Ok guys, whats the big deal about this "superchip" I keep hearing about? Everyone says they get better mileage, better performance, etc. If this is true, why wouldn't Ford put that chip in at the factory? Anyone know the pros and cons of installing this "chip"? Thanks in advance...
Regarding chip upgrade...I don't have any clue, but logic would seem that the Ford engineers would have selected the best overall combination for the best overall performance. This is a competition for sales after all. NOW, my question, with the short bed on the SCREW, anybody have any concerns about 5th wheeling? Need to know in MO. Thanks.
ronado2- Yes, thats exactly what I would think about the engine performance and the chip. Yet, it seems a LOT of people are running out and buying this "chip" for their new trucks. I need to find out why. ? And interestingly you brought up the subject of 5th wheeling. I assume you are referring to whether or not there is room to install a 5th wheel? I do have the same questions myself. I think the mount has to be placed at, or in front of the rear axle. I don't think there will be room left to turn a sharp corner without hitting the cab, but maybe someone else knows better? Anyone out there know the answer to this one?
I received a nice blanket from Ford with a picture of the Super Crew on it 2 days ago via UPS. Any other buyers out there get one? Mine is a 4x4 Lariat 5.4, loaded, black over gold, delivered 2/29/00.
There doesn't seem to be many interested in responding to our concern over 5th wheel capability. Could it be there is no issue here? I did see a F-250 or 350 with short bed and crew cab with a 5th wheel at a truck stop the other day. He obviously made it work! I believe the bed length is about the same between 150 crew and their bigger brother. Next...what's the deal with a blanket being sent to a new owner....? Did I miss something here? Did he have a choice between a blanket and a toaster and chose the blanket? Have a good day where your at, it's still dry in Missouri (a few miles from the F-150 Crew Cab factory...but will still have to pay the $650 delivery, dang the luck!) ronado2
Just ordered mine from Phil Long Ford in Denver. 5.4L 4X4 17" tires Deep Wedgewood Blue w/ Arizona Beige 2 tone, Power Seats and other goodies. Test drove one in May an fell absolutely in love with it. Great price paid invoice plus $134 advertising and gas charge delivered. Dealer is saying 6 to 8 weeks delivery. That seems a little optimistic to me; but he is saying six weeks has been the average for their dealership pretty common now that production is up. Am I getting a line or is 10 weeks more realistic. This is the biggest Ford dealership in Colorado. Responses appreciated. Mtn Mike
Go over to www.f150online.com in the message boards there is a whole section on computer chips and Superchip in particular. Mike Troyer,who works for the nation distibuter for Superchip is a regular contributer and can, and will, answer all questions you may have. He has for me and many many others. I am getting one for my Y2K F-150 4X4.
Regarding 5th wheeling: The Screw's bed is a foot shorter than the short box on a standard F-150, at appx 5.5 feet. A standard short box is 6.5 and long box is 8. Because of the requirement to mount the hitch so far forward for load-bearing, balance, etc the trailer runs the risk of contacting the cab in even reasonably short turns. Hope that helps.
with their new f-150?? I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with their trucks i.e. are you taking it to the shop every week for leak repair or tranny problems or engine problems etc... I've been scanning other sites and it seems that Chrysler is having some problems with their trucks. Hows the Ford 150 stack up? I just test drove a SC and I liked it. The 5.4 was strong. The seats were ok but the salesman couldn't tell me if I could get power lumbar on them. The bed is a little short but with the extender it meets my needs. So back to my original concern.....before I drop 33K on a truck I want to know if its going to hold up or am I going to have to drive it through the dealers show room window after a couple months of ownership.
My husband and I went truck shopping and he is set on the 2001 Lariat Supercrew. Because he is a man and doesn't research anything beyond wheels & tires, it is up to me to find info on this truck. First, we are looking at 34,500 for price. Does this sound like the norm (4 wheel drive). Second, we camp a lot pulling our 30' camper. Does this truck have the guts to tow without going only 45 mph? Any info would be appreciated.
