I would have considered the deep violet if I could have seen a sample. I'm assuming thats the color your refering to. Honestly I feel Ford should have offered some nicer colors, I liked the maroon, teal and the other shades of light green they have used in the explorer and f150's. But at this point I just want the tuck with the options I ordered. What did the salesman do to your hubs? Is there any trick to locking into 4x4 with the SOF option? In other words, do you just hit the switch and your in or do you have to come to a complete stop then switch into 4 wheel?
Rite3, I would like to know what the heck happened to the truck you looked over! I don't think you can have the SOF and still have manual hubs , but what do I know, I learn something new here every day!
Brutus, where the heck are you in all my self pitty? You would pitty me if you knew what I had to drive over the last 4 weeks and will continue to drive over the next 6 weeks! It would'nt be so bad if I did'nt melt in the hot weather! Ever since Richflynn got his new truck he's been hiding! HAHA, Sorry ,I'm rambling on trying to blow off some anger. I knew there would be something missing when that truck came in, I just knew it!
There is a a switch in the cab you simply move from 4X2 to 4X4 - it's magic (easier than my jeep grand cherokee). Don't mess with the hubs (see my earlier note re: the salesman). I have switched to and from (it's been raining here regularly) at about 25 miles an hour with absolutely no problem without getting out of the cab...
No, I didn't get the violet (my 3rd choice after hunter green), but the metallic deep blue. If you have the super duty brochure it's on page 28.
Tomorrow, I go get my new 10 1/2 ft Bigfoot camper and off to the "Gold Country"...
If you get the SOF, the hubs will have 2 settings: Auto and Lock. You can leave it in the auto setting and SOF whenever you need to and I believe it takes a couple of wheel rotations before it is locked in, so don't stomp on the gas right away. Also, the manual says that you can shift on the fly, into 4x4high, up to 55mph. Come to a dead stop before going into 4x4low. The other setting is lock. This is for those who like manual hubs. You can lock the hubs in and when you SOF, you will be locked in right away instead of waiting for a couple of wheel rotations. I think this is right...someone correct me if I am wrong.
I did not see nor was I given a listing that included a deep met. blue from the dealer. The Kelly Blue book site did not include the blue either. I would have ordered that color if I had known, in fact it's probably not too late to do that on my reorder. Now did you have the two tone paint with a silver trim at the bottom? The two tone bottom color I see listed is Prairie Tan only. Maybe the blue and silver is a late add on! Gold country, Is there Gold in them Hills? HaHa
kirkpama,
I guess your right, I was just curious because I always had the manual hubs and I plan on using the SOF and sure as heck do not want to srew it up! I do think we should get a clarification on the hubs in terms of auto and free or auto and lock. Are you also saying that even though you may have the SOF feature you also have the manual feature in the same pkg.? Does that serve as a back up if the electronics fail or am I not under standing the mechanics of this feature that caused me to wait 6 more weeks!!!HAHA By the way, the sales mgr. told me by Monday he will be able to give me a build date and a delivery date so atleast I will know about how much longer I have to wait the second time around. Their allocation is 8 trucks per month, in the dealership world I don't know if thats alot, mediocre or a little. I do know one of their competing dealerships only has two according to my sales mgr. So maybe thats goog for me.
Thanks, thats good to know. I know road salt and dirt has effected the electric hubs in the past so may be this is good to have. I'm sure this won't supprise you, the sales people do not really know the in's and out's of this kind of mechanical stuff which was evident in JDB's situation. I know expert but you would think they would be more up to speed on some of the tech. info.
I just spoke again to the sales mgr. and kept the Hunter green but added the silver trim which I did not know was available. He will know Fri. if there is still a hold on the paint trim. If there is forget the silver trim!
Ford just announced a recall of 103,000 Super Duty trucks (all 4 weight classes) for potential steering shaft rivet problems - one or more rivets may not have been crimped correctly - 3 complaints so far. If the rivets came loose, the steering shaft could partially release, causing a loss of steering control.
Also, 12,000 single rear wheel F350s are being brought back for potentially substandard parking brake assemblies.
Hmmmm... Between this and the lug nut recall, is it any wonder that Ford A) may be cranking these things out too quickly, and dropped the slogan "Quality is Job 1"?
You guys here who are still waiting for your SDs... go over them with a toothbrush and a MagLite if you have to - BEFORE you accept them.
I heard about the recalls today at work. That really has to be somewhat expected though I wont say acceptable. I think Ford is standing up to the problem, atleast at the outset. Time will tell how well they really handle it. I would be suprised if this were the only recall, its totally reengineered. Geeze to many e's in that one. I dont think anyone got in a wreck, it was my understanding that the Ford engineers found the problem.
jdb You are right about the hubs I am sure I just glanced and saw the auto on them and assumed the other word was free, or lock or something. I am glad you can shift into 4x4 without getting out to lock the hubs in. Afterall, thats what you are paying for. That and the absence of the shift lever rubbing on your leg. Thanks to all.
I've been out of town the last couple of days. I couldn't believe it when I saw there were 21 new posts since I checked on Tuesday.
I hadn't heard about the recalls, but I don't think you can say that they are shirking the Quality is Job 1 slogan. I'd make a case for just the opposite. The easy way out would be to make sure all new trucks have the good stuff, and then hold off the recall until this initial rush gets over later this year. Ford chose to suck it up now, as soon as they realized the problem.
They are handling the SOF a little differently. It's not a potential safety hazard like the steering column appears to be. Alot of trucks went off the line with the original SOF. My guess is that it will be an item that those people will be able to take into their dealer and have swapped out in a few months at no charge. The key is that it is not a safety issue, so there is no need for a recall.
As far as it taking several weeks for the SOF to be fixed on trucks already made but not delivered, all of my info says that is the case. I mentioned in a previous post that several people had deliver dates for their truck, but the trucks never arrived. When the dealers called Ford, the computers said they had been shipped. After a few weeks, the trucks disappeared from the Ford tracking system. What happenned was that when they discovered the SOF problem, they finished making the trucks that were on the line already. Those trucks were then "shipped" a couple of blocks up the street to a holding lot to await the arrival of the SOF replacement parts and the mechanics to install them. I've heard rumors that those trucks may not be delivered until late June. The good news is that the assembly line is cranking out the current trucks with the new SOF parts.
I have no idea how long this steering column may delay things, but I have to say that I'm kind of glad that my truck has been delayed. I'd rather deal with it now than have to take it in to a dealer and handle it later. So far, my truck has been delayed for SOF and premium wheels for the Lariat. I'm at 9 1/2 weeks. I'll probably touch bases with the dealer next week.
