As above, I will soon be ordering a very basic tool I expect to last my last 20 years.
There will be occasional short trip, light trailer towing.
I wanna' be sure I am not missing something that would be worthwhile.
I expect I will get:
RCSB XL 2x4 White
Base level, so cloth seats, rubber mat, steel wheels, simple tires, 3.3L.
I understand High is baked in now, so cruise, backup, power doors, etc.
Options will be:
3.73 electronic locking rear (?1)
Hitch

And so, questions!
?1 Does electronic rear mean electrically operated mechanical locker? (And not just a bit of code added to ABS?) Anyone know whose locker they used/copied?

?2 The (not ordered) base 4x4 - how is it configured? Is there a diff in the center? Can it be locked out? Is there a low range?
?2A Minimal 4wd is often fancy 2 wheel or even 1 wheel drive so I figured the locker guarantees at least 2 wheel moving on demand.

?3 Is there a difference in supplied rear other than gearing? Would a different selection get me a bigger/better case?

I have looked and looked through everything and cannot justify additional costs based on my expectations for the truck. I intend to do an old school camper shell with a roller tray for storage; my own headless sound system, paint the bumpers to match, eventually level up for tires, etc. Suggestions?

I am used to the FCA world....
Can some options be added with the parts and a trip to the dealer for programming?
Are options for the level bought (XL, XLT, etc) wired in the base harness?
(I would pay the dealer tech to add remote start, so far only that.)
Is there a preferred 'prosumer' interface system for maintenance (cycle ABS, etc) and option initialization?

Thanks all!

 

I'll tell you right now, based on your harness questions and asking about the dealer programming options you added later...get a higher trim that comes with the options you are considering

Oh and also speaking of, what are the options you are thinking of?

 

For your 4WD questions I'd suggest this starting point ....

• Download the current F150 Owners Manual
• Go to the section "Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)"

You'll see two systems discussed

• Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) System which is the only system available on XL through XLT trims
• 2-Speed Automatic Four-Wheel Drive System which is the only system available on Lariat and higher trims
• I'm ignoring Tremor and Raptor as those trims don't fit the "budget tool" criteria

There's extensive info about both systems and their operation / controls, I suggest you read about both to best understand either / the differences, likely many of your questions will be answered there.

There's also a section titled "Electronic Locking Differential (If Equipped)" which will likely be of interest, it also includes "how does it work" and operation / controls discussions. Yes, it's an electrically-actuated mechanical locking differential with all the pros / cons that go with that.

Hope that helps.

 

The last time I was online building a XLT rcsb was early this year before I ordered my BAP Scree. The lowest gear ratio it would give me was 3.31 with the 5.0 and only option was the 17" wheels so with the price difference between a regular cab and screw was so close and had more options the screw made more sense.

I've done some reading and the new Rattler model is an XL based 4x4 might be something to look at if you were already considering a 4x4 it's better to have 4wd and not need it than to not have it and need it.

 

Rear diff is electric locking not abs system, works well. Have you looked at the ranger or the maverick, they may also work, the maverick is super cheap compared to F150 and reasonably capable. Will say if you think you want it get it now, adding things later can be very difficult and expensive.

 

The thing is, the first big step (to XLT) is 8 grand, and baby steps towards just Remote Start were $1400 IIRC.
(Ya' gotta' buy X to get Y, etc. - $200 remote start went to $1400!)(Rechecked, XLT to start - so that's out!)

Only options considered were mentioned - rear and hitch, desire Remote Start.

I will read 4wd links... THX! (I read through, both get low gear, and apparently XL/XLT get no center diff, and others get a variable center diff. for full-time AWD.)

I/we've recently only had skinny vehicles with consoles, and unused rear seats. We've decided (after the Challenger and her Dad's old bench pickup) that wide is nicer than long and we like to sit together, with only 1 spare space.

I will look up Rattler though. The 4x4 step is $5K on an XL, and since they've effectively locked us out of Outer Banks sand areas - that's the only place I've ever really needed it. I think the locker will make up the difference (other than that) for my normal riding around the yard and such.

The need/have argument 4X4 excludes carrying it around - forever. There is a mileage hit.

I'm planning the 3.3L - though sorely tempted by the 5.0. Based on my Challenger, the modern 300 horse V6s with advanced gearing create a torque range for every situation, and thus GO! At 3.73 for acceleration and light trailering, I think it will be a great combination.

THX guys!
How about an (skilled user, 'prosumer') OBD interface?

 

As for remote start the Ford Pass APP may do the trick for you IF the vehicle has the modem.
Looks like with the XL high package you also get sync 4.
https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos...dpass-connect/

3.73 rear locker is locked when the you push the center of the drive mode button and a orange light will illuminate when engaged.
All other times a open diff controlled by the traction control system
https://www.wheelsjoint.com/how-to-e...on-ford-f-150/

Would do a tow technology package, maybe if you can fit it in the towing package.

As for 4$4 add if 4X4 is not needed it is not needed. It is no simpler than that. Why deal with the additional vehicle height when loading and unloading just to have a 4X4 sticker on the side of the vehicle. Then it's oh sucks darn should have gotten the tailgate step which now costs $695 in the bed utility package.

 

Expanding a bit on the IMO prudent advice in post #2 ..... by-and-large vehicle harnesses are tailored to the VIN-specific options ordered (this is facilitated by modern automated assembly techniques and yields most dollar-efficient builds for Ford - there's little in the vehicle that's not necessary for the build as specified)

Yes, even with that there's no shortage of information about folks 'adding options' after-the-fact, but consider the economics of that carefully; it's often the case that even if the item you want requires taking other things not necessarily needed due to package bundling, the cost of that ends up lower than the DIY add-on (and any DIY mod always carries at least some risk of warranty-jeopardy for the modified components).

I think you'll find that dealers are very disinclined (will likely refuse) to add anything other than the specific items available for your VIN in the Ford Accessory catalog - so make sure things of interest for dealer installation are available there.

Insofar as a 'prosumer' interface for "maintenance" - I can't think of any that would be required for that purpose. For Ford vehicle module programming "modification" most folks use FORScan which is discussed at length on this forum and others (search is your friend). There's also the 'pro' tool FDRS which is a quantum leap more expensive.

Finally, regarding a different rear-end "with a bigger / better case" .... the bigger rear-ends are bundled with towing packages and IMO considering the use-description in your OP would be a totally unnecessary expense providing no functional benefit to you. IMO the Electronic Locker IS a smart move with a 2WD drivetrain.

All just for your consideration, Have Fun!