Hey. This is my first post here (hopefully more to come once I find a truck). I used to have a 96 F150 which I sunk in a lake (long story) and am now driving a piece of junk 93 Jeep YJ. I'm looking to buy a 2004 or newer F150 supercrew. Just wondering about what options were available and anything to avoid. I'll be towing a small ski boat in the summer months up steep hills in the mountains so I'm looking at the 5.4L. Do the ones with the towing package have different gearing or is it just better suspension? Can I fit 33" tires on stock suspension without rubbing or will I need a small lift?.....I take it off road camping in the summer. What about the ball joints? The ones in my old 96 had to be replaced 3 times under warranty. My buddy who's a mechanic (and a Dodge fan) says all Fords are like that. You'd think they would have done some improvements if it was that much of a problem. One last thing....I saw one add for a 2004 that advertised power rear window. Do the fords now come with this option like the Toyotas do? Any other info or things to look for/look out for would be helpful. Thanks.
Here's a link to some pics of my old 96 F150.... http://www.cardomain.com/ride/475506/8

 

The 2004 option lists are not much different than the 2006 models that you can get info/build @ Fordvehicles.com. That's the best place to start.

The Tow package includes the following, but suspension is the same:
Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Heavy Duty 72 amp battery
• Upgraded auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Optional Reverse Sensing System (76R) with XLT,
FX4, and Lariat

33" tires fit, but are hard to find for 18" wheels. There is a power rear window availible, but it is the relatively small sideways slider vs. Toyota's whole drop down window.