'96 F150 5.8 Auto Extended cab vs. '96 Chevy 1500 5.7 auto Extended cab

[CZ Eddie]

Hey folks,

So I'm seriously considering my next vehicle and after exhaustive research I've narrowed it down to a couple choices.
You might ask me "why these years/models" but the explanation is kind of weird and not really very interesting.

So I want either:

• 1996 F150 5.8L with auto and extended cab ('96 for the MAF).
• '96-'98 Chevy 1500 5.7L with auto and extended cab.

I've ruled out earlier/later model Chevy's.
And I've done the same with the F150.

I'm not a Ford vs Chevy guy.
I'm just hoping for some practical opinions between the two trucks I've mentioned above.
Not interested in fan-boy opinions. Just real honest opinions.

What do I want from the truck?
I drive maybe 5-7k miles a year (seriously) and it's 99% in the city.
But I'm a DIY'er so I like the idea of a bed for tools & lumber.
And my two huge dogs want the bed too, so they can go places with me without their fur shedding all over the cabin.
I plan to lift either truck just a bit so I can hang out with my Jeep'n Cousin once in a while on some light/medium trails.

And someday in a couple years I plan to mod the heck out of the engine.
To get upwards of 400 rwhp I hope.
Just because I like that sort of thing.
Which is why I want factory MAF (not spliced BS).

And I plan to keep the truck for 20 years.

-Eddie

Here's the same thread over on a Ford forum in case anyone is interested:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17990711