Thinking of Purchasing Ford F-150 - Some Questions

[CompactTractorFan]

So, as a lot of you already know, my parents are thinking of purchasing a truck. We were originally thinking of getting a Toyota Tacoma, but we have pretty much ruled that out for various reasons (including the input from TBN members). We have decided that we want to look at the F-150 very closely...

Uses: Daily driver (most likely for my mom) and most likely towing the BX (probably a 7k GVWR trailer).
Needs: XLT trim, Crew Cab, 4x4, and short bed.

We want to get some detailed pricing, so we have a question or two:

1. Ecoboost or V8? It's pretty much a toss-up. I know there are going to be a lot of opinions and there is already a thread started on here about this very subject...We would like to get good MPG's...

2. Axle ratio? I know nothing about which gearing would be right for our uses (daily driver and light-medium duty towing, as mentioned above)...

So, what do you think?

 

[Diamondpilot]

For what you guys want to do get a 3.55 axle and either the 5.0L or the 3.5L Eco-Boost.

Me personally I would go with the Eco after seeing what my dads will do with 3.73 gears. His is a 2011 with the FX4 package and a Super Crew.

Chris

 

[edenfarms]

Have you considered a Dodge Ram. I recently bought a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4. I test drove Chevy, Ford and GMC. The Dodge had a better ride by far, better warranty and has numerous upgrades for a comparable price. Also, the Crew Cab (not the Quad cab) is roomier than each of the other cabs. In addition, I was able to get a Hemi, 20"chromes rims, tow package, and dual exhaust with the big horn package for 33,999. The Express which is a slight downgrade still has a hemi, dual exhaust and 18" alloys for 26999 in the quad cab. The closest XLT with similar features was nearly 40K. All in all, the Dodge was the better buy for me. I have about 3K miles on it and love it.

 

[coobie]

Are you talking new or used?The reason I ask I just sold my 2011 ford F250 6.2 engine 3.73 gears.The best gas mileage I could get was 12.8 -13.9 city highway mostly (80%)highway driving.Getting ready to retire in the next 14 months my thought process was to sell my 2011 F250 and buy a more gas friendly 2006 ford F150 5.4 triton V-8 3.73 gears.Low and behold after my purchase the MPG,s are a little better city/highway 14-18 mpg,s.honest hand cal.mileage figures.I almost paid cash for my 2011 F250 so after it was sold the 2006 Ford F-150 is paid for.My point those looking for great MPG,s from a 3/4 or 1/2 ton truck might seek other options.Just a thought.coobie

 

[Dmace]

Considering your more in search of a fuel effcient truck with mild tow ratings (under 6k lbs), I would look at a base engine truck like Ford V6 3.7l (302 hp/268 lb.ft) and 23 mpg highway with a payload around 1500 lbs and tow capacity around 5500lbs. Although, it looks like the V6 is only available in a 2wd SuperCrew and not 4x4 unless you go with the smaller SuperCab...
The 5.0l and Ecoboost are way more than you need and I doubt your parents want a turbo charged engine which needs careful maintenance and driving care to ensure longevity like close watch on oil types and longer warm up/cool down times. The 5.0l is the better choice but still more than they need. Ford left too big of a gap between the V6 base engine and mid lineup V8 5.0l where the old 5.4l worked.

On the flip side, a new RAM 1500 with the base V8 4.7l that's been in production over a decade makes 310hp/330 lb.ft., 20 mpg highway, 7,100lbs towing and 1540lbs payload along with a longer warranty and cheaper price. Plus they get the nice smooth ride of a coil over suspension no one else offers in a full size.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Thanks for the replies.

We don't really like RAM, but they have the best price...

Getting back to the axle, aside from the ratios, what is the difference between a Non-Limited Slip and a Electronic Locking axle???

 

[buck12]

Considering your more in search of a fuel effcient truck with mild tow ratings (under 6k lbs), I would look at a base engine truck like Ford V6 3.7l (302 hp/268 lb.ft) and 23 mpg highway with a payload around 1500 lbs and tow capacity around 5500lbs. Although, it looks like the V6 is only available in a 2wd SuperCrew and not 4x4 unless you go with the smaller SuperCab...
The 5.0l and Ecoboost are way more than you need and I doubt your parents want a turbo charged engine which needs careful maintenance and driving care to ensure longevity like close watch on oil types and longer warm up/cool down times. The 5.0l is the better choice but still more than they need. Ford left too big of a gap between the V6 base engine and mid lineup V8 5.0l where the old 5.4l worked.

