Would bring in quotes for a new Ram / GMC of my liking when meeting with Ford rep. Doesn't hurt to show your totally unhappy and ready to drive around with a different emblem on the front and back of the truck. No roof you cannot cut out that much structure in a pickup truck expect no issues, these cabs flex and cabs with great big holes flex even more. Every t-bar, drop top car has a reinforced frame because of body flex. Then options you need going overboard well your the one taking the bath.
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18 Lariat

 

If i could reorder my truck i would probably have picked the 20'' sport wheels. don't get me wrong the 18'' sport wheels aren't bad looking by any means but the 20s with the blue really look sharp.

 

I might have gone lariat over XLT sport. The XLT sport had all the feature set I wanted - needed, but looking back I want the LED headlights. adding them now costs more than the lariat differential would have cost me.

Or really close to it.

+1 on the bringing prints from a dodge and a chevy or just pick one of them. Point out that you're looking at and planning on trading.

 

I love my new 18 xlt sport 302a but If I had to do it again I would've looked more into the lariat 500a package as they were similar in price. Didn't know that package existed until after the fact. I'm hoping for my next one I can swing a lariat with a 502a like package.

 

As do i, i want leather seats again in the worst way. Only thing that sucks is the rebates on lariats

 

See, the one thing I would do is go with 18's rather than 20's. The 20's ride like bricks. They do look good though.

I am contemplating swapping wheels next time I buy tires...I just can't find any in black (that I like) that have close to the factory offset and I can only push out so far before the tires stick out past the fenders (at which point, it fails state inspection).

 

you do raise a good point

 

I'd get a 502 Lariat If I had a chance. Rebates where so much better on an XLT when I bought mine, but if you're doing an MSRP to MSRP swap - I believe you can upgrade & keep the discount you got.

 

not really, XLTs almost always have stronger rebates

 

I've got a 501A. Really wish I spent the money and got the 502A.

Ultimately Id get it optioned with the 3.73 axle if possible, 6.5' bed instead of the 5.5', towing mirrors, LED headlights. Luckily I have my old Dodge dually if I really need to haul or tow. The 5.5' bed is pretty much useless. I didn't like how long the 6.5' bed felt at first, and it looked a little odd also, but after leveling and putting 34" tires on I think the 6.5' would look fine. Towing mirrors are huge if you tow at all. I've been towing our race trailer with the standard mirrors and they suck. And now to put the tow mirrors on would be about $1500. Lastly the halogen headlights suck too. I've got SL1's coming and I hope that helps., then maybe down the road i'll get the anzo's.