Rickc,
I've owned three fords, I traded my '99 F150 for the SCREW. So far I'm happy with it. No problems with 10k miles. I would definitely get the 5.4 though, the 4.6 seems weak. I had the 5.4 on the '99 and it was strong and with a couple of little mod's it was even sweeter. You seem like a guy that takes care of his vehicles and I'm sure if you did the same with the ford you will get the longevity. From reading the post's with all the modifications alot of individuals are making some will have problems. To me it depends on the driver and how they treat the machine.

 

Hi Ric you have valid questions and it is good to do your homework before you buy. My supercrew is the first Ford product I have ever owned. I have had 2 Suburbans and 1 Yukon previous to this, plus some other flavor SUV's. This is also the first pickup truck I have owned. Granted I have only had this truck for 1 month but I got to tell ya I love it. It has a great ride and man this truck get't the looks. I think I am a "Ford" guy for sure now. I would test drive one and spend some time behind the wheel. There are some options on seating that you need to explore to see what fits you best. I do think the quality is here although there is the radiator issue, but my guess is that will be resolved. I figure Ford just cannot afford not to. I really don't know anything about the transmission shifting issue you mention, mine does have the heavier duty "E" transmission so maybe that will be a difference for me. Man with all the info you got here so far you could order what you needed to avoid the problems and verify it is all there before you took delivery. I know chevy is comming out with a similair vehicle to the supercrew or at least that is what I heard, but I would give some serious consideration to this truck. My estimate is that it will just extend Ford's lead in the pickup truck sales figure wars, which is a pretty good indicaiton of quality in itself. Take care and good luck,

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Photos:

• 2001 Harley-Davidson Edition Supercrew
  my driver & porsche puller
  
• factory supplied options; Harley-Davidson package (includes the 01 lightning suspension package, muffler and aluminum drive shaft), moonroof, 6 disc CD, sliding rear window
  
• after market stuff
• super chip flip chip
• airforce 1
• rockford fosgate amps speakers & sub woofer
• ford supplied drop-in duraliner w/ Harley Logo
• class III hidden hitch by Surepull & electric trailer brakes set up
• tinted front side windows
• Pro-Fit phone instal kit
• Ford supplied locking gas cap part # FC-971 XU5Z-9030-FA
• Ford supplied wheel locks part # YL3Z-IA043-AA
  
• Other Interests Porsches and Porsche Racing;
• Porsche Car Photos;
• Race Car: http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293938833 ;
• Street Car: http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4293910945
• Slide Show: http://www.zing.com/album/pictures.html?id=4293780177

 

I haven't had any problems at all with my Screw. I hope it holds up as well as my last ford (1998 Mustang). just under 70K miles and we put: 1 set of tires, 1 set of front brake pads, 3 sets of wipers, and 1 alignment after the tires were put on (due to road construction near my home.. ungodly pot holes!). I have been a very satisfied Ford owner for the last 3 years. The last vehicle I had that was even near that reliable was a used 86 Toyota Corolla I bought, drove for 2 years for a work car, and gave to my father in law to use as his work car! He is still driving it from here to Orlando (35 miles each way) to work! It's showing 280K on the odometer, but the speedo cable was broken for almost a year!