F150 question

[James Morse]

What years have these features:
Extended cab (whatever official name for it is). It looks to be somewhat more extended than the Ranger/Mazda, but not a four-door crew cab arrangement, that's not for me.
Rear doors that open suicide-style (like my '99 Mazda).
8.5' bed.
Saw one at local street fair thing, guy was loading it up, I stupidly didn't ask the year. He was telling me he wanted the doors that open like that (much easier to load) and only Ford had them.
I'm not currently in market for F150, but, at some point there are 2 things that would push me there: 1. Towing (he said he could tow 12k lbs) 2. Space in the bed. Even with a tool box in there, you could still fit things like a Gazelle tent, an inflatable boat, etc. I can fit one heck of a lot in my Ranger and still not go past the top of the bed, but that F150 had a humongous bed, looked like you could probably lay a sheet of drywall down in it even with the wheel wells - not a specific need I have, but just as an example.
So just in case I ever did want one I'm trying to see what years would work for me. I like the Ranger tons, doubt I'd give it up, I like the maneuverability, it's all good, but needs/wants could change and though that F150 seemed as big as a ship, for its intended use, it seems like the cat's meow. For off road I'd rather have a Ranger, I don't think bigger helps for that, and I don't think they have more clearance either, and the turn radius must be much larger than a Ranger.

 

[franklin2]

You will never find a modern truck with a 8.5 pickup bed. They had some camper specials in the early 70's that had a 8.5ft bed, and some of the really old trucks came with a 9ft bed. Most all trucks that are considered "longbeds" in the modern era will be 8ft beds.

Extended cab with the 8ft beds started coming out in the late 70's. But most of those do not have a rear half door.

Here's a 1986 extended cab with 8ft bed, no rear half door.

1995. still no half-door. https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/1995-ford-truck-brochure.html

Here's a quote from wikipedia. Looks like the first half-doors where in 1997.


For the 1997 model year, Ford made a substantial change to the F-Series range of trucks, splitting its pickup line into two vehicle families. From the 1970s to the 1990s, pickup trucks had transitioned in usage. Alongside vehicles designed exclusively for work use, the market segment saw a major increase in demand for dual-purpose vehicles for both work and personal use, effectively serving as a second car. To further expand its growing market share, Ford sought to develop vehicles for both types of buyers, repackaging the F-150 in a more contemporary design (as a larger version of the Ranger) while retaining the heavier-duty F-250 and F-350 for customers interested in a work-use vehicle.

The tenth-generation F-Series was introduced in January 1996 as a 1997 model. Initially released solely as the F-150, a higher-GVWR F-250 was released in 1997. The model line was marketed alongside its predecessor, pared down to the F-250HD and F-350; for 1999, these were replaced by the Super Duty trucks.[citation needed]




Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition

In the most extensive redesign of the F-Series in 17 years, the chassis received fully independent front suspension, ending the use of Twin I-Beam front axles. Sharing only the transmissions with its predecessor, the 1997 F-150 received a range of engines new to the F-Series, including a 4.2 L V6 and 4.6 L V8; a 5.4 L V8 was added during 1997. Introduced in the full-sized Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car sedans, the Modular/Triton V8 was the first overhead-camshaft engine to be installed in a full-sized pickup truck.

Distinguished by its rounded exterior, the tenth generation was again offered in standard- and extended-cab (SuperCab) configurations. To improve rear-seat access, a rear-hinged third door (curbside) was introduced for the SuperCab; following its popularity, the SuperCab received a fourth door for 1999. For 2001, the F-150 became the first "1⁄2-ton" truck offered as a crew cab with full-sized doors; produced with a slightly shortened bed, the F-150 SuperCrew shared the length of a standard-bed SuperCab.

 

[James Morse]

Yeah I don't know why I said 8.5' it's 8' like you say.

SuperCab '99 or later then. Thanks.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

My '08 has the suicide rear doors, 6.5' bed.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I don’t think the 10k+ towing came about until the Ecoboost engines.

