Couple questions guys!

[Got stroke?]

So I have been driving my new 2012 f250 Supercrew Lariat short box. I Love it! Truck has the following options.

FX4 offroad package
Chrome package
Lariat interior group package
Snow plow prep package
3.55 electronic locker
Power moonroof
Engine block heater
Chrome 20's
Roof Clarence lights
Up fitter switches
Tailgate step
Body side moldings
Rubber floor mats
Universal garage door opener

Couple questions though....

1) does anyone have any pics of a black one with painted black factory bumpers and a black mesh grille? I am thinking of a rbp grille. Also has anyone wrapped their chrome bumpers as opposed to getting the xl bumpers and painting?

2). I am thinking of going with the carli 2.5 basic kit. Anyone have any experience with this? Are the bilsteins a big upgrade from stock? I do load this truck and tow and haul with it periodically. I don't want to do anything to effect it's capabilities. Will this really tighten up the steering? as this is my only complaint with the new truck the steering is very light and loose. My 150 had a much firmer, tighter feel and was much more linear.

3) where could I find a set of the stock 18 lariat wheels? I would like a set of 18's cause I have some pretty new bfg ko's 285-65-18's I think I would prefer to put these tires on the truck. I think this wheel is like a gunmetal color. I will prolly sell off my 20" chrome clads if I get my hands on these and I will probably get a set of 20" novakanes in black. I would just prefer the 18s for winter.

4) thinking of ordering a spartan or minimax especially cause this ban thing. Prolly end up going the spartan route. I heard of hard shifting but is that limited to just the war hammer tune. Which I will not be running. I am thinking just the 80 or the 125 tune. Deleted obviously. Anyone else running deleted here in ny?

5) I want to kind of delete my chrome package has anyone done that? I want to do more of a blacked out theme. I also can't stand the fact that this truck has so much damn chrome on it. I don't have the time to be polishing it all. Any pics of tuxedo blacks all blacked out would be appreciated. I hate the side steps it came with. They are real hard to keep clean.

6) tailgate step I would like to get rid of. I think someone else was mentioning the snowmobile thing. My sled with studs on it will just destroy that thing. Plus I will prolly never use it and it just looks like a pita. I would be willing to trade with another new truck owner or buy one.

[Got stroke?]

Also what do you guys think of the recon lights? What is better xenon or hid bulbs? Do you guys do both highs and lows? I am also going to set up with an invisarack and tonneau cover and the tuxedo hidden tool box. I have the trac rac on my other truck however I am going to limit the amount of lumber hauling this truck does for a little while. She's really to pretty to start beating up.

[Bopper]

if you stay tuned for another week or so im installing a bunch of black stuff on my 12 tuxedo.... black mesh grille and bumper grille,installing hid's in the fogs and headlights and then lightly tinting the headlights,tail lights and 3rd brake light

[AresSD]

If you were closer I would trade wheels. Maybe post something on craigslist...I bet you'll find someone that would want to trade you for the 20's.

[OCVeloMan]

Originally Posted by Got stroke?

2). I am thinking of going with the carli 2.5 basic kit. Anyone have any experience with this? Are the bilsteins a big upgrade from stock? I do load this truck and tow and haul with it periodically. I don't want to do anything to effect it's capabilities. Will this really tighten up the steering? as this is my only complaint with the new truck the steering is very light and loose. My 150 had a much firmer, tighter feel and was much more linear.

The leveling kit will do exactly that, tighten up the front end, extend travel and improve handling. The bilstein 5100s do not do much by way of softening the ride but they add a great amount of control and drivability!

[BgCountry]

If you go with the Mini Max you better get one TODAY. They are getting scarce.

[Got stroke?]

What about all the recon lighting? Is it good stuff? I am prolly going with the spartan. I don't think on the fly switching is safe and I think the spartan offers a little more confidentiality then the h&s. Only thing I heard is the war hammer tune has rough shifting. However I only plan on running the 80 or 125 tune. I am a set it and forget it kinda guy and this is not a race car. I just want to stop the regenerations.

[Painted Horse]

You should be able to find Ford OEM 18" wheels on line, Craigs list, Ebay, here locally I look at KSL.com. I bought some 20" take offs from the dealer, Tires and Wheels for $1100. I kept the tires and sold the 20" wheels on line for $500. You should be able to do the same inyour area.

Tail gate step. Do you want to get ride of ALL of it, or just the stripper pole

You can remove the stripper pole, throw away the plastic cover and just buy the replacement flat metal that goes on a normal tailgate. Install it with the 6 screws and have your local Spray in liner company spray it. You still have the step that pulls out if you want it. I personally hate the pole, But the step is OK.

[harrymank]

Originally Posted by Painted Horse

You should be able to find Ford OEM 18" wheels on line, Craigs list, Ebay, here locally I look at KSL.com. I bought some 20" take offs from the dealer, Tires and Wheels for $1100. I kept the tires and sold the 20" wheels on line for $500. You should be able to do the same inyour area.

Tail gate step. Do you want to get ride of ALL of it, or just the stripper pole

You can remove the stripper pole, throw away the plastic cover and just buy the replacement flat metal that goes on a normal tailgate. Install it with the 6 screws and have your local Spray in liner company spray it. You still have the step that pulls out if you want it. I personally hate the pole, But the step is OK.

If you do this you need to get a different hinge also, the tailgate wont completely open if you remove the handle because of the weight difference. I was working on doing this on my 08 but haven't gotten around to it yet. If anyone else has info it would be appreciated, or if they would like to trade for a silver tailgate with a step.