Electric Transfer Case

[Dean Upson]

I think the main thing to keep in mind is that it is cheaper to get what ever extras you want from the factory (folding floor, electronic transfer case, power pedals, etc) than to get it from the parts department later on. Towing mirrors would also come to mind.

There are some options that, as far as I know, are only available on the Laramie, the dual zone temp and the heated seats come to mind.

Many folks are shied away from the Laramie because of the leather seating and that is a big part of the price difference. I liked enough of the goodies that came with the package to make my purchase cost-effective for me.



Dean

 

[JamesDennis]

I LOVE IT NOW. ASK ME AFTER 100K MILES.

 

[TBrennan]

There was a large difference in price from SLT to Laramie when I did my pricing, and most of the options added were worthless to me. Dual climate control seems overcomplicated to me in such a confined space (and having to sit in my wife's explorer with it's failed fancy temperature control system I prefer simple controls) and I knew that I'd be adding a coolant heater someday so the electric bun warmers would be a waste. I also don't like wood trim (which has apparently changed on the new models).



Also the leather seats are cheap and I will probably add some quality aftermarket ones (Katzskin) instead.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Dean (and others... ) is (are) right... .



If you add up all the stuff you get with the Laramie that doesn't come as a standard option with an SLT - it comes out to a LOT more than just adding the Laramie package.



The Laramie package is just too much stuff... . the power pedals would likely never even move once I set them the first time, the bun toasters would be nice... but when they burn out - they cost a lot, I don't want the electric x-fer case - period, Chrysler's leather is okay at best, etc.



The dual-zone HVAC is a very nice option and does increase the complexity and price of the system... but it is very simple in its layout and operation.



Matt

 

[klenger]

IMHO, if you aren't interested in the leather heated seats, the Larmie package isn't cost effective. I looked at buying both ways, and the SLT worked out better for the options I wanted. Even with the Larmie, there were a few options I still would have to order separately.

 

[DPelletier]

Ken,

Yeah, that's where I ended up too. The Laramie is nice and I'm definitely not knocking them, but I didn't want to spend the $'s for what was offered in the package.

- Heated leather seats - didn't want - too much $

- dual zone climate control - not a big deal to me, but would have been nice.

- wood grain dash - nice, but I don't really care

- elec transfer case - would rather have the manual shift unit.



The SLT cost me $2500 - 3000 less and my truck had all the other options;autodim mirror, pwr pedals, rear def, infinity sound, etc. etc.



All depends on what you want



Dave

 

[GColeman]

We are so lucky! Our most heated discussions are related to options and after market mods. On the F*** site, they are still consumed with leaks, romps, and which dealer to have their truck towed to.



Back on the subject: Laramie for me! Heated leather seats and electric 4WD.

 

[Dean Upson]

After the past few days here in the deep freeze, I would not ever get a new vehicle without the butt warmers. The best option I got on the truck other than the tow mirrors and the folding floor and the ... ... ... ... ... .



Dean

 

[Tejasdge]

Love the electric, and no rattle/buzz like my old NV231 to drive me nuts.

 

[JRG]

How about;



Power seats on BOTH sides

Steering controls for the Infinity 6-disc-in-dash-changer

Upgraded overhead computer

Keyless alarm system (not just keyless entry)

Skid plates

Power/Heated mirrors reguardless if towing or not

Under seat storage in front center



Are side air bags even an opt on a SLT?



One last thing you can get ONLY with the Laramie... ... . the BADGE!



JRG

 

[TBrennan]

Power seats: No biggie, I don't grow that often. Same for power pedals.



Steering wheel radio controls - buttons that do nothing once a quality aftermarket unit replaces the factory garbage.



Overhead computer: What does this upgrade do? I'm building a real Win Xp embedded system with 7" touschcreen, this thing isn't a computer to me.



Keyless alarm system: Crappy oem alarm, no thanks. I'll go with an aftermarket with more features and better range when I get one.



Skid plates: Not specific to Laramie.



Power/Heated mirrors: I got the tow mirrors and almost never tow, they are just better all around so not an issue.



Under seat storage in front center: Comes with deluxe cloth, I have it on my SLT.



Side Air Bags: Got them also with the SLT.



Electric 4x4 Shift : Paid extra for this as well.

 

[JRG]

Steering wheel radio controls - buttons that do nothing once a quality aftermarket unit replaces the factory garbage.



Overhead computer: What does this upgrade do? I'm building a real Win Xp embedded system with 7" touschcreen, this thing isn't a computer to me.



Keyless alarm system: Crappy oem alarm, no thanks. I'll go with an aftermarket with more features and better range when I get one.

You will have to pay for those.

Power/Heated mirrors: I got the tow mirrors and almost never tow, they are just better all around so not an issue.

I agree, but my point was that heat was standard on a Laramie.

Under seat storage in front center: Comes with deluxe cloth, I have it on my SLT.



Side Air Bags: Got them also with the SLT.

Wasn't sure on those items, thanks for the info.



JRG

 

[GBrzezinski]

I have the electronic in my '03. At least it works! Never worked in the F-350. Ordered the manual in the '04. Hope it works as smooth as the '03.

 

[JLehman]

I've had 6 or 8 different 4x4s dial and mechanical, never had a problem with either, like the one less hole in the floor, mine works fine so far. Heated seats the best new option i've ever had. Great!!