I stopped by a local dealership (not the one I ordered at) to look at the trucks. The "Old" ones were sold, but I saw a "new" one. A dark green one that was not on the lot a few weeks ago. was asked if I wanted to test drive it.....
It was a Lariat, 4.6, 4x4, tow pkg, bench seat, 6 disc in storage, grey leather, moonroof.

CHANGES?
It appears that a cubby hole is indead missing from the dash.

The vanity mirrors are now lighted.

The "Lariat" decals and stripping are now a match (shades of silver and gray" and not gold.

The truck handeled and drove well around town. I drove it 5 miles to my house to slip it (squeeze) it into my garage for a test fit. It fits nicely however, my wife will not be able to open her car doors fully.
The power was fine around town and quite smooth. Up on the highway for the ride back was unimpressive. The speed was fine (80mph) and smooth but the acceleration was sluggish. I have more get up and go in my 5.0 Mountaineer ( probally 1000 lbs less heft). I am glad I ordered the 5.4.
The moonroof made the howl that others describe at highway speeds. I pulled up on the deflector and it quieted as others wrote.

All in all a nice truck.

Can't wait to get mine with the captains chairs and 5.4.

------------------
2001 S-Crew Lariat(Ordered 7-28-00) due late Sept or Oct.?, 4x4, 5.4, Capt. Chairs, CD changer, Lmt. Slip, Tow Pack, Skid Plates, Slider, Steps, Moonroof, Cargo Cage, Oxford White over Graphite Expy Console mounted in Garage 'til truck arrives

Future Mods. ARE LSII in silver or white, Brush guard, Spray on liner.....Rhino or Line-X

 

Thats funny...I test drove the 4.6L and 5.4L also and I didn't feel the "BIG" difference in the two that you did. Obviously there is a number difference the two motors, but from where I come from the 4.6L has always been on the heels of the bigger Ford and Chevy engines...respect us smaller guys....remember the bigger they are, the harder they fall!

(4.6L) Mr.Realiable

 

Vesjas:

Any chance you could confirm if the truck you drove had the 4.6 with the 20 hp increase?

I've been trying to determine when Ford will begin shipping screws with this higher hp version on the 4.6.

I'm very anxious for details on this since my screw is close to being built, I'm trying to determine which version I'll likely get.

Cheers
Fergy

 

Vesjas;
What did you think of the dark highland green color? I asked if anyone had seen it yet in another topic and got only one response, and it didn't seem too positive. I keep hoping to see one before mine is built next week in case it turns out to be butt ugly.

 

crewboss,

I saw both "greens" side by side at a dealership saturday. The new green looked quite a bit darker and richer. IMO, it was the better looking.

If you like darker and glossy, I think you will like the Dark Highland. Although, it will probably show dirt more.

 

The dark Highland Green (thanks, I forgot what they call it) was very nice looking (classy) with the Med graphite interior and the new Lariat stripping (silver tones) instead of the gold. If I wasn't so lazy on the dark color upkeep I would definitely go with this instead of the white. It would go better with my 1998 Chapparal C2130ss boat--white and green. I wish it had the silver two tone and captains chairs so I could have gotten a real feel for it.

Normal easy going driving they both (5.4 + 4.6) feel nearly the same, but under hard accelleration there was noticable difference. There's nothing wrong with the 4.6 liter ( I don't know if it was the 220 or 240bhp). I just need the extra power for the boat as it weighs about 5000lbs geared, fueled, and on the trailer. No offense to the 4.6 r's.

------------------
2001 S-Crew Lariat(Ordered 7-28-00) due late Sept or Oct.?, 4x4, 5.4, Capt. Chairs, CD changer, Lmt. Slip, Tow Pack, Skid Plates, Slider, Steps, Moonroof, Cargo Cage, Oxford White over Graphite Expy Console mounted in Garage 'til truck arrives

Future Mods. ARE LSII in silver or white, Brush guard, Spray on liner.....Rhino or Line-X

 

Thanks for the info. It sounds like I'll prefer the dark highland green over the amazon green. The amazon green was a little brighter than I cared for. That being said, I've had a white truck for 11 years. If the dark highland shows dirt like a black truck, it's just going to have to look dirty. I'm not washing it every couple of weeks. I don't have the time, besides, it's a truck.

 

Crewboss,
You will be happy with the highland green, it is a very classy color. It's not a candy color like a lot of Fords colors. It is especially nice with the silver grey combo pinstripping.

------------------
2001 S-Crew Lariat(Ordered 7-28-00) due late Sept or Oct.?, 4x4, 5.4, Capt. Chairs, CD changer, Lmt. Slip, Tow Pack, Skid Plates, Slider, Steps, Moonroof, Cargo Cage, Oxford White over Graphite Expy Console mounted in Garage 'til truck arrives

Future Mods. ARE LSII in silver or white, Brush guard, Spray on liner.....Rhino or Line-X

 

I got a call from the salesman yesterday right before I left work. He said they had a new green one on the showroom floor, so I went to see. It looks great! Definitely different and definetly dark. It will probably be just as hard to keep clean as a black one.
I just found out this morning that I have a estimated delivery date of 10/16. I still like the Chestnut best of all, but I'm happy with this color - & will be even happier when I actually get it in a few weeks.