By the way, I think the SOF option is worth it. I've spent the last five years in warm weather country (California and Texas), but I bought this truck in Anchorage Alaska in 1992, and put 17,000 miles on it before I left the state. In a previous post, in another topic area, there was a discussion about it not being a good thing to drive in 4wd on dry pavement. There is also the mpg issue, since you burn more gas when you're turning all four wheels. In Alaska, the highways and major roads were often dry enough that you didn't need the 4wd unless it had just snowed. However, as soon as you got off onto a side street or in a parking lot, you needed the 4wd or you'd be slipping all over the place or getting stuck. You don't have any weight in the back and you've got your rear tires trying to push the big engine up front. Alot of the times, you can't get out and flip the hubs, so you would tend to stay in 4wd all the time. That's going to add additional wear and tear. In my truck (1992 F-250HD 4x4), I shift the lever in my truck to 4wd and back up in a straight line about 10 feet. That locks out the hubs. Now I'm in 4wd. However, if I want to shift to 2wd, I just shift the lever to 2wd and I'm in 2wd. I can shift back and forth between 2wd and 4wd on the fly. you just have to remember that if you are in 2wd and you back up 10 feet to park or something, you will unlock the hubs and you won't be able to shift to 4wd without backing it up and locking out the hubs again.
By the way, the new trucks with SOF also permit you to manually lock them out just in case you want to be sure. That is an option that my current truck does not have. I cannot manually lock them out. I've also heard that the new SOF is suppossedly much improved over my SOF, but I have no complaints about the way it worked.
The leather will last 10+ years if you treat it a couple of times a year. I've got to do a little more research, but they have some products that are supposedly far superior to some of the other stuff out there. As a side note Kirkpama, I'm also 34, so it can't be a generational thing.
As I mentioned, I've been out of town the past two days. I've been in Wisconsin. I saw a lot of these trucks on the road up there. Last Friday, I was in Louisiana and I saw several of the trucks down there. I supposedly live in the pickup capital of the world here in the DFW area and I have only seen five on the road.....ever. I saw more than that this morning on the road between Green Bay and Oshkosh. I have a 20+ mile commute from Arlington to Dallas five days a week. Go figure?
Brutus , It's about time you came out of hiding, impressive post your starting to sound like professor Rich! I think he's in hiding too!
I thought I heard some where several years back about backing up etc, with the electric hubs. But I thought these hubs {SOF} were different in the sense you did not have to back up to engage the 4x4 but apparently you do. I thought your driving along and you decide you need 4 wheel and you simply switch to 4 wheel high and your in.
I guess you read the other post's I left. I'm more disappointed then any thing. Two guys that I know are buying the 99's from the same dealer I am and they are in the storeage lot waiting game because of the things we discussed regarding the SOF. I'm looking at the week after the fourth. Remember I started this deal the last week of January and ordered it the first week or so of Feb.! Have a good weekend!
The backing up to lock out the hubs isn't an issue. If you're in snow country in the winter, you always want the ability to shift on the fly, so your hubs are always locked out. It's my understanding that when I am in 2wd, but have the hubs locked out so I can shift to 4wd on the fly, there are certain parts in the front end that are turning that would not turn if the hubs were not locked out. This puts more wear and tear on these particular parts than it would if you didn't have the hubs set up for SOF. However, it doesn't put anywhere near the wear and tear on them as if you were in 4wd and were using the drivetrain to power the front and rear tires. I suspect that the improvement to the new SOF makes it so that these few parts don't turn in 2wd, but still provide you with the ability to shift on the fly.
I think you did the right thing to wait for the truck you want. SOF is very convenient and it isn't an outrageously expensive option. I consider it essential in snow country. I expect to be back in snow country soon. I'm either going to be transferred to Fargo on a permanent basis this summer, or I'm headed back to Alaska at the end of the year. Believe it or not, I miss the snow.
Did you make any other changes besides color to your re-order? It sounds like you are staying with the diesel. Did you give any consideration to a 1 ton to get the 3.73 limited slip? I scanned all the earlier post, but didn't thoroughly read them. I apologize if I am asking questions you already answered.
Six weeks will fly by.......yeah, right. This 9 1/2 weeks has seemed a lot longer. In the end, you will be happier that you waited for the truck you wanted. Did he only give you the option of that truck or a new order or did he give you the option to pick any truck on the lot?
BTW - I received a recall notice today. It's the one about the rivets on the steering sub assembly.
I tried to scan the recall notice and post it but the OCR software has real difficulties with hanging dentation formatted paragraphs.
The dealer told me about the parking brake thing when I picked up my truck. It seems that something like WD-40 was used on the rear brake disks during assembly. This caused the parking brake to fail to stop the vehicle in 8 seconds. (Don't crucify me ofer this, I'm only repeating what the dealer told me.) It seems that the fix is to drive for a block or so at moderate throttle and a heavy left foot on the brake simultaneously. True or not, I don't know.
I ordered a '99 f250 4x4 crew cab lariat v10 on 4/1/98 and dealer says order has not been picked up yet and he knows nothing beyond that. this is the largest ford truck dealer in area (omaha). glad some have received their trucks. i'm trying to be patient............!
This leather issue has been beat to death. I think more than anything else, it is just a personal preference thing with no right or wrong choice. That's why this truck and this country are so great....you have and can make choices!
I agree with you. I was just wondering if I had missed something that might make me rue the day I ordered leather. Fortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case. By the way, I have cloth now and have no complaints. It still looks great after 6 1/2 years.
Real quick before I head out the door. I Just simply reordered changing the color and ordering the same options including the SOF on the original order. I wanted the 8' bed from the begining and I am sticking with it. Your right about the SOF feature, for the money your foolish not to have it. I do not live in snow country but it's not that far away and we do get snow.
My concern now is the old priority #, build date and delivery date Bull. He said I will have the dates either Mon. or Thur. at the latest. I just have lost faith in the system in terms of getting the customer satisfied as quickly as possible!!!!!! It will take devine intervention to get that truck here in 5-6 weeks. The sales mgr. said my order will be jumped in front of alot of people. I should have asked, from this dealership or from the general orders around the country.
Richflynn, I'll catch up with you later. I want to ask you about the alarm installation. I have to go fry fish! HAHA, Really
Well I am going to take the plunge on monday and order my super duty. I will keep all of you guys posted as to my progress. I drove the V10 today and wow, that is truly impressive. The dealer said it will take 10 to 12 weeks to get the truck. Super cab F350 short box with the V10 auto and the lariat pkg. I will beleive it when I see it. I want to thank every single one of you for all your help. Thanks, Derek.
I'm laughing as I type and think about your post I read over this afternoon that I printed out on the SOF. I promise this will be the last time I bug you about the SOF, I hope!
I'm still not sure exactly how it works on the new trucks. When you said "locked out" does that mean your 4x4 is engaged? You mentioned in one post about backing up to lock out the hubs 10 feet in a straight line, then you later said if you back up in a parking lot and your hubs are locked out you will then disengage the 4x4 but only if you switched to 2wd prior to the back up. PLEASE DON'T LAUGH, I really am confused!
