ok, getting ready to sell my explorer and move into the world of sCrew...

any comments/suggestions on the following setup would be greatly appreciated:

2K1 sCrew, Black/Silver two-tone
Lariat w/front bench leather(not a big deal to remove the decals, is it?)
5.4L, 2WD (can i get the dealer to raise it to the 4x4 height still under warranty?)
tow group w/tranny cooler
limited slip
engine block heater
Snugtop snuglid cover
Can I get a regular single in-dash cd player?
Moonroof
Manual rear window
Ford duraliner
Bed extender
aftermarket or ford tube steps
2001 lightning tail lights

 

Pesos,
It looks like you have a nice package speced out. To answer some of your questions, much of what you asked has been covered in prevouis posts, so check the search option at the top of the page to check past posts.

(not a big deal to remove the decals, is it?)
The Decals came off my black lariat with no trouble or residue. Wax the spots where the decals were (actually, the whole truck would be better at this time).

2WD (can i get the dealer to raise it to the 4x4 height still under warranty?)
It would be cheaper to order the truck with 4wd. Here in VA I only use it during snows (less than 1% of the time), but it's nice to know it's there. I could have used the 4wd more when I lived in Seal Beach, CA than back here. Plus, there are no warantee issues.

Can I get a regular single in-dash cd player?
When I ordered mine, the single cd in dash was the standard, the changer was the upgrade.

For me, the Ford steps were better for small feet to step up on, and having them already on the truck on delivery was nice. They flex less than the factory steps on the 'Burb. Plus, on a black truck, they blend in well.

Check Edmunds.com or KBB.com for more up to date info on the equipment. Don't forget to post some pics when you get it!

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2001 SuperCrew Lariat 4x4
Black / Grey Leather
Class III Trailer Tow Group, 5.4L Triton V8, Limited Slip Rear Axle, Bed Extender, Cab Steps, Engine Block Heater, Radio, AM/FM Stereo 6-Compact Disc Changer, Skid Plates, Moonroof, Sliding Rear Window, Ford drop-in Bedliner.
ARE-Z Cap (Black).
TriBall hitch (bumper protection)
Planned Mods: SuperChip, K&N or Air-Raid intake kit; Outland Sport Bumper, Reese front hitch receiver, behind the grill driving lights.

 

Pesos, I too sold my 97 Explorer, a vehicle that I thought was very well built, very tight, etc. NO COMPARISON to my 2001 SCrew.
This thing rides like and is as quiet as a Lexus. I AM IMPRESSED! GET THE BUCKET SEATS
A few comments to your questions.
I doubt if you can get the dealer to "Raise" the ride height. But you can lower the rear with shackles. Yes you can get a single in dash cd, but for 295.00 you get an upgraded system with 6 cd changer. I have the Lariat and I asked the dealer to remove the chezzy pinstript and Lariat script before I took delivery, no problem. tow pkg, gives you trans and oil cooler. Mine stickered for 32,400.00, I paid 28,540.00 exact cost
Use www.carpoint.com to do the work for you, then take the paperwork to the dealer with you. 100 to 200 over cost isn't too bad. But anything over that, find another dealer.