Id part with my 99 f250. 170k standard cab, white. runs fine. rear main seal leaks alil oil. with plow 7k. with out 4k. You can make some money with it over winter too!
your actually right, the reason they did it like that, is so the trunk could clear it...true story. now why they didn't just mount a small one to the trunk is beyond me...
Look Rob, I know you do great work. But the way you handle yourself here and towards other shops (especially IPS) is a HUGE turnoff. It could be any shop and I would say the same thing....