I am seriously considering an 08 Screw Fx4 with a 6.5' bed.

I have been a die hard Dodge man for about 10 years. I have had 0 problems with any Dodge I have ever owned. My reason for changing to another mfg is due to the fact that Dodge will be changing body styles in 09. So, I would take a drastic hit in depreciation over that 2 year period.

I have looked at and drove everything but the Ford. Tundra, Titan, GMC. because I have been so 1 dimensional I have no idea what Ford is about to do with 1/2 ton series.
I am moving from a 3/4 ton to a 1/2 ton because the ride should be better, I only tow about 7k max.
I have ridden in an Fx4 pulling around an 8k boat and it did fine except for the fuel. i will only consdider the 5.4l v-8.

Could someone please answer the following questions?
1. when will Ford be changing the 1/2 ton body style?
2. what are the largest tires you can fit on a stock 150 with no rubbing issues?
3. what are the largest tires you can recalibrate for without having to buy a programmer?
4. Is there any reason to buy the Fx4 over just a plain 4x4 in lariat trim?
5. Why are the 6.5' beds so hard to find on a Screw?
If there is anything else I need to know please advise me!
Thanks in Advance!

 

1. when will Ford be changing the 1/2 ton body style?
- 2009, same as Dodge.

2. what are the largest tires you can fit on a stock 150 with no rubbing issues?
- 2x4 32" and 4x4 33" w/o lift or leveling kit, I believe. I'm sure someone else can follow up on this.

3. what are the largest tires you can recalibrate for without having to buy a programmer?
- The OEM 20" wheels come with 275/55/R20 wheels, which are slightly larger than the tires on the 22" Harley and Lariat Limited wheels. That's my guess.

4. Is there any reason to buy the Fx4 over just a plain 4x4 in lariat trim?
- The suspension is "tuned" different, different color combos, badging, grille style, etc.. It will all come down to which options/colors you want.

5. Why are the 6.5' beds so hard to find on a Screw?
- They were introduced in '06 I believe.. I've heard dealers don't order as many of them as the 5.5's due to sales ratios.

If I'm off base on any of these there are sure to be corrections from other members, but hopefully that is a good start!

 

Does anyone KNOW when they will release the 2009's?
Will it be a body style change only or are they changing powerplants too?
if both Dodge and Ford come out with new body styles in 2009 i will be hard pressed to find a deal the end of 2008 for an 2009 model.
That leaves me with GM or toyota if my tax man insists I buy a new truck next year.
TO bad there is not an emission push for gas engines like diesel engines that way the 2009's would be a year early like the super duties!

 

I'd be expecting mid to late 2008 for the new F150 launch, possibly with some media hype or teaser commercials released a month or so prior to trucks showing up on lots.

Rumor has it there will also be new powerplant options around.. a more powerful V8 and even a turbo-diesel option as a possibility.

 

2009 brings new powertrain (engines and transmission) as well as body
LLN info

With the right wheels offset, you can fit 35" tires with a $120 front spacer kit. You never have to change your cals, but Ford will ony do it for OEM tire sizes, which you'd probably get the largest anyway (32").

FX4 Vs. Lariat (or any other 4x4) means nothing as far as performance. Same tires standard and optionsl, same 4wd sysetms, same LSD, same gear, same shocks with towing package, same springs. FX4 = trim level/equipment/styling difference.

Screw 6.5' bed is rare because it's a long truck hat most people don't need, especially families which is the target Screw market. Same springs as 5.5' bed, so payload is actually like 100 pound lower. All it gets you is 1' longer bed, 1' longer wheelbase, and 3' larger turning diameter which means harder to park in the city/suburbs. While the measly $150 option for 6.5' bed seems like a bargain, the tradeoffs are not worth it for most people. However it is just as capable as any other F-150 and lots of people do like it. The debate on bed length will go on forever. It's preference/personal use.

With the discounts late in model years (of any F-Series), resale isn't as bad as you might think. The last model year of a design actually retains it's value pretty well after 4-5 years as people think they are the best of that design, all the bugs worked out, etc. For example, I paid $28k for a 2003 F-150 in June 2003 as 2004 models were not quite on dealer lots. It still is still worth about $15k trade. Not bad for a 12mpg vehicle. The new gas powertrian is worth waiting for (IMHO), but so is 1/2 ton diesel for everyone that I'm waiting for.

 

I have a 4x4 SCREW 6.5ft bed, and I LOVE it. It is not bad in a city once ya get used to it. I haul stuff in my bed a good bit, and needed the 6.5 ft bed......but actually when I bought the truck, I didnt realize that it was any different in bed length than the others. Best "mistake" I ever made !

 

My 03 Dodge was an 8ft bed ny current 05 Dodge is a quad cab with a 6' bed. Parking that 1/2 ton with a 6.5' bed will be no problem.

They way it looks now is I will be getting an 09 model Dodge or Ford 1/2 ton crew cab 4x4 with a 6' bed! i can;t wait until they finally show us what they will look like!

I just hate being the guinea pig!

 

If you say so. The Screw cab is much larger than a Dodge Quad cab. The Screw 5.5' bed is 4" shorter overall with 1" shorter wheelbase. The Screw 6.5' bed is 10" longer wheelbase with 8" longer overal. Not an issue for some, a big issue for others. Just test drive one.

 

Most dealers are more than willing to let you take the vehicle home for a day (something like 70% of the people who do this purchase the vehicle - so I'm told by a friend in car sales). Make sure to park it at home, at work, and take it a few places you frequent. Make sure to give it a good run through of ways you will frequently use it - this may help give you a better idea.

 

UMMM! I guess I am going to wait until 2009~

So, all these dimensions you guys are throwing out will be a moot point!