SultanGris

A few like it for roof height checks, lol!

It's not rocket science, shorter antenna gets worse reception, i don't care what your sisters boyfriends cousins nephew told ya. In town you won't notice much if any but in the country you won't get anything, I don't care cause I have sirius and sync, you're needs may vary.

Ford didn't make them that tall cause they think it looks good, it's optimal size for frequency range and optimal reception at farthest possible range, make it whatever size you want in relation to whatever amount of signal strength you can afford to lose. I never listen to am or fm so I don't care if I even have one but I think the craven speed looks good on them. I've had my current truck a little over a year and zero am or fm presets set, lol!

sigma pi

I use that as my pre warning my truck may be too tall to go into this garage haha

Wiggum

supposedly that's part of the design of the antenna for these trucks ... I can't recall exactly how much, but it's a little bit taller than the hood so that if it hits something, you know you're getting dangerously close to being too tall for whatever you're about to go under.

dykzeulb

iTrader: (1)

My shorter antenna also bends in car washes with brushes

Wiggum

I replaced my factory antenna with a 13" version that is built the same as the factory version ... steel rod mast, hex base w/ threaded rod, and ball on top of the mast. I like it way better than anything else I've seen, and it's very strong/durable. The car washes knock it all around but it doesn't bend to a new shape ... it looks today (after 5 months) exactly how it did when I installed it.

sigma pi

-2" from what I remember, I measured one day haha.

dykzeulb

iTrader: (1)

Mine is a 8" I get ok reception living 45 mins from KCMO. It's also stiff, so if anything hits it, it will bend easily...shoulda went to a 12". Sorry only pic I have

Xorak

mine never even made it on the truck when new... i had to grab the antenna off my trade-in (shorty)

Wiggum

The 14" from AntennaX that is built just like an OEM antenna (but shorter, obviously) I have found to be perfect. Long enough that the flexing doesn't permanently bend it, long enough to get perfect terrestrial radio reception basically everywhere, but short enough to not be obnoxious and flopping around all the time.



I got mine from Amazon.com:

RESQLAB

however, shorter antennas that are amplified get better reception.. this is a Bosch AutoFlex. had to order it from England ($100 + $50 shipping) and reception is better than my SAT radio! used a few of these before in the 80's & 90's and always amazed at the major sound improvement after install (one of the better mods ive done).

btw- someone asked about a power antenna and its not possible (no room).. looked before i went this route.