 I opted for the 4x4 extended cab and 
short bed. Only negatives are fuel 
efficency and the captains chairs 
aren't as comfortable as the bench seat 
in my '93 F-150 I owned previously. 
Also, cab steps are a must for getting 
in and out easily. The shift on the fly 
4x4 worked very nicely the couple times 
I've needed to use it so far. For a 3/4 
ton with the plow package, the ride is 
much better than I thought it would be.
 All in all, a great truck. For better 
gas mileage, however, I'd go with the 
diesel; budget permitting.