I haven't posted in awhile. I just changed my oil for the first time at 3k. miles, and I have no problems to report. sharkskin, I'm very happy with mine. I haven't had a single problem. The seats,last I heard, do not have power lumbar. If the size of the bed will work for you, I think you will be pleased with this truck. parrett, I have the 2001 lariat supercrew 4x2.This truck meets all of my needs, but I don't do alot of towing. If you look deeper into Edmunds new truck buying, you will find all kinds of info on purchasing. $34500 seems high to me. Depending on where you live, I would think you could beat that price. I've stressed in earlier posts, about doing the research before buying. Edmunds has a ton of info, from price,strategy to vehicle options. Spend some time with in this site, and go out with the most info you can find. Knowledge is power. Later
The only lumbar available on the f150 is with the captain chair option. I think the lariat is the only f150 that has the captian chair option, but I am not sure.
Thanks for the info on the "chip". I will check out this site. Also, thanks to glengle for the 5th wheel info. Sounds like I will be "towing" instead of 5th-wheeling. See you on the road...
"parret" Don't know how much your 30' trailer weighs, but I am guessing it is pretty heavey when loadeed ,may be too much for an F-150. Need to look at the Ford Towing and trailer guide and see what you can pull, with what. My guess is, unless you have an "Ultra Lite" you will need a V-10/Diesel F-250 Super Duty.
"sharkskin" Had 97 F-150 SC 4X4, 5.4L, Auto 3:55 LS loaded, put 31,500 on it never a problem except recall for lug nuts. Have Y2K F-150, same specs 13,000+ no porblems to date. Good Luck
Lumbar Support, they are not power on F-150s, and yes, you can get Captains shares in the XLT, I have one.
Not quite sure how I typed "Shares" instead of "Chairs", and for clarification "I have one" meant "XLT with Captain's Chairs", no that I only have one Captain's Chair!!
the input. I'll be taking another SC out for a spin this weekend with the little woman and get her input as well. It seems that Ford has built one quality truck and the SC is the way to go for my needs. Now if I can only get them to sell me one under invoice....... Have a good one.
I've just ordered a 4X4 SuperCrew,(did't get as good a deal as some have posted, but still happy!) and would like any input from anyone who has purchased a "Cap" for their truck.
My S crew was ordered 06/21/00 and I was told probably 6 to 8 weeks for delivery as that was the average the dealership was seeing for April and May orders. Ckecked the VOPC automated line and learned "Built Date" will not be until the week of 8/21. Dealer checked and was told June orders are being backed up one month as Ford is gearing up for building the Super Duty's at the KC plant. Oh well!!!!
I ordered a ARE Z series cap for my SC. It's a sharp looking cap. I looked at all the top manufactures and settles on ARE for their quality and looks. Check out http://www.4are.com/. Check out the Z series. Their website doesn't reflect them making the Z for the SC, but find a local dealer and get the info from him. It was approx $1200, but its top of the line! No sense of having a great truck with cheap cap.
I'm ordering the 150 Screw, maybe from the Holly Hill dealer, so thanks for the recommendation.
Anyway, every dealer says I can't order a screw with 3.73 limited slip and that they can only order the 3.55. Is that true? I thought you could order it anyway you wanted and need suggestions on how to convince a dealer that they can take my request. I want to pull a heavy boat trailer and think the 3.73 will be much better for my towing needs.
Many thanks to all for the info over the past several months! I only read and never responded.
I would stay away from Harvest Gold. I have had two different boxes put on my truck, each having similar defects. I have also had to have the PSteering pump replaced as it was well over pressured. Baby really sang whenever I turned the steering wheel. A/C has also been a little sticky. Sometimes it won't shut off.
I also have harvest gold and noticed the flaws. Were the flaws small bump and imperfections? Also, my power steering does the same as yours did. I looked under the hood the PS resevoir was jumping around. I would bet it was the same problem. One time my AC came on but no cold air, I turned it off then on and it was OK.
Did the dealer give you any crap about the bed?? I've had my truck for a few month, wonder if that will make any difference. The imperfections were there when I received the truck. Anyway, if you have any other info that might be helpful, email me at cshaw9@home.com. I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Louis
I have recently ordered a Harvest Gold Screw. Can you provide more details on the paint defects so I can assess if I should change the color. Thanks so much.
