Looked over a 2018 on the show floor today, and other than the grill and the tailgate I see no differences! The XLT regular chrome grill is kind of gaudy looking. Noticed they are discounting 5K already!

 

You are correct. I don't care for the new grill, but I do like the new taillights.

 

I like the XL grill, and the XLT Special Edition grill.

 

Not to mention 10speed standard and more HP for some motors. Its more than just looks...

 

And better shocks--we will see about that lol plus stiffer frame in the rear as well! Probably a tons of tweaks that are never mentioned or seen to make it better as well...

 

Trucks are built by generation. The more parts and fixtures you can carry over from year to year while remaining competitive within the same generation, the more profitable your platform is. Tweaking a mechanical assembly can be incredibly expensive at that scale. I doubt much changed besides a software update and the advertised revisions.

 

I just got my 2018 Limited, had a 2015 Platinum, my butt tells me the 2018 is much smoother on the road, with 22's i didn't think that would happen. Not sure if they tweaked the suspension and frame but it feels like they did something.

 

2018 F150 Major Product Changes

 

I know from the 15- early 17's have a plug that the 17's and now the 18's that the body plugs on the back wall were removed
this is what leaked on my 15 and caused me to lemon it.
my 17 that was built in 16 still has it, but the 17's built in 17 dont as well as the 18 i checked out yesterday did not have it.

I wonder if the change in the stamping also created better tolerance for the rear window opening and could cause less leaks as that is my current issue

I am just confused as to why i cant get an XLT 302 with out a rear sliding window...