Opening third doors on the full size wasn’t until 97. GM has opening third doors on their extended cabs but not sure when they started it. Don’t really care either because I don’t care to own any GM new enough to come with one.

The extended cab on a F-150 is significantly more roomy over a Ranger extended cab, at least the 2011 and older Rangers. The 2019 and newer Rangers have more room than the older ones.

IMHO, I’d rather have a crew cab long bed over an extended cab long bed. Overall truck length isn’t much longer at that point and you get a little more cab space. I love my regular cab F-150, but the lack of cab space sucks sometimes, especially because I need an open bed since it’s a work truck. I have side boxes, but often there’s just not enough dry storage. A crew cab would work wonders for me.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don’t think the 10k+ towing came about until the Ecoboost engines.

Opening third doors on the full size wasn’t until 97. GM has opening third doors on their extended cabs but not sure when they started it. Don’t really care either because I don’t care to own any GM new enough to come with one.

The extended cab on a F-150 is significantly more roomy over a Ranger extended cab, at least the 2011 and older Rangers. The 2019 and newer Rangers have more room than the older ones.

IMHO, I’d rather have a crew cab long bed over an extended cab long bed. Overall truck length isn’t much longer at that point and you get a little more cab space. I love my regular cab F-150, but the lack of cab space sucks sometimes, especially because I need an open bed since it’s a work truck. I have side boxes, but often there’s just not enough dry storage. A crew cab would work wonders for me.

Ford started three door supercab in 97, added a fourth on the drivers side in 99.

Extended cab f-150 isn't much smaller than a newer crew cab Ranger.

Not the same gen truck but my 02 supercab F-150 would turn circles around my 16 supercrew 6.5' bed.

 

[James Morse]

What do you mean "turn circles around" are you talking about turning radius or are you saying the '02 is better than the '16?
If '08 has the suicide doors that could be a possible, all else being equal (which I'm sure it's not). It would probably be a lot easier to find a good '08 than a good '99 plus as you say the towing.
I'd want the Supercab (or maybe Supercrew) for the additional storage, and I don't know the seat arrangement (can be taken out, folded up, etc). I guess the thing is when I see newer 4-door pickups it seems like they are trying to be sedans and pickups at the same time and it seems like the beds are shorter, but I guess people like them or you wouldn't see so many of them.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

What do you mean "turn circles around" are you talking about turning radius or are you saying the '02 is better than the '16?
If '08 has the suicide doors that could be a possible, all else being equal (which I'm sure it's not). It would probably be a lot easier to find a good '08 than a good '99 plus as you say the towing.
I'd want the Supercab (or maybe Supercrew) for the additional storage, and I don't know the seat arrangement (can be taken out, folded up, etc). I guess the thing is when I see newer 4-door pickups it seems like they are trying to be sedans and pickups at the same time and it seems like the beds are shorter, but I guess people like them or you wouldn't see so many of them.

Not sure about turning radius, so I can’t answer to that.

The newer F-150s (04+) have rear seats that fold up for both extended and crew cabs and have a flat floor in the rear. Not sure about older ones. If I remember right, it’s a split bench in the rear, so you can fold one or both sides up. Really kinda nice.

Most people anymore have trouble driving and parking a car, much less a truck, so a crew cab 4.5’ bed appeals to those who want a truck but don’t really need a truck because it’s not the land yacht that a crew cab 8’ bed is.

 

[James Morse]