Has the dealer provided any explanation? Has there been any remedy?
Ford has discontinued "Harvest Gold" and replaced it with "Arizona Beige". The "Arizona Beige" is a slightly darker color. Kind of a platinum. They also have discontinued the "Chestnut" color for some reason and have not replaced it.
Recently bought a 2001 S-crew with the 6 CD changer. Has anyone yet upgraded their sound system with subwoofers, amps, components? If so, any recommendations? The factory unit works fine but tends to distort at loud volumes (especially on the Freeway).
Yes to the small bumps and imperfections. Almost as if the nozzle got plugged and then splurched a bunch of paint all at once. The first box I had looked like someone had actually leaned up agains the truck while the paint was still wet. You could almost see the outline of a flannel shirt in the paint. I can't believe it got out of the factory that way, pretty poor quality control. My dealer has bent over backwards to make me happy - to the point of pulling a box of another truck on the lot. To bad it had defects too. I took pictures and if I can figure out how to put them on the web I will try and do so.
Clshaw17 - Out of curiosity when was your truck built? Mine was built on 5/17/00. They installed a new power steering pump and it seems to have done the trick. The other one was apparently way over pressure. There is still some noise, but it seems to be no greater than in other trucks. It was so over-pressured that it broke the hoses loose from their frame mounts.
elliottdj - I think it is just a luck thing. I went to another dealer and checked out the Harvest Gold truck he had on his lot and it was fine - no imperfections at all. Now if I could only get him to switch boxes with me.
mtnmike - at least it's not Torreador Red. I really wanted Torreador Red on my Lariat, but of course could not get that.
I also have the 6 CD player with the in-dash cassette deck. The radio itself id the Ford Premium and has 80 watts - 20 per channel. I just installed 5" X 7" Infinity Kappa speakers and the difference was amazing. I would start with a quality speaker swap first. I am working with my installer to try and come up with a sub-woofer box. The only place to put it is under the 70 half of the 70/30 rear seat. With a little bit of work you can probably fit 2, 8" sub-woofers under there. The only drawback is that you can't flip the seat down without removing the sub. The amp will go in the small compartment behind that seat. I am still in the design stage, although the fact that I am looking at about $700.00 bucks for the whole sub-assembly has slowed my progress.
Just curious if any of you S-crew owners or buyers are leasing the truck. Curious about what residual you got with a "Red Carpet Lease" and what "Money Factor" (Rent Charge) you were given. I am being told for now anyway residual at 62% for 24 months and 57% for 36 months with a 9% "Money Factor" (rent charge). That may change for the better or worse after 07/05/00 when the current S-Crew program expires.
Did you put replace the factory speakers with the Infinity speakers in both the front and rear doors? If so, was it a big installation job?
For what it's worth, one salesman (at "Good Guys") told me that MTX makes a good powered subwoofer system which goes under the rear seat and does not require a separate amp. He said it goes for about $200 plus ~$50 installation.
Replaced all 4 speakers with the Infinity's and it sounds great. I had the store install them, but after looking at how the door comes apart, it did not look like a major undertaking. I am sure Crutchfield has the needed wiring harness adaptor.
I have looked and have not been able to find any powered sub that would fit. To fit a single 10" sub I need a box 24WX14DX7H and it just is not going to fit. I need that size for the air displacement. The best I will probably be able to do is a pair of 8" subs. The box would only need to be 24WX11DX6.25H. That I can squeeze under the seat. I may just give up and wait for someone to come up with on specifically designed for the SCrew.
I just changed my original order on June 12 to July 10th, and there is a price increase. The base invoice on the 2wd Lariat increased $351.00. the cd changer increased $73.00, the other options I ordered remained unchanged.
There was also a FDAF assessment that increased from $150.00 to $260.00. Is this the ad fee or something else?
Have recently ordered a SCrew and also have been researching shells and lids. After looking at numerous manufacturer products, I found the best quality without a doubt is A.R.E. The web site is www.4are.com Check out the site, there is a $20 coupon available upon order of your A.R.E. product.