I was under the assumption, again, in the 99 SOF feature; Case senerio, you are driving along at 40 mph, you hit some snow covered road and switch the button on the dash to 4wheel high with out slowing down or speeding up and in a few rotations of the front tires your in 4x4, still cruising along. Keeping in mind I never manually engaged the hubs or otherwise. If you return to dry road several miles away still doing 40mph and you want to return to 2wd you simply switch the button again on the dash with out slowing or speeding up and your back in 2wd. The hubs return automatically to the unlocked or disengaged position. All of this happening because of electronics and brillant engineering. Yes, now square me away. I can't believe there is backing up, disengage, engage! This should be simple or am I missing something here!HAHA I guess if you never had it before and used it you don't know.
I do understand what you said about the 99 trucks ordered with the SOF feature, will also come with a manual feature which I always used on my f150 because thats all I had I never knew any other way!
If this SOF feature does not work like I clearly described above in my hypothetical drive, IT SHOULD WORK THAT WAY!
Other then that I am really starting to get depressed about that truck not coming in with the SOF. I still really do not know if that was a dealer mistake or a factory mistake.
Rite3 said his dealer gave him 10-12 weeks but my dealer said 5-6 more weeks because he gave me the highest priority. Who really knows how it works. I wish now I did'nt sell my truck yet but thats water under the bridge!
From what I understand, the new SOF eliminates the backing up I was talking about. It's a pure shift on the fly. In my truck, I have a lever on the floor that has settings for 2wd, 4wd high, and 4wd low. Right now, I'm in 2wd. If I am driving at 40 mph and I shift that lever into 4wd, nothing happens. I am still in 2wd. However, let's say I am going on a trip and think I may need to shift into 4wd on the fly. Before I start my trip, I shift the lever to 4wd and back up 10 feet. Now my truck is in 4wd. Well, I don't need it in 4wd right now, so I shift the lever back into 2wd. I am now in 2wd. However, when I am driving 40 mph now and shift that lever into 4wd, my truck will shift into 4wd.
It's my understanding that the new system is some kind of vaccum system that eliminates the need to back up. We will always have the ability to shift on the fly. Like I said, it's my understanding that the current system in my truck does cause more wear and tear, even when it 2wd, if I have done the backup thing to give me the ability to shift on the fly. The new system appears to be more sophisticated and has eliminated this additional wear and tear.
This Tuesday, I will be at 10 weeks. As far as I know, my order still has not been pulled. I plan to call my dealer this week to get an update. I am figuring it will be closer to 16 weeks than 12.
Your the man! All kidding aside, I fully understand now how it works. It works exactly how I thought it should work. I just was'nt sure after you told me about your present truck. Atleast you squared me away and I will not have to worry about my wife trying to operate the SOF when needed!
Someone mentioned in an earlier post something about this topic site being a place to let out some frustration, well it's getting bad for me right now! I just do not understand why this process has to take soo long. I can not believe there are that many people across the country placing orders and Ford is that jammed up. Do me a favor, out of curiosity check to see what your priority number is. Originally I had 20. On the reorder he gave me what he termed the highest priority being 10. I can not believe just by going to a 10 will mean the difference of a 6 week delivery as apposed to 14 weeks for the first truck. May be it will or maybe the priority does not mean MUCH AT ALL! What about a guy in my situation who waited patientlly all that time and someone other then myself made a mistake. You would think they would have some sort of contingency plan. What I'm trying to say is, lets move a little faster!
Get back to me on that priority number and anyone else that knows their priority number.
I have a priority 10, the top priority according to my dealer. I ordered an f250 4x4 XLT ESOF on March 6th. I checked with the dealer on Friday and the order still has not been picked up. The dealer stated that there were no holds on the truck. The way the orders appear to be going I'll get my truck after 18 to 20 weeks. Unbelievable.
Priority numbers only matter to the dealer. I have a priority # 20. Then again, I did order my truck for $99 below dealer invoice. At the same time, I haven't hear of anyone getting their truck more than 16 weeks after they ordered (except if you live in Canada). I'll wait a few weeks more, if necessary, to get the price I want.
sundance, your at 12 weeks I was at 14 or 15 weeks on the first truck I rejected with a priority #20. Brutus maybe right in terms of only being important to the dealer. I'm paying about 200-$300 over invoice if that matters. Your truck should be in any day now judging by other deliveries around the country.
Brutus, I would like to know how the sales mgr. of all people from a respected dealership, can quote me 6 weeks on the reorder with a priority #10. Is he just trying to keep me from going ballistic, buying some time or what? Maybe he figures if I waited this long after another 6 weeks and the new truck does not come in I'll have to wait longer like it or not knowing I won't go any where else. Now I do not expect you to read this man's mind Brutus, but do you think he's pulling my leg on the 6 weeks? It's like the dealer has no control or contact with anyone at the factory or do they? There has to be some way to expedite an order. What do you think? Anyone else feel free to say whats on your mind.
The priority is only important to the dealer. The factory allocates how many trucks a dealer can order and when the dealer has 1 or more allocations, then the orders are chosen based on priority, and if the order is clean (meaning there isn't any onhold items on the order). I don't know how the factory decides when and how many "allocations" a dealer gets. Not trying to rub it in, but truck only took 7 weeks to come in. It took 4 weeks to get the order picked up and 3 to make and deliver. My dealer told me that he had 4 allocations the week mine got picked up and mine had a high priority within his dealership and it was clean so it got selected. The priority can help if the dealer has ordered a lot of trucks, but only if you order is clean.
Good to here from you. Good info. and I forgot to mention the allocation issue earlier today but I did mention it several days ago. My dealer gets {according to the salesd mgr.}, an allocation of 8 trucks per month. To me that sounds like a fair amount. Everything that was a problem ealier to my understanding is not a problem now and should be a clean order when it gets "picked" up. The wheels, SOF, two tone paint,etc that I wanted on the first order was on hold and to my knowledge has been rectified. Correct me if I am wrong. Maybe the sales mgr. is not that far off, I could possibly recieve the reordered truck in 6-7 weeks. My dealer also told me I now have the highest priority with in his dealership. Now I know why he said my order will jump ahead of everyone else with in his dealership.
Normally, it only takes six weeks for an ordered truck to arrive. However, that doesn't apply to the initial rush on a new model. I believe the F-150 wait was about four months when they first came out with the new style. Now, it's only taking six weeks. Eventually, that will happen with the SuperDuty trucks. The waiting period should start dropping over the next few months. Maybe your dealer will be able to get you your truck in six weeks.
Again good point, if you had to drive what I'm driving you would be anxious to get that new truck also!
I have to call the dealer today to get a build date and delivery date. If that info is not available today he will have it Thur. at the latest. I'll post when I talk to him. Do you think his allocation is good in terms of getting trucks in a timely fashion?
You're right about the 97 F150 taking up to 4 months to get when they came out. I barrowed my friends 97 F150 for 2 weeks while I was waiting for my 99 F250 to come in. He ordered it in May and didn't get it until November (6 months). I'm glad the 99 superdutys aren't taking that long.
