Ford borrowed 5.9B to retool a couple of plants to produce more fuel efficient models. They did not take any "bailout" money. They were not going bankrupt. GM took the money to meet current debt obligations that were going to cause them to close the doors. GM had to be bailed out or they were done. Ford lobbied for the bailout knowing that if GM were to go bankrupt, it would cripple the entire industry by also bankrupting many parts makers that Ford may also rely on. But, to say that both automakers were on the same footing financially during the recession is fallacy. I traded in a Chevy Z71 for a new Ford F150 and have been very pleased with the decision for more reasons than political. In my opinion, its just a much better ride and has been less trouble than any of the Chevy's I had before. It does a better job towing my tractor and gets around a lot better on stock tires than any of my Chevy's also.
I had the dealer put it on new. To be honest, all I remember is that it raised the front 3 inches. I had driven the truck very little prior to that kit install, but I did not notice any difference in ride. It knocks the fuel economy by a small fraction. That is the main reason they put the rake in the new trucks. But, most of us don't buy pickups because we are interested in fuel economy.
Here's my BEAST of a 2000 Chevy S10. Watch out because when I throw it in 2wd and stomp on it all 4 cylinders cook those tires off. Haha... nah it's a great little truck though. Fulfills all I need it for, for the time being. It's a 2000 with only 70k miles and runs great. Here's the best addition I've made to it.
The old girl needs a bath but this is how she is right now. Really want to have it restored one day. The dually runs like it has less than 100k miles even though it has 400k Not sure why my phone uploaded the pictures sideways.
1995 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4x4 with the 5.9. Only has 103k miles. 3 inch lift and 33x12.5s. I put the nerf bars and toolbox on it. Last week I put pioneer speakers, a kenwood headunit, and subs in it. I also put a nice front bumper on it(not in picture.) Being that I'm a 17 year old redneck child, I don't need anything fancy yet lol.
Heres my 97 GMC Sierra. I have spent way too much money on this thing, but it does everything I need (besides towing, which is why my next truck will be a Cummins). Torsion bar keys, extra leaf springs in the rear, 285/75r16 Goodyear DuraTracs, fender flares, 6"X9" KC HiLites, brighter bulbs in headlights, Flowmaster exhaust, K&N air filter, tool box, aftermarket radio, bed liner in bed and from the body line and below, 20% tint on the side windows, 5% tint on the back window and windshield strip... I'm sure I'm missing some things too.