Nailbender 1, There are some price increases on the Screw. I was going to order one but was told the invoice price had increased almost $400 and the 5.4L engine price doubled from $680 to over $1300 on the invoice price. My deal for a Screw Lariat 4x4 was $200 over invoice. This was a hefty jump in price. Luckily, the dealership let me purchase one that they had on order that was due into their dealership in a week for $200 over invoice before the increase in price. I picked it up Wednesday,July 12. I love it! It has all the options except for Captain's Chairs and the Entertainment System.
I'm getting ready to do my first oil change on my Screw. Ford says 5W-30. I live in Houston where its hot and traffic is snarled most of the time. I can see using 5W-30 in the northern US. Anybody out there using anything else besides 5W-30? I want to use 10W-30 for better heat protection.
Surely would appreciate any feedback.
I've had mine since Memorial day and I love it! Ordered it for $100 over dealer invoice and it was delivered within 5 weeks.
I have seen a couple of Screws in the "Want Ads" in Houston. Being a new model and all it kinda leaves you without the "warm & fuzzies". Anyone out there know of any problems with the Screw to date?
No problems at all. I live in Dallas and the heat has not affected my Supercrew nor has two long road trips, 800 miles in one day. Looking at my second oil change and service at at 10,000 miles. I believe they put 10-30 oil in at the first change. MJohn
You can get a locking gas cap at your dealer's parts dept.
As for oil Ford say 5W-30W and only 5W-30W, there have been rumors of trhem denying warranty clains if you use anything else. The first number "5" doesn't have anything to do with your local temp, it concerns the ability to lubricate when cold, i.e. flow better, they need 5W in these motors because of tight tolerances, and most damage from friction is done intitial start up. The "30W" has to do with lubrication at temperature. Hope this helps. ALso if doing your own oil changes make sure you use a filter with the anti drain back, such as Motorcraft, K&N, etc. Some Fram filters do not have this.
Thanks all for your info on the price increases. Mine was $350. It came on the base price and the tow package. Will have to look for the increase on the engine on the web. I won't pay that one cause we are locked in now with the dealer for he said we would have price protection from hear out. Need to sell our explorer now. Looking foward to getting Screw. Ha Ha
Comments
If this is true, why wouldn't Ford put that chip in at the factory?
Anyone know the pros and cons of installing this "chip"? Thanks in advance...
And interestingly you brought up the subject of 5th wheeling. I assume you are referring to whether or not there is room to install a 5th wheel? I do have the same questions myself.
I think the mount has to be placed at, or in front of the rear axle. I don't think there will be room left to turn a sharp corner without hitting the cab, but maybe someone else knows better?
Anyone out there know the answer to this one?
Responses appreciated. Mtn Mike
sharkskin, I'm very happy with mine. I haven't had a single problem. The seats,last I heard, do not have power lumbar. If the size of the bed will work for you, I think you will be pleased with this truck.
parrett, I have the 2001 lariat supercrew 4x2.This truck meets all of my needs, but I don't do alot of towing. If you look deeper into Edmunds new truck buying, you will find all kinds of info on purchasing. $34500 seems high to me. Depending on where you live, I would think you could beat that price. I've stressed in earlier posts, about doing the research before buying. Edmunds has a ton of info, from price,strategy to vehicle options. Spend some time with in this site, and go out with the most info you can find. Knowledge is power. Later
"sharkskin" Had 97 F-150 SC 4X4, 5.4L, Auto 3:55 LS loaded, put 31,500 on it never a problem except recall for lug nuts. Have Y2K F-150, same specs 13,000+ no porblems to date. Good Luck
Lumbar Support, they are not power on F-150s, and yes, you can get Captains shares in the XLT, I have one.
1) Make
2) Price
3) Looks
Thx in advance.
jcr
Mtn Mike
Later
louis
Anyway, every dealer says I can't order a screw with 3.73 limited slip and that they can only order the 3.55. Is that true? I thought you could order it anyway you wanted and need suggestions on how to convince a dealer that they can take my request. I want to pull a heavy boat trailer and think the 3.73 will be much better for my towing needs.
Many thanks to all for the info over the past several months! I only read and never responded.
