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[blue61]

Before ordering a new F-350 4x4, I'd like to wait until the 6.2L "Boss" V8 gasjob is available (MY2010?). Rumor has it though, that doing so might cause me to miss out on a few of my very favorite Super Duty trademarks (like I did in the '90’s when losing the floor-mounted high beam switch )...

• Manually locking hubs, to be replaced by ones similar to the auto-sensing type F-150s already employ.
• Manually shifting 2-speed transfer case, to be replaced by electronic push-button style, which is already available as an option.
• Manually shifting 6-speed transmission, to be removed, leaving only the automatic breed.

Somewhat related: I *hear* the solid front axle (such as the Dana "Super 60") will become limited to just those 4x4s equipped with DRW, leaving their SRW counterpart (which I am in the market for) with a new-fangled IFS. If true, I hope it will at least be as robust as the old Dana 50-based IFS found in F-250HD 4x4s between '88 and '97.

Based on recent statistics, I feared that Regular Cabs might also go the way of the Dodo. So, I dug around and was glad when I found a blurb indicating F-150s are actually reverting back to a TRUE regular cab soon. Phew! At least I feel confident I won't be forced into a 4-door pickup w/ 6’ bed anytime soon, hah.

Are there any facts out there to solidify (or calm!) my worry? And if true, have there been any proposed model year(s) in which they might take effect?