On the flip side, a new RAM 1500 with the base V8 4.7l that's been in production over a decade makes 310hp/330 lb.ft., 20 mpg highway, 7,100lbs towing and 1540lbs payload along with a longer warranty and cheaper price. Plus they get the nice smooth ride of a coil over suspension no one else offers in a full size.

I am Ford guy and there is no way I would go with the 3.7. Our dealer gave is a loaner F150 with a 3.7 while my wife's Explorer was having some work done. The 3.7 had absolutely no power.

 

[Diamondpilot]

A locker is just like the name implies and locks both wheels in the axle up solid. Most are electric like the ones in Fords, Toyotas, Dodges, and Nissans. GM uses a G80 locker that uses friction plates like a clutch and is automatic but does not lock until wheel slip is detected and then disengages at about 25 mph of wheel spin, not ground speed so if you are stuck and spinning it will disengage at a point.

Limited slip also know as posi trac is a system that sends power to both wheels versus a open diff that only sends power to one wheel at a time. It a proven system that works ok but is no locker and if stuck or one wheel is not making ground contact will allow no power or very little power to the wheel touching the ground.

Chris

 

[archerynut]

I have. 2012 f150 with 3.55 electronic locking diff and ecoboost and I really like it. I have not found anything that I dislike as of yet. I went with the locking diff so that I could lock in the rear axle when better traction is needed. I am going to tow my kubota B3200 TLB this weekend to see how it does.

 

[General Lee]

Getting back to the axle, aside from the ratios, what is the difference between a Non-Limited Slip and a Electronic Locking axle???

Limited slip is when the truck senses slipping on the one rear drive wheel and engage the other wheel at times to help the other. Both wheels will not turn simultaneously so to speak.

Electronic locking axle you will be able to engage and lock the rear wheels from a switch on the dash. It will lock both wheels and they will spin together just like differential lock on a tractor. This option is the better of the two. This is my understanding of the two, If I'm wrong, someone correct me.

3.55 axle would be a good choice.

 

[s219]

I am Ford guy and there is no way I would go with the 3.7. Our dealer gave is a loaner F150 with a 3.7 while my wife's Explorer was having some work done. The 3.7 had absolutely no power.

I sort of agree, but never felt like the 5.0 or Eco were that much faster -- don't forget it's a big heavy battleship. For someone with limited towing needs (5000 lbs max), I am sure the 3.7 V6 models would be fine. They also save a chunk of change.

I looked real hard at the F-150 in December before ultimately getting a different vehicle, and to this day I still find the F-150 appealing. For my own purposes, I focused in on an XLT super cab, 5.0, 4x4, 6.5 ft bed, tow package, as the best combination, with 3.55 or 3.73 gearing. I probably would have custom ordered to get it the way I wanted, with vinyl floor and backup camera (both not so common on lots), and to skip all the "dude" packages (which seem common).

It's a great vehicle, and the quality is pretty decent. I did find interior flaws in every single F-150 I sat in though, and it got to be comical that I would sit in one, look around, and then slap something into place like the Fonz. Every single time. But other than that, I think they are pretty solid and well made, especially the exterior and powertrain.

I really don't see the point of the 5.5 ft bed, even on a crew cab -- I think at that point you have to ask yourself why you're getting a pickup truck. I'd look into an SUV before thinking a crew cab / short bed was a viable option.

 

[buck12]

I sort of agree, but never felt like the 5.0 or Eco were that much faster -- don't forget it's a big heavy battleship. For someone with limited towing needs (5000 lbs max), I am sure the 3.7 V6 models would be fine. They also save a chunk of change.

I looked real hard at the F-150 in December before ultimately getting a different vehicle, and to this day I still find the F-150 appealing. For my own purposes, I focused in on an XLT super cab, 5.0, 4x4, 6.5 ft bed, tow package, as the best combination, with 3.55 or 3.73 gearing. I probably would have custom ordered to get it the way I wanted, with vinyl floor and backup camera (both not so common on lots), and to skip all the "dude" packages (which seem common).

It's a great vehicle, and the quality is pretty decent. I did find interior flaws in every single F-150 I sat in though, and it got to be comical that I would sit in one, look around, and then slap something into place like the Fonz. Every single time. But other than that, I think they are pretty solid and well made, especially the exterior and powertrain.

I really don't see the point of the 5.5 ft bed, even on a crew cab -- I think at that point you have to ask yourself why you're getting a pickup truck. I'd look into an SUV before thinking a crew cab / short bed was a viable option.

