Followed your thread and it's GREAT Raul! Wish I had your energy and skills!
I did begin with my plan only to hit a snag, so some feed back would certainly be appreciated!
Took it in for the go over inspection, turns out I'm looking at a couple grand + to get the heater and A/C fixed as it should be, still works, but not the best. On top of that, ball joints seem to be coming up too. It's going to need new tires before I get too far away from home. So, I'm looking at maybe 3K to just get back to good and ready condition.
That is a set back!
Naturally, the thought of putting that money into a new truck came to mind.
I was looking at 2011/12/13 years, ext. cab, 4x4, just a must. They aren't cheap with good miles. I've always just looked at the XLT's but then, by mistake I hit on an XL.
Verified the year on an XL, it's a 2009, 5.4 gas automatic. Scary part to me is it has 149K on the odometer. I think the price is really right and there are a few things I like about it.
Like to know what you guys think!
It comes with an ARE utility topper, "site commander" double rear doors, outside storage on the driver's side, lift up windows on the other side, front glass with wire cage but you can see through the rear door windows. There is a utility rack on top as well.
It also appears to have a sliding platform that pulls out the rear and a large steel storage box at the front of the slider.
Another platform could easily go over that storage box and slider.
And, the truck is missing the back seats! There are two metal drawer systems facing out both sides and space between them, hopefully big enough for my boxer to ride, if not, one drawer system can come out.
Body is in great shape, the driver's seat is worn, nothing seat covers won't fix. It has almost new tires on it.
Seems the XL has everything the XLT has except power windows and seats, at least on this one. Power window kits are $100. How often do I change my seating position? Almost never.
I think I can get it just under 10K, that means money for mods. My though is going with some wheels and larger tires when the tires wear down. A bull bar and brush guard with a winch. Might get heavier shocks. Lights of course. Dual batteries as I mentioned. The rest is interior work.
It's Ford white, good paint, didn't see any dings or scratches. The grill is broken, so a custom grill goes on.
Here's my real concern, it's 400 miles away!
I like the utility topper, slide, box, drawer systems, might be 4k+ in stuff, so I'm looking at it as a 6K 09 XL.
I have a couple big trips in mind, (big for me) run up the the Arctic Circle/AK and down through the western states. Another mid-west eastern run, after that more local outings.
Can't help but thinking, I'd name it the Bi-Polar Express, since it's all white, LOL. If I'm naming it before buying that might be an indication of a mental state of mind with this affair!
I know, it's whatever trips your trigger, but I'm not familiar with the 09 XL, seems it would be more capable than my '99, but don't know. Any tips on long distance buying? I'd hate to get there and hear the 4x4 clunk and chatter!
I'll see about pulling pics when I get them.
Thoughts, prayers, support or mental health advice is all welcome!