09 + Ford F-150

[Hematite]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

The FX4 does have heavier duty shocks and other suspension components for "offroad" use. Those components are definitely a help while towing although when not towing you will get a firmer ride. I have the FX4 model in a 2007 and chose it because I felt that it would be better while towing and have been very satisfied with this model.

Once you add the 3.73 axle and the LT tire option to the trailer towing package you've got a great truck for towing. The LT tire option is a must because you can air up the tires to increase the stiffness, directional stability, and load capacity way beyond the standard "P" rated tires.

 

[dodge man]

Dodge started the "high" truck wars in 94 when the did the major redesign. They actually looked at the critical dimensions needed for off roading and trying to build a truck that was actually an improvement in those areas. It seems like GM decided not to jump on the band wagon and compete. Depending on how you use your truck, it may not make a difference. I have had a 4 wheel drive truck for maybe 12 years and can count on 1 hand where the extra ground clearance MIGHT have come in handy. I suspect most people are like me, the 4 wheel drive is mostly used in the snow and unless the snow is really deep, clearance isn't an issue.

I once drove through an area that had some deep drifts in my 98 Dodge. I remember the snow coming over the hood like waves, almost like a boat going through the water. In that case the extra clearance may have helped me from getting stuck. There was a Chevy guy sitting at the bottom of the hill warning me that he had just pulled two cars out of the snow drifts. I looked at his truck and tires and was pretty sure if he made it I could. I just smiled and said "I'll give it a try".

 

[buck12]

I know, its crazy to have so many options. They have said that with all the options, colors, engines, trannys, 4x4, bed/cabs, ect, ect, ect there is over 300,000 variants of the F-150 alone.

They are streamling the process so each truck is not basically a custom made vehicle. They really only need 2 suspensions, the standard and a heavy duty one.

Chris

I've been looking at the new F150 and while there are a lot of available options I cannot get a locking differential and chrome bumpers and grill on the same truck. I have 93 F150 that I ordered exactly as I wanted which has served me well for 16 years. I think I have kept the truck for so long because it was made to my specs. I hate Ford has gotten away from allowing the customer to buy what he/she wants.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

Not really, other than bigger shocks and heavier springs. This just makes it set a little higher and has bigger tires and wheels which will actually make it a little doggier.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I've been looking at the new F150 and while there are a lot of available options I cannot get a locking differential and chrome bumpers and grill on the same truck. I have 93 F150 that I ordered exactly as I wanted which has served me well for 16 years. I think I have kept the truck for so long because it was made to my specs. I hate Ford has gotten away from allowing the customer to buy what he/she wants.

I am not sure to be 100% but I guarantee my dealer would make it happen. They will order special tires, bumpers, ect and install them at the dealership.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

One of the things I don't like about the new Fords is how high the side of the bed is. I feel like a little kid standing next to them. We have one at where I work, its 2 wheel drive, and I can hardly reach into the bed standing beside it and i'm 6 feet tall. The 4 wheel drives are worse. I think they just make the beds a little deeper.

I hate that about all the Made in U S A Pick up trucks.

 

[LBrown59]

Box height doesn't bother me

It does to me when I need to bo able to load and unload Dirt sand gravel etc with my BX23.

 

[Duffster]

So what would be your perfect truck LB?

A f550 in a S-10 body?

 

[Groo]

I purchased an Avy for the little lady's ride. it has a way smoother ride than the exended cab shortbed I was considering. that is becasue it is based on the suburban, not the pickup. Its got a 5 link coil suspesnion in the rear instead of leaves, and the frame/body is stiffer. I've hauled a snowmobile, lumber and similar stuff in the back. I sure wouldn't haul manure or the like. Its great for camping and drive-in theaters with an old sleeper couch mattress in the back and the rear seat folded down. I don't like how high the back seats are, not enough headroom for me.

 

[Builder]

Does the FX4 package help much with towing and over all handling?
I've had both Z71 and 4X4 GMC's and I never really noticed a huge differance between the two.

Not really, other than bigger shocks and heavier springs. This just makes it set a little higher and has bigger tires and wheels which will actually make it a little doggier.

I think the only thing that some off road packages come with that bears any usefullness is a skid plate. The shocks are a joke. The decals on the sides of the bed are a weak attempt at impressing others of the impressionable ilk.

I'm not macho. I only off road my truck around my construction sites (which can be muddy & loaded with ruts), through snow & ice or occasionally pulling other stuck vehicles off my jobsites, which my truck does fairly well. Although it has about a 12" lower stance than Ford, the GM brand rewards me with a lower truck height at the end of the day when I'm tired to step in/out of and get tools & materials on/off of.

 

[buck12]

I think the only thing that some off road packages come with that bears any usefullness is a skid plate. The shocks are a joke. The decals on the sides of the bed are a weak attempt at impressing others of the impressionable ilk.