Another reason for the longer waits and less trucks on the lots are the fact that there is a shortage of conductors for trains right know. New ford hubs, What the hells the deal with that
I ordered today, just got home from the dealer and here is the news. The lariat wheels are still on hold. I changed my mind and got the F350 cc srw sb with the V10 in lt prairie tan XLT. I just couldnt bring myself to get the F250 with the 4.30's. So I got the 350 and ordered it with the 3.73 limited slip. The short box is fine for my needs and the wife and I decided the supercab was just to small for us so I got the crewcab. I have the order sheet and the priority is 10. The dealer is one of the bigger ones here in Seattle and I got it for 200 over invoice. The dealer said it would be 10 to 12 weeks. We will see.....
I talked to the sales mgr. this afternoon and I finally recieved some good news. My order has already been picked up and I have a delivery date one week after I reorder the truck. I am stunned, 7/6 is the ETA. He said it could come 3 days before to 3 days after. The only concern at this point is the two tone paint. I called a few hrs. after I reordered and asked for silver trim with the hunter green. He said as of now it does not look like a problem in terms of a week to 10 days longer because of the silver trim. When they picked up the order apparently the silver trim was not on the order but added later. He will monitor the order closely and if there is a problem with the silver he can contact the factory via computer and delete the two tone and go all hunter green. He confirmed all componets are available for my truck and that included the wheels. Rite3 I do not know what that means, I'm getting the lariat pkg. and there was no problem with the wheels. I ordered the f250 crew, lariat, diesel, 8' bed if that makes a difference. Well thas good news for me I do not know how they were able to get a delivery date so fast but I will keep the faith that it will be on time. He said he did alot more then I should know to get the truck that fast. Maybe that means within the dealership!
Brutus, speaking of fish, I have a seafood take out buisness I run during the spring and summer and I worked in a large volume tackle shop for 16 years through HS and college and after, before the seafood buisness. Thus the name Mroffshore, may be you should come to Cape May, NJ for some good offshore fishing. Excellent Tuna fishing in July to Sept. Blue fin and yellow fin all your body can stand and fight! I kid you not. Anyway things are looking up!
Rite3, I would be interested in the wheel thing. Maybe they have enough for what was pulled to be built and new orders are being held up waiting for more wheels if we use the same which I'm sure they are.
Brutus, or anyone else with the answer. I looked at the Kelly Blue print out again today and as I glanced over the invoice for a friend, I noticed that if you ordered the auto trans the 3.73 L slip was not an additional cost, atleast thats how I read it. On my order copy I was charge for an option of $260. and I ordered the Auto Trans. Any thoughts on this? Mroffshore
Mroffshore, I think alot of the info I have been getting online from alot of sites has been for the most part accurate, but I have seen some false info on the 99's here and there. Both the KBB site and Edmunds show the capts chairs being free on the XLT and costing money on the lariat. Both sites also show the V10 as being standard on the F350 crewcab. I have also been told that ford has reconsidered the limited slip option in 3.73 for the F250's and that its available now. All of which the dealer says is totally untrue. I have just decided to quit trying to tell who to believe. Mines ordered and thats all I can do for now so I guess I will have to wait and see what really happens with all of our trucks. The dealer said the lariat wheels were on hold when I was considering that pkg with the super cab I was originally interested in ordering. He said the same thing today. I hope you are right and he is wrong. You deserve a break more than anyone.
I think they have the wheels, just not enough to keep up with production. When I first heard about it, I think my dealer said that Ford has about 20% of what they needed. If they pulled your order, they must have found a way to get your truck built with the stock they had. As far as I know, my truck is still on hold for the wheels. I will probably call my dealer later this week. I'm at 10 weeks.
I will call the sales mgr. again around lunch time, EST and double check. He has been with Ford for over 20 years and there is more at stake here then just the sale of the truck to me , so my order is a priority at this dealership, I do not think he errored. Look for a post later today.
As far as the rear 3.73 not being an option with the auto trans., at this point I do not care. I'm paying close to their cost any way so an extra $200 or so is not a big deal. How ever I will ask. Eveyone has to realize, I have been waiting for this truck really since the 1st week in Jan. when we actually started the process of research. But I read about the new line when I was in Kansas on a hunting trip in Nov. so I knew since then this is what I wanted and was told to hang in there. This has been a long and very frustrating process at times but other times it's been smooth. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was foolish to believe this would get done in a few short weeks. That shows you how much I know about the auto industry!
Thanks for the info. I will dial them up today to get more details. I did the same thing as you did. I got my 1996 F-150 from Cal Worthington after getting Nye, Peninsula, and Cal's into a three way bid for the order. Cal's Fleet Dep't came in at cost (not dealer invoice, cost) plus $500.00. The other two wouldn't go under dealers invoice. I dealt with Jeanne Shandera (Fleet), she was great to work with. Between the time I put down my deposit and made the order. And the time the truck finally came in. The price went up on the base model '96 by $400.00. So effectively I got the truck for $100.00 over cost. Jeanne refused to pass the cost increase on to me. So I got a great deal on my current truck. I don't think I will ever get that lucky again but . . . I can hope.
I will be home during the last 2 weeks of August and won't be doing any Salmon fishing (all my friends predict a rotten year) but I will be getting out on a Halibut charter at least twice. I want to beat my personal best catch of 163#.
I'm going to order the Lariat and am wondering what the con's are if any. I am usually very suspicious of any 1st year vehicles. It usually takes a couple years to shake out the assembly line bugs. I know the '97 F-150 had a few, (my wife drives one). What have the folks who have the truck been experiencing? Are there any gremlins to report yet?
I've only put about 500 miles on my F250 so far and I'm happy to say that I haven't found the first gremlin yet. The truck looks great, rides great and everything that I have tested, has worked as expected. I plan on giving the 4wd a test this weekend. The mpg is still a hair under 12 mpg with both city and highway driving.
I just spoke to the sales mgr. and he double checked everything. He said they would not have pulled my reorder if they did not have everything to build the truck which you guys know. Again I ordered the CCab Lariat pkg, auto with all the trimmings except the PTO, roof lights and the trailer Tow mirrors. What I do not understand is how can Brutus's order be held up because of wheels and why did the dealer tell Rite3 the wheels are on hold? I will never be able to figure this out! Although my good news could turn to bad I feel good about what's happening now. He also promised to check daily on my order and will keep me posted twice a week and thats all anyone could ask.
My local Ford "pure truck" (no cars) dealer has a website with very detailed info on what axle is available with what engine with or without limited slip.
The Meadowland Ford site can also be accessed via the Ford Diesel Website.
Mroffshore,
It's a matter of priority and allotment. The dealer I went through sells a lot of trucks, so he has a big allotment. However, I bought for $99 below dealer invoice, so I probably got a lower priority than the guys paying MSRP. I was told 12 weeks at the beginning. That means, my order should have been pulled probably around week 7 or week 8. Unforunately, that is when the wheel shortage came into play. Your truck was a reorder, basically because your dealer made an error. Naturally, he would want to put you ahead of everyone else, because you really were ahead of everyone else.
