Hey AM you should probably get the console. Benefits:
- REAR AC! A must here IMO.
- Resale.
- This awesome fridge (if you keep it).
- Option for rear heat. You probably don't need it but again, resale. And it might be beneficial at times.
- Probably more but I am too lazy to think of and list them.
But of course, I still really like the front bench seat. So you could swap the bench seat in. Luckily there is a thread on that:
I have a pretty big family and we needed the 6 passenger configuration, but I preferred the console on the truck. After doing some research online I found some folks that had swapped between the two. I looked at part availability and found that the jump seats are relatively easy to come by...
www.fordtremor.com
Then you will have that essential rear ac and the other benefits of the center console if you need them. Plus if/when you sell it you could put the console back in then include the bench seat. That would make for a happy buyer!
Another thought is you could sell the center console. I imagine it will more than pay for the bench seat, so there comes some more savings! Then if you could figure out how to make the AC and whatever other rear controls the center console had work with the bench that would be sweet!
Just my thoughts. Good luck with the order.