Can you clue me in as to what this is, and how you use it?
Thx
jcr
Did the dealer give you any crap about the bed?? I've had my truck for a few month, wonder if that will make any difference. The imperfections were there when I received the truck. Anyway, if you have any other info that might be helpful, email me at cshaw9@home.com. I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Louis
I have recently ordered a Harvest Gold Screw. Can you provide more details on the paint defects so I can assess if I should change the color. Thanks so much.
Has the dealer provided any explanation? Has there been any remedy?
Mtn Mike
Yes to the small bumps and imperfections. Almost as if the nozzle got plugged and then splurched a bunch of paint all at once. The first box I had looked like someone had actually leaned up agains the truck while the paint was still wet. You could almost see the outline of a flannel shirt in the paint. I can't believe it got out of the factory that way, pretty poor quality control. My dealer has bent over backwards to make me happy - to the point of pulling a box of another truck on the lot. To bad it had defects too. I took pictures and if I can figure out how to put them on the web I will try and do so.
Clshaw17 - Out of curiosity when was your truck built? Mine was built on 5/17/00.
They installed a new power steering pump and it seems to have done the trick. The other one was apparently way over pressure. There is still some noise, but it seems to be no greater than in other trucks. It was so over-pressured that it broke the hoses loose from their frame mounts.
elliottdj - I think it is just a luck thing. I went to another dealer and checked out the Harvest Gold truck he had on his lot and it was fine - no imperfections at all. Now if I could only get him to switch boxes with me.
mtnmike - at least it's not Torreador Red. I really wanted Torreador Red on my Lariat, but of course could not get that.
I also have the 6 CD player with the in-dash cassette deck. The radio itself id the Ford Premium and has 80 watts - 20 per channel. I just installed 5" X 7" Infinity Kappa speakers and the difference was amazing. I would start with a quality speaker swap first. I am working with my installer to try and come up with a sub-woofer box. The only place to put it is under the 70 half of the 70/30 rear seat. With a little bit of work you can probably fit 2, 8" sub-woofers under there. The only drawback is that you can't flip the seat down without removing the sub. The amp will go in the small compartment behind that seat. I am still in the design stage, although the fact that I am looking at about $700.00 bucks for the whole sub-assembly has slowed my progress.
TIA
Mtnmike
Did you put replace the factory speakers with the Infinity speakers in both the front and rear doors? If so, was it a big installation job?
For what it's worth, one salesman (at "Good Guys") told me that MTX makes a good powered subwoofer system which goes under the rear seat and does not require a separate amp. He said it goes for about $200 plus ~$50 installation.
I have looked and have not been able to find any powered sub that would fit. To fit a single 10" sub I need a box 24WX14DX7H and it just is not going to fit. I need that size for the air displacement. The best I will probably be able to do is a pair of 8" subs. The box would only need to be 24WX11DX6.25H. That I can squeeze under the seat. I may just give up and wait for someone to come up with on specifically designed for the SCrew.
The base price has increased $347.00 as of 07/05/00 for the 4WD XLT. No increase on any option package.
Mtn Mike
There was also a FDAF assessment that increased from $150.00 to $260.00. Is this the ad fee or something else?
posadas802
Hope this helps,
Starrog
Surely would appreciate any feedback.
I've had mine since Memorial day and I love it!
Ordered it for $100 over dealer invoice and it was delivered within 5 weeks.
I have seen a couple of Screws in the "Want Ads"
in Houston. Being a new model and all it kinda leaves you without the "warm & fuzzies". Anyone out there know of any problems with the Screw to date?
As for oil Ford say 5W-30W and only 5W-30W, there have been rumors of trhem denying warranty clains if you use anything else. The first number "5" doesn't have anything to do with your local temp, it concerns the ability to lubricate when cold, i.e. flow better, they need 5W in these motors because of tight tolerances, and most damage from friction is done intitial start up. The "30W" has to do with lubrication at temperature. Hope this helps. ALso if doing your own oil changes make sure you use a filter with the anti drain back, such as Motorcraft, K&N, etc. Some Fram filters do not have this.
Need to sell our explorer now. Looking foward to getting Screw. Ha Ha