Aftermarket and your 99 Super Duty?
I'm curious what you SD owners are going to
be putting on your trucks, as far as aftermarket
things? My F250 SD "should " be here in late
Sept. And was thinking of what I wanted to add.
It will probably be awhile until the aftermarket
companies catch up to the SD. But I'm thinking
Dual Cat-back, K&N filter, nerfbars, bed liner
just to start. How about you?
be putting on your trucks, as far as aftermarket
things? My F250 SD "should " be here in late
Sept. And was thinking of what I wanted to add.
It will probably be awhile until the aftermarket
companies catch up to the SD. But I'm thinking
Dual Cat-back, K&N filter, nerfbars, bed liner
just to start. How about you?
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Single and double cat-back would refer properly to 1 or 2 mufflers. It is often used to refer to dual outlets (a standard apperance option). The GB systems are single all the way though, which can be just as good if well designed.
topper for our pups to ride around in on long trips -- I'm impressed with SnugTop in general, but they don't seem to offer the front sliding window the way ARE does (for some a/c pass thru). Oh well, I've got a couple of months to pick a brand I guess.
I read in a previous post that you are getting a 4x4. It might sit a little high for your fifth wheel. Several companies have developed a rear lowering kit for the trucks for fifth wheel towing. I've even heard that Ford will do it free of charge. Some people are having no problems towing the fifth wheels on the 4wd SD, but more seem to need the lowering kit.
http://www.galebanks.com/GBford.html
for more information. The cost of the cat-back and headers is around 1700-1800 (not sure as its a new design). If it can get 15% on the V10, it will pay for itself in mileage alone and won't carry the same maintenance burden that the diesel would have.
What is the rail height on the 4X4 Dodge 3500? How many inches difference are we talking about here?
Thanks for the info on the Banks system. I'll check it out. A 15% increase would be pretty impressive. That would mean 1 1/2 - 2 more mpg, 40 more hp, and 60 lb-ft more of torque. The mpg sounds reasonable, but the torque increase seems a little high.
Don't forget that this is a full-day (well, 7 1/2 hour) install job either. Count on getting greasy, or paying a shop $400-450 to put it on for you (the full system).
Ok, I know I'm gonna show my diesel bias here, but if you're going to put up $500 of additional motor oil for the 100K mile diesel, put up the maintenance for the V10s, too. They WILL require at least one tune up in that 100K period that the diesel won't.
What on earth would cost $500 for the 30K maintenance?
Rich
I'm not sure what my dad had done with his PSD. He's going to be in town next week with his truck. I'll ask. There wasn't anything wrong with it when he brought it in. I'm sure it was just a combination of small things.
My attitude has always been to let the dealer have their way with the truck every 30,000 miles, even if it cost me a little more than taking it somewhere else. I'd rather err on the side of doing a little extra work and spend a couple hundred more every 30,000 miles then to have a minor problem develop into a bigger problem that will cost me big bucks. Whenever I've taken it to the dealerships, they've also usually found problems covered under warranty that I didn't know were there, and they also occasionally do little voluntary recall items.
Good color match (black, shouldn't be hard)
Clamp on, not bolt on.
Sliding front window to match to the truck rear
Good styling: nice, smooth, matches the truck
ARE looks alright, but they don't say if they have clamps for attaching. SnugTop also looked nice, but they only offer solid front windows (and the boot that replaces both, but I want to be able to take this on and off easily).
Any ideas? Hints? I've seen a couple of Predator shells that looked decent, but they didn't seem as slick as the others. Anyone have a website for Leer tops?
Thanks...
I'm really happy with mine, here's the details.
I recently purchased an ARE topper for my F-250 SD long bed. It can be clamped or drill installed, (mine is clamped). This is my second ARE top (1994 was the first) and I never had any problems with topper movement or fading etc. When you order the top, they take the paint code from your truck... ARE uses the same factory paint, so they match like a dream. You cannot tell my woodland green top wasn't painted at the factory. There can be subtle differences in black so it may or may not be an issue with you.
My unit has the sliding front window as you request, various side window options are available. I opted for the dual-design rear hatch which actually has a plexiglas walk-in door as well as a full width, top to bed hinged door. If I remember correctly it is a model MX. Also, the interior is finished in an almost fabric-soft material, (time to go camping) and a neat fold down clothes hanger is also built in.
Anyway, this particular topper is way too heavy for taking on and off... but ARE has several other styles that should satisfy your needs.
Good luck with your truck... and your shell purchase.
Mr. Wonderful
Sam
Wouldn't it make sense to take delivery before claiming that some things just won't work? Has anyone suggested to Ford that these mirrors are bad? If not, how can they be accused of not being responsive?
I have "heard" that Ford ambulances have a heated mirror option... this may be aftermarket and not of Ford origin???? I can't verify it yet... but I am going to persue it. Ford has made unbelievable progress on making trucks... but the guy in charge of mirrors hasn't retired yet (I think he must be related to Billy Ford and can't get fired). I wish they would really make some progress in this area.