OK so maybe after '04. Seems like good older F-150 aren't a lot more ($) than a good older Ranger. I like flat floor in rear and I like folding seats, actually, if they could come out without having to do a lot of cosmetic re-do that would be ideal. Turns out the suicide doors were continued right up to the late models.
Here's one, I'm not saying it would work for me because it's really pricey, but I like the looks of it from the outside anyway. 2019 Ford F-150 XLT for sale in Woodbridge, VA - CARFAX
I'd have to do a lot more research to find out what I really want, and what I'd use it for, like I did with the Ranger so I knew exactly what I was looking for in a price range I could do.
In the Ranger I mess around a lot to see what fits. I like it that the seats basically disappear into the sides, while the '99 you have the fold down seats that if you really want space in the back you have to take them out.
I think finding Supercab with 8' bed is going to be pretty rare (and in red). One of the main reasons I want the extended, or crew, cab is I like to be able to tilt the seat back and I like room behind my head. I'd have to think more about the intended use. I could keep the '97 Ranger for off-road use and because it's very cool and great shape. In that case I might not care about, or even want, 4x4 because of the added complications. Plus an 8' bed truck with more than standard cab is pretty long and probably not the best choice for off-road, and from a looks standpoint I think the regular 6' bed looks better, but surely let's say you are going camping, 8' would be awfully nice.
There are older cheaper ones like this 2008 Ford F-150 XLT for sale in Woodford, VA - CARFAX but I don't like the looks of it and I don't like the grill etc.
Or I could sell both trucks I have now and put some money with that for a nice F-150 for all-around use. You can see I'm basically flailing because I haven't defined what exactly I want it for nor what models fit my needs nor what years are good and have what features.
2014 Ford F-150 STX for sale in Moundsville, WV - CARFAX another one... prices getting down as they get older. Problem with newer ones is they will lose value quicker. I don't know the strengths of the various models XLT vs FX vx Sport vs STX etc so it sounds like I just need to look at the brochures and see about that and then ask what are the good and bad years.
Once I have that all scoped out then I could start watching for what I'd want and the price I'd be willing to pay. I think, just for instance, if I said, it has to be red, Supercab, 8 cyl, 8' bed, right off the bat that's going to limit the choices and then if I said no accidents, not horrible miles, price, say, under $20k, well, I'd probably be looking a long time, but there's no immediate need, so time is on my side in that way.
Here's one setup I do with the Ranger, I find boxes that fit almost-tight (don't flop around, but also not jammed in) and don't interfere with anything. That lets me organize like with like and things are right at hand. It hardly changes the available room in the back and with that and the tool box I can carry a lot of stuff. If I organize larger stuff into those Action-Pak boxes (real light and real sturdy, but pricey) I can pack the bed with tons of stuff, not as much as an F-series, but a lot. I'm just showing how I like to do things, right now anyway, so on an F, I'd probaby want to take those back seats out but that would probably leave an ugly hole. Were any models made with rear-seat-delete, or, were they an option (standard, no seats) in any years?

 

[Eddo Rogue]

my 08 is I think considered "extracab". Its the rare combo as 99% of that era is the full on "supercab" 4 full size doors and 5.5' bed.

The cab is small but I can squeeze in full size people if the front seats are scooched up. The suicide rare doors can be a blessing, like when tailgating, and also inconvenience sometimes, like loading the cab in a cramped parking space. Its great for dogs, and also the lil extra cab side windows roll up and down. Everyone is astonished by that lol.

I will say there is something weird about the turning radius. almost like it starts off tight and widens and you increase steering. After 15 years I still cant catch a parking space within the lines lol. Its pretty good for maneuvering trailers and whatnot.

Also the brakes suck. I upgraded them and its much better now. The front leveling kit also helped handling.

 

[James Morse]

I think 4 full size doors is Supercrew and suicide doors is Supercab. Yeah mostly you do see the 4-full-doors but looking at a few brochures, the 4-doors are pushed in pics but they did have the Supercab at least the ones I looked at so far. I didn't realize the rear windows roll down that's cool. Dog is a consideration yes.

Interesting cool thing here to take out one or both seats in the newer models. Ford F150 2015-Present 13th & 14th Gen. SuperCrew - Second Row Seat De – Goose Gear (goose-gear.com) Costs, yes, but I imagine when you take out the seats there is ugliness there so you'd have to do something. And you could always put the seats back so it's reversible and it looks easier to clean/vacuum than carpet (for dog) and nice and flat. For my use I just don't see ever needing rear seats, there are 2 of us, our kids and grandkids are far away and if I was visiting a long ways I'd probably rent something, or, we have the Lexus RX300 anyway, so to me back seats are just something in the way.