I want my truck, but the waiting isn't as big of deal right now. A few weeks back, I could tell that 12 weeks was probably not going to happen since they had the SOF and wheel problems that required changes in the assembly line. Now they have the steering column and parking brake issues, which will require changes in the assembly line. I regeared my thinking to expect a 16 week wait, which would put me around mid-July.
brutus, kcram thanks for that site. I could not get in through either address properly. I screwed something up. I will find out if I have to pay the option price on the 3.73 rear when the truck comes in no biggie.
brutus, that makes sense what you said about certain orders being more of a priority then others. But it does stink that we all have to wait that long! It still does not make sense about the wheels, I can't believe they can not get enough.
Looked at your list -- haven't YET ordered mine. Hope to soon... gotta arrange payments... I'll update you as soon as I can.
Brutus: Good luck. I'm just letting you know what I hear. I'll be travelling be Bartow probably Friday or middle of next month. If I stop, I'll be sure to look for a truck for ya. 350, DRW, Lariat, P4x4, PSD, right?
I just read on another website that a dealer news bulletin went out on 5/15/98 to let dealers know that the limited slip is now available with the 3.73 on the F-250SD trucks with gas engines. It sounds like you are still SOL if you want the F-250 with the diesel.
Brutus, My F-250 with diesel was delivered on 5/14 and has a 3.73 limited slip and auto trans. According to every place that my dealer and I looked the 3.73 ratio was standard. In California, the 3.73 is the ONLY ratio available on the F-250. (According to my dealer.) Actually, I can't imagine trying to drive at highway speeds with a 4.11 or 4.30.
On the way home from the dealer, I took it up to about 70 MPH and was turning about 2100 RPMs. That's a little higher RPM than my similar '92. The '92 has the LT 235 x 85R tires while the '99 has the optional LT 265 x 75R tires. The tire size probably accounts for the higher RPMs.
My dealer said that at one point the CARB wanted to force Ford to deliver 250 & 350 with 3.55 ratios, period.
The 3.73 is standard for the F-250SD. However, until recently, it wasn't available with the limited slip. The limited slip 3.73 was only available on the F-350. If you wanted limited slip with the F-250 with the V-10, you had to get the 4.30. That is the change they made. Nobody could figure out why the limited slip was available with the 3.73 on the F-350, but not the F-250. I guess that eventually Ford could not figure it out why not either.
Are you saying, although I ordered the 3.73 LSD with the Auto Trans, it is still an option and I will have to pay for it?
Another thing I should have asked you and professor Rich. What are you guys doing about the spare tire situation? You can spend a nice chunk of change there. I opted for the #515 spare tire and wheel $365 which incl. the mounting bracket, ect. Was this a good idea or should I have spent less for something else? The dealer originally recommended it to me and I just went along. At first I did not even feel I needed a spare because I never needed it in over 8 years with the f150. The dealer said if I did not order one then the bracket would not come with the truck. I was just going to add my own. I changed my mind thinking I should have the bracket and a good spare.
Comments
I would have considered the deep violet if I could have seen a sample. I'm assuming thats the color your refering to. Honestly I feel Ford should have offered some nicer colors, I liked the maroon, teal and the other shades of light green they have used in the explorer and f150's. But at this point I just want the tuck with the options I ordered. What did the salesman do to your hubs? Is there any trick to locking into 4x4
with the SOF option? In other words, do you just hit the switch and your in or do you have to come to a complete stop then switch into 4 wheel?
Rite3, I would like to know what the heck happened to the truck you looked over! I don't think you can have the SOF and still have manual hubs , but what do I know, I learn something new here every day!
Brutus, where the heck are you in all my self pitty? You would pitty me if you knew what I had to drive over the last 4 weeks and will continue to drive over the next 6 weeks! It would'nt be so bad if I did'nt melt in the hot weather! Ever since Richflynn got his new truck he's been hiding! HAHA, Sorry ,I'm rambling on trying to blow off some anger. I knew there would be something missing when that truck came in, I just knew it!
Mroffshore
There is a a switch in the cab you simply move from 4X2 to 4X4 - it's magic (easier than my jeep grand cherokee). Don't mess with the hubs (see my earlier note re: the salesman). I have switched to and from (it's been raining here regularly) at about 25 miles an hour with absolutely no problem without getting out of the cab...
No, I didn't get the violet (my 3rd choice after hunter green), but the metallic deep blue. If you have the super duty brochure it's on page 28.
Tomorrow, I go get my new 10 1/2 ft Bigfoot camper and off to the "Gold Country"...
If you get the SOF, the hubs will have 2 settings: Auto and Lock. You can leave it in the auto setting and SOF whenever you need to and I believe it takes a couple of wheel rotations before it is locked in, so don't stomp on the gas right away. Also, the manual says that you can shift on the fly, into 4x4high, up to 55mph. Come to a dead stop before going into 4x4low. The other setting is lock. This is for those who like manual hubs. You can lock the hubs in and when you SOF, you will be locked in right away instead of waiting for a couple of wheel rotations. I think this is right...someone correct me if I am wrong.
Are you sure the hubs didn't say Auto & Lock instead of Auto & Free? These hubs are a combination of the SOF and manual hubs. You have both settings.
I did not see nor was I given a listing that included a deep met. blue from the dealer. The Kelly Blue book site did not include the blue either. I would have ordered that color if I had known, in fact it's probably not too late to do that on my reorder. Now did you have the two tone paint with a silver trim at the bottom? The two tone bottom color I see listed is Prairie Tan only. Maybe the blue and silver is a late add on! Gold country, Is there Gold in them Hills? HaHa
kirkpama,
I guess your right, I was just curious because I always had the manual hubs and I plan on using the SOF and sure as heck do not want to srew it up! I do think we should get a clarification on the hubs in terms of auto and free or auto and lock. Are you also saying that even though you may have the SOF feature you also have the manual feature in the same pkg.? Does that serve as a back up if the electronics fail or am I not under standing the mechanics of this feature that caused me to wait 6 more weeks!!!HAHA By the way, the sales mgr. told me by Monday he will be able to give me a build date and a delivery date so atleast I will know about how much longer I have to wait the second time around. Their allocation is 8 trucks per month, in the dealership world I don't know if thats alot, mediocre or a little. I do know one of their competing dealerships only has two according to my sales mgr. So maybe thats goog for me.
Mroffshore
Yes, it is my understanding that the hubs have the manual setting as a backup to the SOF electronic (auto) setting.
Thanks, thats good to know. I know road salt and dirt has effected the electric hubs in the past so may be this is good to have. I'm sure this won't supprise you, the sales people do not really know the in's and out's of this kind of mechanical stuff which was evident in JDB's situation. I know
expert but you would think they would be more up to speed on some of the tech. info.
I just spoke again to the sales mgr. and kept the Hunter green but added the silver trim which I did not know was available. He will know Fri. if there is still a hold on the paint trim. If there is forget the silver trim!
Mroffshore
Also, 12,000 single rear wheel F350s are being brought back for potentially substandard parking brake assemblies.
Hmmmm...