Does Ford ever talk to truck owners? Heck no. I have been driving Fords since 1975 and they have never called me to ask my opinion. I have even written them a few letters, but they don't follow up... Thankfully, the rest of the truck is darn good.
I agree with you on the mirror's! I sent apost in on the 99 super duty site and not one person resonded concerning the mirror issue. I have been on that site since March and I do not remember any discussion on the mirrors. I have got to believe it is a problem for every one who has truck in all parts of the country. I feel the rear slider should also be heated. It would be so easy to heat the mirrors and the rear window slider it's a sin!
They absolutely should be heated. I have had 3 mornings of frost thus far and 7-10 mornings of heavy dew. I need the mirrors clear because the rear window and the rear cap window are always coated with ice or dew. I do not have time to run around the truck in the morn. while also trying to get two kids to school and myself to work by 7:45.
There should have been an optionfor this. I looked at a friends new Tarus and they were heated and the vehicle was almost half of my cost!
If you guys hear of any after market applications available, please let me know. Again I have been driving Ford trucks since 77 and know one has asked my opinon either. I have also contacted the factory.
Mroffshore
I realize that I don't have my truck yet, but I objected to the mirror setup during my test drive. And I'm asking the question now because I would cancel the power TT mirrors (save ~$150) if I knew I could find an aftermarket unit that I liked better.
I included the telescoping because other people were asking about it (and I was a little surprised to find that they didn't because they really look like they should.) I'll agree it's not an issue for me because the DRW sticks out just as far. But wouldn't it be nice for the SRW folks to be able to decrease their profile?
What I would like is:
- heating (at least from Oct to Mar - I guess I only need it half the time ;-) since the truck will never see the inside of a garage.
- fold both ways so it survives better parked on the street. (I know someone will tell me to fold them in when I park, but that's a step that usually gets skipped when responding to emergency calls)
- an adjustable convex (maybe larger too?)
(In other words, something completely different than the OEM setup)
Many Ford Ambulances (E-series chassis) have third party mirrors (Velvac (sp?) being the most common) and these are available heated. I'll have to give them a look, and will report back. (Our rigs don't have them, so I hadn't thought of that - I just needed someone to tickle my brain a little.)
On the vent shades for the SD. I ordered a set for about $52. These are the type that just snap in to install. I installed them in 5 minutes in the dark. They're great. The nicest thing about them is that they're not really obvious when looking at the truck.
The vent shads are made in Germany and they're handled by a company in the us called Mac something or other. The real key here is that they are 'micro machined' and just snap in without tape or screws.
Rich
do you have the info to write or call for the vent shades? Would appreciate it. Thanks
I can't find my latest copy of AutoWeek. They usually run a full page ad in the first dozen pages or so. After things settle down and the kids go home I'll look and get you the info.
I've had stainless types before, but these are superb!
Rich
Rich
1. I'm concerned about security with tops and sliding rear windows. Around here, Houston TX, the thieves consider stealing a truck as part of their initiation for gang entrance. Trucks with tops seem to stolen more than others. The tops are easy to break into and sliding rear window, I hear, easier. What is the use of having a locking tailgate if it allows them easier entrance to the truck through the top. I admit it keeps them from stealing the the tailgate, but that's a minor compared to the truck. Further, only camping tops seem to be largely advertised. Where are the commercial tops advertised? I'm almost at a point of designing and building my own top because I cannot find the top that meets my desires.
2. I see a number of heavy duty bumpers around town, but do not ever see advertisements for same. I've seen a maker called Ranch Hand, but there must be others. Does anyone have information on these units?
I've had a slider on both my new SD and older '92 F-250. LA is the stolen car capital of the world. I've been using a "CLUB" for years now. After the first week or two it becomes a habit.
Rich
If you don't mind triming and cutting, go to your friendly full service truck stop. They sell trucker mud flaps for $15 to $20 each. I've seen them in black and white. Buy a set, cut them to fit, install them with stainless hardware and silicone rubber.
Rich
I've had a conversation with Gale and he knows what he is doing. He'll give you the horsepower and torque without burning your pistons. His company has been around for many years. I've never heard anything bad about the company. A couple of people at different Ford dealers speak highly of Gale Banks. That's good, considering he is some of their competition.
Rich
I was speaking to (his name escapes me) at GBE just a few weeks ago. He said that the V-10 has been completed and that they were starting on the Diesel. Maybe he was speaking of the engineering but not the production???? I'd give them a call.
Rich
Mroffshore
Has anyone seen a unit called "highrider loading system"? It's used to carry an atv on the bed rails
of a truck keeping the bed free for other things.
It also saves on the cost of a trailer and registration of said trailer! Just wondering how well it was made, any input would be great.
Thanks,
moe7