One thing I like about the Ranger is it came (XLT) with skids and kind of off-road oriented oem. Just looking at a few brochures, I'd have to find which models have the right combinations of things and I'd have to decide was I going to use it strictly for on-road and occasional towing, or am I asking it to do off-road, because those would point me in two very different directions. If I were going camping, those places don't require 4x4. But let's say I'm towing, and get in a muddy field, maybe I'd want 4x4 (or just avoid such). I'm guessing 4x2 is going to be cheaper.

The only reason I got into this is, if plans work out, which they often don't... but anyway, I'm trying to save pennies to at some point get an FFR Daytona and it's likely I'll want to tow it some places. They're not heavy - 2400 lbs - but you add in a decent trailer, and it quickly gets up to the weight that the Ranger is basically maxed for towing and I've been told you shouldn't run at the max.

It'd be nice have an F that looks like a 'big brother' to the Ranger. So, red, Supercab, fender flares would be nice but I think they are only on some models.

Looks like, at least years I looked at so far, 8' bed is only available on XL or XLT (latter would be my preference). Probably hard to find.

Post pic of your '08 if you can please. Why did brakes suck and what did you upgrade them to and what does leveling do?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Not sure about turning radius, so I can’t answer to that.

The newer F-150s (04+) have rear seats that fold up for both extended and crew cabs and have a flat floor in the rear. Not sure about older ones. If I remember right, it’s a split bench in the rear, so you can fold one or both sides up. Really kinda nice.

Most people anymore have trouble driving and parking a car, much less a truck, so a crew cab 4.5’ bed appeals to those who want a truck but don’t really need a truck because it’s not the land yacht that a crew cab 8’ bed is.

Turn sharper.

The 02 was shorter but also had totally different front suspension/steering which may or may not play a role.

Not sure about turning radius, so I can’t answer to that.

The newer F-150s (04+) have rear seats that fold up for both extended and crew cabs and have a flat floor in the rear. Not sure about older ones. If I remember right, it’s a split bench in the rear, so you can fold one or both sides up. Really kinda nice.

Most people anymore have trouble driving and parking a car, much less a truck, so a crew cab 4.5’ bed appeals to those who want a truck but don’t really need a truck because it’s not the land yacht that a crew cab 8’ bed is.

I think split bench was always a thing, my '02 had a split rear bench seat.

Supercrew F-150 has had 5.5' and 6.5' bed options starting in '06.

04-10 F-150's with the 5.4 are cheap because the engines come in four flavors. New, almost new, almost bad and bad. I avoided that era because of that engine.

 

[James Morse]

ok so '04-'10 with the 5.4L should be avoided.
Anything '11 and up that should be avoided?
are some new ones Front wheel drive? Or did I read an error in an ad?
6.5' bed would be fine probably. If an 8' came up, and it had everything the way I wanted, I might not pass it up, but I don't like the proportions of the 8' bed; but if I had a need for it, I could easily overlook the appearance.
If you have Supercrew with 8' bed that would be the longest truck with the most carrying capacity. So for a work truck it would be perfect if you were doing, say, sheetrock work.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

They never made a supercrew F-150 with a 8' bed.

Payload is a fickle thing, there is more to it than the physical size of the truck.

11-14 kinda self cancelled themselves, in my area it is hard to find a supercrew that still had rockers/cab corners. Personally I don't care for the 04-14 interior in general either.

 

[James Morse]

Here's one, seems nice, price high and miles way high for the year. I'm just looking. Is 2.7L V-6 a good engine?
2018 Ford F-150 - $24,499 - CarGurus
It says 325HP that's a lot from a not-big engine.
Ok no supercrews just supercabs or standard cab in the 8' bed.
Now I'm thinking '15 and up. There's a lot of trucks in there and say '15, '16, '17 there should be a lot of trucks out there in good shape, decent miles, and not a premium price.
If I went 4x4 route in it then I'd have to learn more if there are better or worse suspensions because I don't know anything about that.