Don't forget to check if you are eligible for a Ford discount plan. USAA is one way, and some employers have discounts on Fords as well.
I'm sort of in the same boat, but it will be a while before I do a special order (jumped jobs recently when my old contract decided to end abruptly due to a company merger), so this is a useful thread.
I am paying for 4WD though... It may take a little bit more MPG and cost a bit more, but I plan to be in remote places where it can come in handy.
As for 2017 Fords... I understand the aluminium on steel is OK for a half-ton which is mainly a grocery-getter... but for 3/4 and one tons which tend to do actual work? That sort of worries me, although a truck bed can be made out of fiberglass, and because it isn't a structural item, it would be OK.