I have an 09 f150 with a 5.4 and it has plenty of get up for my needs. The 3.7 felt so week it scared me in city traffic.

 

[Soundguy]

3.73 might be the only choice in that light of a truck... in any case.. for limited use towing it should be ok..

 

[Diamondpilot]

The reason for 5.5' bed is it will allow a Super Crew to fit in a standard 20'x20' garage.

I have had 6 F-150's and most had the 5.5' bed for this reason. It has tons of volume because its so deep but can be a hindrance if hauling materials longer than 10'

Chris

 

[buck12]

The reason for 5.5' bed is it will allow a Super Crew to fit in a standard 20'x20' garage.

I have had 6 F-150's and most had the 5.5' bed for this reason. It has tons of volume because its so deep but can be a hindrance if hauling materials longer than 10'

Chris

I thought the 5.5' bed may be an issue when I bought my current truck but I have only missed the extra foot a couple of times.

 

[RollingsFarms]

The reason for 5.5' bed is it will allow a Super Crew to fit in a standard 20'x20' garage.

I have had 6 F-150's and most had the 5.5' bed for this reason. It has tons of volume because its so deep but can be a hindrance if hauling materials longer than 10'

Chris

I actually enjoy the shorter bed length in my CC truck too. if I have to haul something really long I'll just use my trailer. my bed length and depth has been more then sufficient for my needs 90% of the time though.

 

[Fossil Farm]

Got a 2011 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0L V8. Crew cab and 6.5 ft. bed.
Getting better gas mileage (around 16.5 mpg) than I did with my
older F-150 2WD extended cab. Got the 3.55 ratio limited slip on
the new one, and in the mud a few weeks ago, did just fine.

Unless you are going to order one, some of the axle ratios are not
easily available based on the rest of the package. Good luck.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Thanks again for the replies so far. Gives us a lot of options to consider.

 

[RAS323]

Getting back to the axle, aside from the ratios, what is the difference between a Non-Limited Slip and a Electronic Locking axle???

Non-limited slip is an open differential, ie.. only one rear tire will spin.

Electronic locking axle, locks the differential so both rear tires will spin (in my toyota it only works when in 4wd low range).

For what it's worth, I've towed 7000+# with my 2005 Tacoma many times, never had a problem. Good fuel mileage with a truck is going to be 20mpg or less (4wd=less)

 

[jejeosborne]

Considering your more in search of a fuel effcient truck with mild tow ratings (under 6k lbs), I would look at a base engine truck like Ford V6 3.7l (302 hp/268 lb.ft) and 23 mpg highway with a payload around 1500 lbs and tow capacity around 5500lbs. Although, it looks like the V6 is only available in a 2wd SuperCrew and not 4x4 unless you go with the smaller SuperCab...
The 5.0l and Ecoboost are way more than you need and I doubt your parents want a turbo charged engine which needs careful maintenance and driving care to ensure longevity like close watch on oil types and longer warm up/cool down times. The 5.0l is the better choice but still more than they need.

You are correct about the 4x4 requiring at least the 5.0 with the screw.

I drive an ecoboost and don't understand the "careful maintenance and driving care to ensure longevity" comment. Am I missing something because I drive it and maintain it like any other vehicle I have ever owned. Run it hard, change the oil every 4000 miles, etc. These turbos are water cooled and require no cool down. Warming any engine is wise prior to hard work but otherwise jump in a go. I have always been careful of any oil in any engine I have owned. The 3.5 liter EB was built ground up to be boosted just as any other industrial/farm boosted engine that is known for longevity. I could understand your point if it were an engine they adapted or converted to a boosted engine but this engine has a forged crank and built properly for its application. Yes, it is a new engine so time will tell if it was engineered properly.

To the OP, here is a copy of my window sticker if it helps. I paid $750 under invoice and kept $6250 in rebates back in Sept. I would say either engine would be a good choice. I am getting close to what the sticker says. I keep track of my milage with an app on my phone and am getting around 16.5 around town and 20.5 on the highway doing 60-65 mph. It drops to about 19-19.5 doing 70-75 mph. I am very pleased getting these numbers in a 5700 lb truck averaging more than 3 mpg better than my 2001 Dodge Dakota with a 4.7 liter. I have the max tow package which includes a 3.73 ratio. I do a lot of towing and also liked the larger mirrors with that package but doubt it would benefit your needs. The EB gets maybe 1 mpg over the 5.0 and cost $909 invoice more. Last year it only was only about $700 more. I am at about 5000 miles and still loving it.