I'm not macho. I only off road my truck around my construction sites (which can be muddy & loaded with ruts), through snow & ice or occasionally pulling other stuck vehicles off my jobsites, which my truck does fairly well. Although it has about a 12" lower stance than Ford, the GM brand rewards me with a lower truck height at the end of the day when I'm tired to step in/out of and get tools & materials on/off of.

The 09 F150 "off road package" includes the locking rear differential. I agree the shocks aren't much of an improvement.

 

[BlackRaptor]

Rear locker is nice my current truck has that.

Well I drove one over the weekened and was very impressed. The back seat was HUGE. ford did a good job there. Going to chew on the idea this week than think about talking to the bank. It's a big leap for me going to a Ford I've owned nothing but GMC's for the past 11 years. If I wanted a Diesel I would stick to GM I loved my Duramax i had. and than just put 4-6 inches of lift into it. but because I drive 2 miles to work I would wreck a diesel and in the half tons I think the F-150 least from the test drive is an over all better truck. That and the new body style is dang sharp.

Thanks for all the great info guys. I'll let you know if I get one and snap some pictures.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you will be very happy with a F-150. The locker is great being the electric type that you have control over instead of the clunky G80 mechanical locker puts in that kicks in and out on its own below 25 mph. I have a Nissan Titan with a electric locker and I now know why Ford, Toyota, and Nissan chose them over the G80 type I had in my Dmax, much smoother and controllable.

Chris

 

[Volfandt]

For reasons known only to Ford and speculated on by many, Ford scrapped the 4.4 V8 diesel option that was scheduled for a 2010 release in the F150. It was going to produce nearly 515 ftlbs of torque @ alittle over 330 horses.... It was going to be a Ford made, not an Avistar made engine, which may have contributed to some legal ramifications. Shame......

My 98 F150 Off Road is still going strong. It's only a 3 door w/the non-PI 4.6 Titan but I've hauled the bed full to the brim w/ all kinds of materials, including peagravel, top soil, mulch, building materials etc., and towed over 4k easily. Not bad for a 1/2 ton.
I've only needed the 4wd on occasion but when it was needed, it was NEEDED and it is great to have in reserve. It's pulled a few tractors stuck up to the axels in mud out too.

It was made in a now closed assembly plant in Norfolk VA and based on this truck's performance, those folks knew how to build a 1/2 ton truck...... Yet another shame...

I'd definitely buy another Ford truck.....

 

[turbo36]

One of the things I don't like about the new Fords is how high the side of the bed is. I feel like a little kid standing next to them. We have one at where I work, its 2 wheel drive, and I can hardly reach into the bed standing beside it and i'm 6 feet tall. The 4 wheel drives are worse. I think they just make the beds a little deeper.

I have a 2007 Super Crew and love it, I have a folding tonneau cover on most of the time so I appreciate the extra height of the box wall. I drove the 2009 and thought the ride and handling were even better then my truck, I especially liked the new 6-speed tranny.

 

[davo727]

I like the F250 and F350s and think they are pretty stout but based on things I have seen and also heard from a lot of people that the F150s fold up like an accordian in a wreck and dont hold up in a crash as well as a gm or dodge 1/2 ton.

 

[Hematite]

I like the F250 and F350s and think they are pretty stout but based on things I have seen and also heard from a lot of people that the F150s fold up like an accordian in a wreck and dont hold up in a crash as well as a gm or dodge 1/2 ton.

...and yet, amazingly, the F150 is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and has the strongest frame in its class?????

 

[nmu98]

I like the F250 and F350s and think they are pretty stout but based on things I have seen and also heard from a lot of people that the F150s fold up like an accordian in a wreck and dont hold up in a crash as well as a gm or dodge 1/2 ton.

That seems to me like a bonus. The truck takes the hit and hopefully leave me alive, or hurt less. I would not want to rebuild a truck after it was in a major crash anyway...

...and yet, amazingly, the F150 is rated 5 stars by NHTSA and has the strongest frame in its class?????

You can still have a very strong frame and have it designed to take the brunt of a crash to save the passengers.

 

[robertm]

The 09 F150 "off road package" includes the locking rear differential. I agree the shocks aren't much of an improvement.

Unless it has been changed for 2010, there is no Off Road Package available on the New F-150. The FX4 Trim Level (not option package as it used to be in 2008 and earlier) is the only level to offer the skid plates according to the order guide. The same thing with the XL6 3.73 E-locking differential... it's only available with the FX4 - and it's standard with the FX4 and not available on anby other trim level truck.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like the F250 and F350s and think they are pretty stout but based on things I have seen and also heard from a lot of people that the F150s fold up like an accordian in a wreck and dont hold up in a crash as well as a gm or dodge 1/2 ton.

How can that be? It rated the highest in crash test. I think all the trucks do a pretty good job in a crash. All sit on a full frame but the Ford and Nissian sit on a fully box frame. Not sure about the Toyota and current Dodge but the GM is not.

Chris