Between this and the lug nut recall, is it any wonder that Ford A) may be cranking these things out too quickly, and
You guys here who are still waiting for your SDs... go over them with a toothbrush and a MagLite if you have to - BEFORE you accept them.
jdb You are right about the hubs I am sure I just glanced and saw the auto on them and assumed the other word was free, or lock or something. I am glad you can shift into 4x4 without getting out to lock the hubs in. Afterall, thats what you are paying for. That and the absence of the shift lever rubbing on your leg. Thanks to all.
I hadn't heard about the recalls, but I don't think you can say that they are shirking the Quality is Job 1 slogan. I'd make a case for just the opposite. The easy way out would be to make sure all new trucks have the good stuff, and then hold off the recall until this initial rush gets over later this year. Ford chose to suck it up now, as soon as they realized the problem.
They are handling the SOF a little differently. It's not a potential safety hazard like the steering column appears to be. Alot of trucks went off the line with the original SOF. My guess is that it will be an item that those people will be able to take into their dealer and have swapped out in a few months at no charge. The key is that it is not a safety issue, so there is no need for a recall.
As far as it taking several weeks for the SOF to be fixed on trucks already made but not delivered, all of my info says that is the case. I mentioned in a previous post that several people had deliver dates for their truck, but the trucks never arrived. When the dealers called Ford, the computers said they had been shipped. After a few weeks, the trucks disappeared from the Ford tracking system. What happenned was that when they discovered the SOF problem, they finished making the trucks that were on the line already. Those trucks were then "shipped" a couple of blocks up the street to a holding lot to await the arrival of the SOF replacement parts and the mechanics to install them. I've heard rumors that those trucks may not be delivered until late June. The good news is that the assembly line is cranking out the current trucks with the new SOF parts.
I have no idea how long this steering column may delay things, but I have to say that I'm kind of glad that my truck has been delayed. I'd rather deal with it now than have to take it in to a dealer and handle it later. So far, my truck has been delayed for SOF and premium wheels for the Lariat. I'm at 9 1/2 weeks. I'll probably touch bases with the dealer next week.
By the way, I think the SOF option is worth it. I've spent the last five years in warm weather country (California and Texas), but I bought this truck in Anchorage Alaska in 1992, and put 17,000 miles on it before I left the state. In a previous post, in another topic area, there was a discussion about it not being a good thing to drive in 4wd on dry pavement. There is also the mpg issue, since you burn more gas when you're turning all four wheels. In Alaska, the highways and major roads were often dry enough that you didn't need the 4wd unless it had just snowed. However, as soon as you got off onto a side street or in a parking lot, you needed the 4wd or you'd be slipping all over the place or getting stuck. You don't have any weight in the back and you've got your rear tires trying to push the big engine up front. Alot of the times, you can't get out and flip the hubs, so you would tend to stay in 4wd all the time. That's going to add additional wear and tear. In my truck (1992 F-250HD 4x4), I shift the lever in my truck to 4wd and back up in a straight line about 10 feet. That locks out the hubs. Now I'm in 4wd. However, if I want to shift to 2wd, I just shift the lever to 2wd and I'm in 2wd. I can shift back and forth between 2wd and 4wd on the fly. you just have to remember that if you are in 2wd and you back up 10 feet to park or something, you will unlock the hubs and you won't be able to shift to 4wd without backing it up and locking out the hubs again.
By the way, the new trucks with SOF also permit you to manually lock them out just in case you want to be sure. That is an option that my current truck does not have. I cannot manually lock them out. I've also heard that the new SOF is suppossedly much improved over my SOF, but I have no complaints about the way it worked.
The leather will last 10+ years if you treat it a couple of times a year. I've got to do a little more research, but they have some products that are supposedly far superior to some of the other stuff out there. As a side note Kirkpama, I'm also 34, so it can't be a generational thing.
As I mentioned, I've been out of town the past two days. I've been in Wisconsin. I saw a lot of these trucks on the road up there. Last Friday, I was in Louisiana and I saw several of the trucks down there. I supposedly live in the pickup capital of the world here in the DFW area and I have only seen five on the road.....ever. I saw more than that this morning on the road between Green Bay and Oshkosh. I have a 20+ mile commute from Arlington to Dallas five days a week. Go figure?
It's about time you came out of hiding, impressive post your starting to sound like professor Rich! I think he's in hiding too!
I thought I heard some where several years back about backing up etc, with the electric hubs. But I thought these hubs {SOF} were different in the sense you did not have to back up to engage the 4x4 but apparently you do. I thought your driving along and you decide you need 4 wheel and you simply switch to 4 wheel high and your in.
I guess you read the other post's I left. I'm more disappointed then any thing. Two guys that I know are buying the 99's from the same dealer I am and they are in the storeage lot waiting game because of the things we discussed regarding the SOF. I'm looking at the week after the fourth. Remember I started this deal the last week of January and ordered it the first week or so of Feb.! Have a good weekend!
Mroffshore
I think you did the right thing to wait for the truck you want. SOF is very convenient and it isn't an outrageously expensive option. I consider it essential in snow country. I expect to be back in snow country soon. I'm either going to be transferred to Fargo on a permanent basis this summer, or I'm headed back to Alaska at the end of the year. Believe it or not, I miss the snow.
Did you make any other changes besides color to your re-order? It sounds like you are staying with the diesel. Did you give any consideration to a 1 ton to get the 3.73 limited slip? I scanned all the earlier post, but didn't thoroughly read them. I apologize if I am asking questions you already answered.
Six weeks will fly by.......yeah, right. This 9 1/2 weeks has seemed a lot longer. In the end, you will be happier that you waited for the truck you wanted. Did he only give you the option of that truck or a new order or did he give you the option to pick any truck on the lot?
I'm not hiding but DRIVING! :-) :-)
I have not been happier with a new vehicle!
BTW - I received a recall notice today. It's the one about the rivets on the steering sub assembly.
I tried to scan the recall notice and post it but the OCR software has real difficulties with hanging dentation formatted paragraphs.
The dealer told me about the parking brake thing when I picked up my truck. It seems that something like WD-40 was used on the rear brake disks during assembly. This caused the parking brake to fail to stop the vehicle in 8 seconds. (Don't crucify me ofer this, I'm only repeating what the dealer told me.) It seems that the fix is to drive for a block or so at moderate throttle and a heavy left foot on the brake simultaneously. True or not, I don't know.
This leather issue has been beat to death. I think more than anything else, it is just a personal preference thing with no right or wrong choice. That's why this truck and this country are so great....you have and can make choices!
Real quick before I head out the door. I Just simply reordered changing the color and ordering the same options including the SOF on the original order. I wanted the 8' bed from the begining and I am sticking with it. Your right about the SOF feature, for the money your foolish not to have it. I do not live in snow country but it's not that far away and we do get snow.
My concern now is the old priority #, build date and delivery date Bull. He said I will have the dates either Mon. or Thur. at the latest. I just have lost faith in the system in terms of getting the customer satisfied as quickly as possible!!!!!! It will take devine intervention to get that truck here in 5-6 weeks. The sales mgr. said my order will be jumped in front of alot of people. I should have asked, from this dealership or from the general orders around the country.
