From Richard
Our local dealer got some in this week. They are BIG, but I still kinda like the '01 body style better at least for the SuperCrews. But of course it could grow on me.......
/Richard
Like I'd mentioned some time ago, I'd write about my first impressions of
> the new F150......
>
> We got 3 in on Thursday. I had some big jobs on the go so I didn't get to
> PDI any of them though I took the time to take a hard stare. All ours are
> 4WD (2WD are remarkable when we do see them in any pick up).
>
> There are a vast number of unique manufacturing techniques (for the Ford
> half ton, anyway)..... starting with the boxed frame..... right from front
> to back. While it appears to have a lot of torsional strength, it is going
> to be a real challenged to properly install a fifth wheel hitch on the
> contoured rear clip..... the frame material itself is much thinner than
> conventional frames and this will add to the heaache. I'll be interested in
> seeing how Reese, DSP, et al handle this.
>
> Sticking with the frame, the upper rear shock mounts are outboard of the
> frame rails...... It's no secret that getting the shocks closer to the
> wheels improves their control. In this case, the upper shock mount is
> attached to a tubular crossmember. Looks strong enough for most cases but I
> think a shock that is overly agressive (or roads that are overly agressive)
> may have an effect. Time will tell.
>
> Moving to the front end, the torsion bars are gone... coil over shocks with
> big honkin' bushings look like they can handle most anything we're going to
> see. The rack and pinion steering is a welcome idea. Upper control arms look
> like cast iron and lowers look like aluminum or another light coloured
> metal. Provisions for cmaber/caster adjustments appear to be at the lower
> control arms though the adjusters aren't factory installed. It finishes off
> with a cast crossmember at the bottom. Looks good.
>
> Fuel filter looks easy to get at though relatively unprotected from mud - a
> big thing in our area. We'll likley have to spend some time cleaning the
> connections for filter replacement. The rest of the undercarriage is pretty
> sanitary and looks like it should be fairly easy to work on - getting rid of
> those torsion bars is going to reduce labour costs for a lot of things > underneath.
>
> Engine compartment looks good... at first look, the plugs are easier to get
> at (5.4 three valve) and the valve covers are metal. Air filter is in a
> little drawer.... should take almost 30 seconds to change.
>
> The interior... well, what can I say..... I think I'll go in tomorrow so I
> can take one for a spin.... The chairs are the most comfortable I have seen
> in a pick up. The quarter windows actually roll down. Driivers chair is a
> study in ergonomics. The whiote face gauges are really retro..... don't know
> if that will wear off with time, but they are easy to read. Console shift
> isn't available in all models.... bummer 8^(
>
> Heading back outside, short people are going to have a lot of fun.... at six
> foot with long arms, I have a real struggle to touch the floor of the box
> while standing on the ground..... the "lift over" is about as high as I have
> ever seen. A torsion bar in the tailgate makes it a real treat to open and
> close (and the gate is still easily removed and installed)... light as a
> feather. This is a tall truck and many parkades might be out of the
> question..... the 18 inch wheels seem to suit it well but will take some
> getting used to for this ol' dawg. That 300hp engine has a bunch of torque
> where it counts..... it's almost too easy to light up the back tires if you
> get rambunctious.
>
> One thing I better mention before I forget..... looks like a class 3 or
> better hitch at the back and it is part of the bumper..... nice touch and > looks good.
>
> First impression is a big thumbs up..... if'n ya got nuthin' to do Satruday,
> go down to the dealer and take one for a spin.....
>
>
> --
> Jim Warman
> snipped-for-privacy@telusplanet.net
>
>