package. Can't speak to that one.

5) haven't looked at pricing since I bought my truck in October of 01, for 300 over invoice. demand was pretty high then, and I ordered it.....if that info helps ya at all, cool....

Best of luck to ya.

 

I'm personally a big fan of leather...

I can appreciate the heat transfer issue (especially since my truck is black)...

But to be honest, I find that clean-up on the leather seats is much easier..

It's easy to get little spills and stuff on your seats, and wipes right off with leather...

and since I got a three year old, I find that drinks and stuff get dripped out much easier.

As for towing and stuff.. I'll leave that to the others.

Welcome to the site
Dan

 

if you want leather, i'd say go with the king ranch package. king ranch leather is the best of the best and is the most comfortable, in my opinion

Joe

 

I will give my opinion on all but the pricing as I am not much help with that.

1)Lariat’s leather seats Pros and Cons. (durability and maintenance) My Wife and Daughter both burned their legs at the local dealership when we test drove one.

*I like the cloth as I don't slide around in it and it holds up really well. The leather is easier to clean especially if something gets spilled etc.


2)4X2 or 4X4? I like the bold look of the 4X4 but not the price. I don’t go off-road but knowing I could is nice. lol

*I have a 4x4 but use it quite often. I like the bolder look too but if you don't plan to use it then I would recomend the 2x4 and spend some money on a 3"-4" suspension lift. Just remember when you put on larger tires that the stock 3.55 gearing with the larger tires will slow your acceleration down. The reason I don't think you should get the 4x4 is you lose gas mileage plus there is more to break/go wrong.


3)5.4 vs. 4.6? Only thing I would ever tow would be Trailer with two Motorcycles and possible a future boat.

*The 5.4 is worth every cent! Plus you will have the extra touqe at the lower end than with the 4.6. The 4.6 is for economy nothing more, plus the mileage diffrence between the two is minimal.


4)Class III Towing package and limited slip axle, do I really need these options by what was mentioned in question 2 and 3?

*Get the tow package, it's not much more and you will kick yourself later if you have to add it. Plus you get the extra tranny/oil cooler.

*DEFINATLY get the Limited Slip. I don't even think Ford should have a open differential option for the rear. The only possible reason you would not want one if the extra cost. Just think if your in the sand or snow and one tire is just spinning, now you have to get pulled out of that, with LS both (rear) tires will have power regardless of your situation.

 

We all have opinions, but the bottom line is:

You've been driving a 91 Ranger, it's obvious you drive a vehicle a long time, and get your money's worth. Buy what you want, looks like you'll keep it for 10 or 12 years. The difference between 26k and 30K over 10 or 12 years is only 3 or 4 hundred dollars a year. Isn't your satisfaction and enjoyment worth that?

I have had a 4x4 the last two F-150's, hardly ever use the feature, but for that one or two times a year I need it, it is great!

I also have the 4.6 now, I have had the 5.4 in the company truck. Yeah, the acceleration is better in the 5.4. The gas mileage is slightly better in the 4.6. Can I cruise at 80 all day long in either of them? YES! Can I pull a boat or trailer full of lumber with either of them? YES! Have I ever wished I had the 5.4, YES! When I took an extra mile chasing down this little "ricer" that flipped me off at a freeway ramp. (But, the extra time chasing gave me time to cool off and not try to kill the kid!)

Hey Man, satisfy yourself, you'll love the truck!

 

Thanks to everybody for the advice! everyone had some great points. I'm definately getting the 5.4L , Tow Package and Limited Slip Rear end and after looking at BigDeals (very clean) Truck I'm leaning toward Arizona Beige. I'm still unsure if I want leather or not. Also the progressive pricing thing is eating me up! Sorta like buying 3 times more popcorn and soda than you need at the movies because it was only a little more. What I mean is after I get what I want option wise I say to my self only a couple thousand more and I can get the lariat but then a couple more and I can get the 4X4 but why stop there get the King Ranch 4X4 and be done with it! Then my wife says "You get the King Ranch I won't ride in it because it Stinks!" lol What is a man to do? Then I'm back at Square one!
Talking about X-Plan I wonder if I'm making a mistake not shopping around, but the SuperCrew with the options I think I want needs to be special ordered and I believe Dealers only give deals on whats in inventory. Oh Well I have My Areas Largest Dealer "Building it on paper" an XLT Option with 5.4L . I get the x-plan price and I'll go from there.
When I bought my wifes Honda Accord it was such a simple decision, they only had three options DX,LX, and EX. lol
Thanks again

 

(But, the extra time chasing gave me time to cool off and not try to kill the kid!)

Lmao! I'll have to remember that 4.6L good 5.4L bad. Hell with it I'm getting a 5.4L those kids need thier *** kicked for the way they drive!! lol

 

that is the first time i've ever heard someone saying that the king ranch leather "stinks!!" everyone that has been in my truck says it smells wonderful, and after a year, chicks say it smells brand new! what is goin on with her senses man?!

Joe

 

Somehow I knew that comment would never get past all of the King Ranch guys!

-Mike-

 

First of all, WELCOME! Ok, I have a 2002 2wd S'crew (like the looks of 4wd, but don't need to carry the extra weight and wouldn't really need it). I have really enjoyed it: cloth 40/60 seat; 5.4 V8; XLT. I don't have the towing pkg., but wish I did. I tow mine behind my motorhome, so extra weight is important! I avg. between 17 & 18 mpg 50/50 City/Hwy driving. You gonna like it!

 

Ha, When I was younger I would do the same thing you are going to do. It's not that I've gotten any more mellow, it's just that I'm liable to be the one getting his a$$ kicked now, not as mean as I used to be.
Go for the package that will make you happy, you gotta live with it!!!! I haven't had an F150 yet that I didn't love, and that's saying a lot after having Chevys, Dodges and an International Scout all of which I learned to hate.

 

This is how I did it, First of all, I'm the King of Excess.. I want the best of everything, therefore I obviously wanted a King Ranch 4x4, however, I didnt want to pay for it. Patience was by far what got me this truck (Used) with 20,000 on it and yes I only paid 25,000 dollars and the previous owner was kind enough to break it in for me!! In addition he threw in the original tires and leather care. All I can say is, look around and youll find them. You may have to drive a little, etc etc. The payoff is driving a loaded truck for the price of a base truck without all the options you want!! GOOD LUCK