Richflynn,
I'll catch up with you later. I want to ask you about the alarm installation. I have to go fry fish! HAHA, Really
Mroffshore
I'm laughing as I type and think about your post I read over this afternoon that I printed out on the SOF. I promise this will be the last time I bug you about the SOF, I hope!
I'm still not sure exactly how it works on the new trucks. When you said "locked out" does that mean your 4x4 is engaged? You mentioned in one post about backing up to lock out the hubs 10 feet in a straight line, then you later said if you back up in a parking lot and your hubs are locked out you will then disengage the 4x4 but only if you switched to 2wd prior to the back up. PLEASE DON'T LAUGH, I really am confused!
I was under the assumption, again, in the 99 SOF feature; Case senerio, you are driving along at 40 mph, you hit some snow covered road and switch the button on the dash to 4wheel high with out slowing down or speeding up and in a few rotations of the front tires your in 4x4, still cruising along. Keeping in mind I never manually engaged the hubs or otherwise. If you return to dry road several miles away still doing 40mph and you want to return to 2wd you simply switch the button again on the dash with out slowing or speeding up and your back in 2wd. The hubs return automatically to the unlocked or disengaged position. All of this happening because of electronics and brillant engineering. Yes, now square me away. I can't believe there is backing up, disengage, engage! This should be simple or am I missing something here!HAHA I guess if you never had it before and used it you don't know.
I do understand what you said about the 99 trucks
ordered with the SOF feature, will also come with a manual feature which I always used on my f150 because thats all I had I never knew any other way!
If this SOF feature does not work like I clearly described above in my hypothetical drive, IT SHOULD WORK THAT WAY!
Other then that I am really starting to get depressed about that truck not coming in with the SOF. I still really do not know if that was a dealer mistake or a factory mistake.
Rite3 said his dealer gave him 10-12 weeks but my dealer said 5-6 more weeks because he gave me the highest priority. Who really knows how it works. I wish now I did'nt sell my truck yet but thats water under the bridge!
Thanks,....Mroffshore
It's my understanding that the new system is some kind of vaccum system that eliminates the need to back up. We will always have the ability to shift on the fly. Like I said, it's my understanding that the current system in my truck does cause more wear and tear, even when it 2wd, if I have done the backup thing to give me the ability to shift on the fly. The new system appears to be more sophisticated and has eliminated this additional wear and tear.
This Tuesday, I will be at 10 weeks. As far as I know, my order still has not been pulled. I plan to call my dealer this week to get an update. I am figuring it will be closer to 16 weeks than 12.
Your the man! All kidding aside, I fully understand now how it works. It works exactly how I thought it should work. I just was'nt sure after you told me about your present truck. Atleast you squared me away and I will not have to worry about my wife trying to operate the SOF when needed!
Someone mentioned in an earlier post something about this topic site being a place to let out some frustration, well it's getting bad for me right now! I just do not understand why this process has to take soo long. I can not believe there are that many people across the country placing orders and Ford is that jammed up. Do me a favor, out of curiosity check to see what your priority number is. Originally I had 20. On the reorder he gave me what he termed the highest priority being 10. I can not believe just by going to a 10 will mean the difference of a 6 week delivery as apposed to 14 weeks for the first truck. May be it will or maybe the priority does not mean MUCH AT ALL! What about a guy in my situation who waited patientlly all that time and someone other then myself made a mistake. You would think they would have some sort of contingency plan. What I'm trying to say is, lets move a little faster!
Get back to me on that priority number and anyone else that knows their priority number.
Thanks again,
Mroffshore
I have a priority 10, the top priority according to my dealer. I ordered an f250 4x4 XLT ESOF on March 6th. I checked with the dealer on Friday and the order still has not been picked up. The dealer stated that there were no holds on the truck. The way the orders appear to be going I'll get my truck after 18 to 20 weeks. Unbelievable.
Brutus maybe right in terms of only being important to the dealer. I'm paying about 200-$300 over invoice if that matters. Your truck should be in any day now judging by other deliveries around the country.
Brutus, I would like to know how the sales mgr. of all people from a respected dealership, can quote me 6 weeks on the reorder with a priority #10. Is he just trying to keep me from going ballistic, buying some time or what? Maybe he figures if I waited this long after another 6 weeks and the new truck does not come in I'll have to wait longer like it or not knowing I won't go any where else. Now I do not expect you to read this man's mind Brutus, but do you think he's pulling my leg on the 6 weeks? It's like the dealer has no control or contact with anyone at the factory or do they? There has to be some way to expedite an order.
What do you think? Anyone else feel free to say whats on your mind.
Mroffshore
SHOULD, meaning you should have your truck by now if this procedure was more consumer friendly!
Mroffshore
The priority is only important to the dealer. The factory allocates how many trucks a dealer can order and when the dealer has 1 or more allocations, then the orders are chosen based on priority, and if the order is clean (meaning there isn't any onhold items on the order). I don't know how the factory decides when and how many "allocations" a dealer gets. Not trying to rub it in, but truck only took 7 weeks to come in. It took 4 weeks to get the order picked up and 3 to make and deliver. My dealer told me that he had 4 allocations the week mine got picked up and mine had a high priority within his dealership and it was clean so it got selected. The priority can help if the dealer has ordered a lot of trucks, but only if you order is clean.
Good to here from you. Good info. and I forgot to mention the allocation issue earlier today but I did mention it several days ago. My dealer gets {according to the salesd mgr.}, an allocation of 8 trucks per month. To me that sounds like a fair amount. Everything that was a problem ealier to my understanding is not a problem now and should be a clean order when it gets "picked" up. The wheels, SOF, two tone paint,etc that I wanted on the first order was on hold and to my knowledge has been rectified. Correct me if I am wrong. Maybe the sales mgr. is not that far off, I could possibly recieve the reordered truck in 6-7 weeks. My dealer also told me I now have the highest priority with in his dealership. Now I know why he said my order will jump ahead of everyone else with in his dealership.
Mroffshore
Again good point, if you had to drive what I'm driving you would be anxious to get that new truck also!
I have to call the dealer today to get a build date and delivery date. If that info is not available today he will have it Thur. at the latest. I'll post when I talk to him. Do you think his allocation is good in terms of getting trucks in a timely fashion?
Mroffshore
You're right about the 97 F150 taking up to 4 months to get when they came out. I barrowed my friends 97 F150 for 2 weeks while I was waiting for my 99 F250 to come in. He ordered it in May and didn't get it until November (6 months). I'm glad the 99 superdutys aren't taking that long.
