Usually, I don't feel qualified to reply to questions to newsgroups and sit
back, listen and learn.  Finally, someone asks a question I think I know
something about...lol.  I've had two F150's and a Ranger (yeah tiny, but was
a fun truck for those college days).  My Dad has had so many F250's, I
couldn't even begin to count them all.

As long as you don't care about gas mileage, they're a GREAT truck.  My
current truck is a '97 F150 super cab (first of the "new" body style) with
the third door and long bed.  The newer models have come a long way from
that one.  The new stiffer body's and other features keep me drooling.  I
haven't been able to justify buying a new one as mine is still in great
shape.  I have 180K on mine now and other than a nasty chip in the paint
(that I'll be fixing now that its warm enough), it has been tremendous.
Knock on wood, the only non-wear item I've had to replace was the pittman
arm.  If they'd put lube points on that, I'm sure that wouldn't have been an
issue either.

I LOVE the ride of the F150's.  They drive like a car and can still handle a
load.  I remember my Mom complaining that my truck rode better than her car.

I'm sure you'll get lots of good information here, and it can become almost
a religious discussion of guys who love they're Dodge/Ford/Chevy, etc.  I've
had very good luck with my Fords...and am trying to find an excuse to
upgrade (I want my F250 crew cab 4x4 bad).

Now, if you don't mind a fixer upper, my Dad was down in Florida with his
nice white F250 super cab.  He's back now...but the truck is still down
there.  It's now a sub-compact truck.  He was involved in a 27 something
pileup that shortened his truck and fishing boat by several feet....lol.

Good luck

Scott