New ford hubs, What the hells the deal with that
I talked to the sales mgr. this afternoon and I finally recieved some good news. My order has already been picked up and I have a delivery date one week after I reorder the truck. I am stunned, 7/6 is the ETA. He said it could come 3 days before to 3 days after. The only concern at this point is the two tone paint. I called a few hrs. after I reordered and asked for silver trim with the hunter green. He said as of now it does not look like a problem in terms of a week to 10 days longer because of the silver trim. When they picked up the order apparently the silver trim was not on the order but added later. He will monitor the order closely and if there is a problem with the silver he can contact the factory via computer and delete the two tone and go all hunter green. He confirmed all componets are available for my truck and that included the wheels. Rite3 I do not know what that means, I'm getting the lariat pkg. and there was no problem with the wheels. I ordered the f250 crew, lariat, diesel, 8' bed if that makes a difference.
Well thas good news for me I do not know how they were able to get a delivery date so fast but I will keep the faith that it will be on time. He said he did alot more then I should know to get the truck that fast. Maybe that means within the dealership!
Brutus, speaking of fish, I have a seafood take out buisness I run during the spring and summer and I worked in a large volume tackle shop for 16 years through HS and college and after, before the seafood buisness. Thus the name Mroffshore, may be you should come to Cape May, NJ for some good offshore fishing. Excellent Tuna fishing in July to Sept. Blue fin and yellow fin all your body can stand and fight! I kid you not. Anyway things are looking up!
Rite3, I would be interested in the wheel thing. Maybe they have enough for what was pulled to be built and new orders are being held up waiting for more wheels if we use the same which I'm sure they are.
Mroffshore
was not an additional cost, atleast thats how I read it. On my order copy I was charge for an option of $260. and I ordered the Auto Trans. Any thoughts on this?
Mroffshore
I will call the sales mgr. again around lunch time, EST and double check. He has been with Ford for over 20 years and there is more at stake here then just the sale of the truck to me , so my order is a priority at this dealership, I do not think he errored. Look for a post later today.
As far as the rear 3.73 not being an option with the auto trans., at this point I do not care. I'm paying close to their cost any way so an extra $200 or so is not a big deal. How ever I will ask.
Eveyone has to realize, I have been waiting for this truck really since the 1st week in Jan. when we actually started the process of research. But I read about the new line when I was in Kansas on a hunting trip in Nov. so I knew since then this is what I wanted and was told to hang in there. This has been a long and very frustrating process at times but other times it's been smooth. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was foolish to believe this would get done in a few short weeks. That shows you how much I know about the auto industry!
Rite3 and Brutus ,thanks for your input!
Mroffshore
Thanks for the info. I will dial them up today to get more details. I did the same thing as you did. I got my 1996 F-150 from Cal Worthington after getting Nye, Peninsula, and Cal's into a three way bid for the order. Cal's Fleet Dep't came in at cost (not dealer invoice, cost) plus $500.00. The other two wouldn't go under dealers invoice. I dealt with Jeanne Shandera (Fleet), she was great to work with. Between the time I put down my deposit and made the order. And the time the truck finally came in. The price went up on the base model '96 by $400.00. So effectively I got the truck for $100.00 over cost. Jeanne refused to pass the cost increase on to me. So I got a great deal on my current truck. I don't think I will ever get that lucky again but . . . I can hope.
I will be home during the last 2 weeks of August and won't be doing any Salmon fishing (all my friends predict a rotten year) but I will be getting out on a Halibut charter at least twice. I want to beat my personal best catch of 163#.
I'm going to order the Lariat and am wondering what the con's are if any. I am usually very suspicious of any 1st year vehicles. It usually takes a couple years to shake out the assembly line bugs. I know the '97 F-150 had a few, (my wife drives one). What have the folks who have the truck been experiencing? Are there any gremlins to report yet?
I've only put about 500 miles on my F250 so far and I'm happy to say that I haven't found the first gremlin yet. The truck looks great, rides great and everything that I have tested, has worked as expected. I plan on giving the 4wd a test this weekend. The mpg is still a hair under 12 mpg with both city and highway driving.
I just spoke to the sales mgr. and he double checked everything. He said they would not have pulled my reorder if they did not have everything to build the truck which you guys know. Again I ordered the CCab Lariat pkg, auto with all the trimmings except the PTO, roof lights and the trailer Tow mirrors. What I do not understand is how can Brutus's order be held up because of wheels and why did the dealer tell Rite3 the wheels are on hold? I will never be able to figure this out! Although my good news could turn to bad I feel good about what's happening now. He also promised to check daily on my order and will keep me posted twice a week and thats all anyone could ask.
Thanks,
Mroffshore
http://www.meadowlandford.com
Follow th link in the Super Duty section regarding available rear axles. That should clear up a lot of the confusion.
Mroffshore,
It's a matter of priority and allotment. The dealer I went through sells a lot of trucks, so he has a big allotment. However, I bought for $99 below dealer invoice, so I probably got a lower priority than the guys paying MSRP. I was told 12 weeks at the beginning. That means, my order should have been pulled probably around week 7 or week 8. Unforunately, that is when the wheel shortage came into play. Your truck was a reorder, basically because your dealer made an error. Naturally, he would want to put you ahead of everyone else, because you really were ahead of everyone else.
I want my truck, but the waiting isn't as big of deal right now. A few weeks back, I could tell that 12 weeks was probably not going to happen since they had the SOF and wheel problems that required changes in the assembly line. Now they have the steering column and parking brake issues, which will require changes in the assembly line. I regeared my thinking to expect a 16 week wait, which would put me around mid-July.
brutus, that makes sense what you said about certain orders being more of a priority then others. But it does stink that we all have to wait that long! It still does not make sense about the wheels, I can't believe they can not get enough.
Thanks, Mroffshore
Brutus: Good luck. I'm just letting you know what I hear. I'll be travelling be Bartow probably Friday or middle of next month. If I stop, I'll be sure to look for a truck for ya. 350, DRW, Lariat, P4x4, PSD, right?
Later,
Ryan
My F-250 with diesel was delivered on 5/14 and has a 3.73 limited slip and auto trans. According to every place that my dealer and I looked the 3.73 ratio was standard. In California, the 3.73 is the ONLY ratio available on the F-250. (According to my dealer.) Actually, I can't imagine trying to drive at highway speeds with a 4.11 or 4.30.
On the way home from the dealer, I took it up to about 70 MPH and was turning about 2100 RPMs. That's a little higher RPM than my similar '92. The '92 has the LT 235 x 85R tires while the '99 has the optional LT 265 x 75R tires. The tire size probably accounts for the higher RPMs.
My dealer said that at one point the CARB wanted to force Ford to deliver 250 & 350 with 3.55 ratios, period.
Ford won.
Rich
Are you saying, although I ordered the 3.73 LSD with the Auto Trans, it is still an option and I will have to pay for it?
Another thing I should have asked you and professor Rich. What are you guys doing about the spare tire situation? You can spend a nice chunk of change there. I opted for the #515 spare tire and wheel $365 which incl. the mounting bracket, ect. Was this a good idea or should I have spent less for something else? The dealer originally recommended it to me and I just went along. At first I did not even feel I needed a spare because I never needed it in over 8 years with the f150. The dealer said if I did not order one then the bracket would not come with the truck. I was just going to add my own. I changed my mind thinking I should have the bracket and a good spare.
Mroffshore
Mroffshore