HD F-150 or 3/4 ton truck?

[gladehound]

If it was close enough to worry about I would measure the door height and even the truck height, new or not. Hate to have it almost fit then have to get very low profile tires to make it work. People would think you would be a gang banger,

... and that would truly be a horrible look for me! In truth it's only the hanging bar that I might hit. The actual heights in the garage (at least where I park) are a foot higher than that. I guess I could sneak out at night and remove a link from the chains that the bar hangs from

 

[Sysop]

Fixed or repaired daily.

Just ask anyone who dealt with carbonizing up the heads in the "ECO-Boost" Also basic replacement parts are generally more for Eco-Boost than V-8.

Sources?

Carbon buildup on valves is a common thing to all direct injected engines; it's not something that is a problem for ONLY ecoboost engines. Ford has corrected that problem with the new dual injection system on the new ecoboost, so I'm going to say that on that count you are wrong.

What is it you consider to be "basic replacement parts"? Starters, alternators, air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, water pumps are all the same prices. I'd like to see the part that is more expensive for an ecoboost than the 5L... There are some expensive parts that aren't on the 5L, such as turbos. I guess the exhaust manifolds might cost more, but I don't really consider them to be "basic replacement parts". I think you have a weird idea of what a basic replacement part is, or are wrong on this count too.

Funny thing, bought my 2015 F150 with 3.5L ecoboost in March 2016. I've got 57,xxx+ miles on it and have had zero issues. All I do is add gasoline every 600-700 miles, do an oil change every 5000 miles, and change the air filter every 10,000 miles. No fixes or repairs needed on a flawless truck...

 

[Sysop]

... and that would truly be a horrible look for me! In truth it's only the hanging bar that I might hit. The actual heights in the garage (at least where I park) are a foot higher than that. I guess I could sneak out at night and remove a link from the chains that the bar hangs from

Generally in those garages the clearance sign at the entrance is only a couple inches lower than the lowest hanging obstruction inside. If you can clear the entrance marker, you won't have issues inside.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Sources?

Carbon buildup on valves is a common thing to all direct injected engines; it's not something that is a problem for ONLY ecoboost engines. Ford has corrected that problem with the new dual injection system on the new ecoboost, so I'm going to say that on that count you are wrong.

What is it you consider to be "basic replacement parts"? Starters, alternators, air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, water pumps are all the same prices. I'd like to see the part that is more expensive for an ecoboost than the 5L... There are some expensive parts that aren't on the 5L, such as turbos. I guess the exhaust manifolds might cost more, but I don't really consider them to be "basic replacement parts". I think you have a weird idea of what a basic replacement part is, or are wrong on this count too.

Funny thing, bought my 2015 F150 with 3.5L ecoboost in March 2016. I've got 57,xxx+ miles on it and have had zero issues. All I do is add gasoline every 600-700 miles, do an oil change every 5000 miles, and change the air filter every 10,000 miles. No fixes or repairs needed on a flawless truck...

Your truck is just like my 2012 EB with 119,400 miles.

A battery, set of spark plugs, 3 sets of tires, tranny and and axle fluid changes along with gas, 5K oil changes, and 10K air filters.

Its still on original brakes!

Chris

 

[Sysop]

One difference, I'll have that many miles at 3 years rather than 5. I opted to purchase a 5 year 150,000 miles Ford PremiumCare warranty when I bought it. So far it's not been worth the additional cost...

Finally at 57xxx+ I'm just considering changing the tires... I put BFG KO2s on it the day after I bought it. They're almost to the wear indicators. I've got new brakes setting in the shop waiting. Once winter gets a bit nearer, I'll replace the tires and install the new brakes.

 

[mike69440]

I do not doubt that gas v8s are the current reliability king - I just can't stand the lack of low RPM torque and all that comes with that (can't hold speed in a gear, lots of shifting, lots of noise). I think it's Diesel of EB for me!

The black thingy atop the V8 fixes any lack of low end torque issues.

 

[gladehound]

The black thingy atop the V8 fixes any lack of low end torque issues.

Cool! :thumbsup: love the concept! Now if you get rid of the belt that drives that thingy and run it off the exhaust you could have boost only when you need it, gaining efficiency. Since you can always increase boost to make up for displacement you no longer need those two extra cylinders. So just lop them off. That way you could have both economy or boost! Hey, we could call the new engine an Ecoboost :laughing:

 

[Farmer495]

The black thingy atop the V8 fixes any lack of low end torque issues.

Got a graph of the difference? A stock 5.0 has a peak torque spike, versus the 3.5 having a very flat torque plateau right across the rev range.

 

[mike69440]

Graph shows Old dyno run with 2 Lb lower pulley.
For years I have been running a 4 Lb Lower pulley for about 600 HP, using min 93 octane fuel.
Engine is 4.6L-32V, not a Coyote 5.0, originally equipped with a M122 Heaton (1.8L) Heat generator
Much better with 2.3L axial screw compressor, though the 2.3L TVS Eaton is a vast improvement over the old compressors.
For a 1/2 ton P/U tow vehicle, I suggest OEM size lower pulley and limit HP to about 525, /500Ft-LBS, use Hi-Test gas and minimum 0-40W Oil, add trans cooler and aftermarket radiator.
Though not towing, I average 22-24MPG and still live in fear of John E. Law

I've got nothing against a nice Ford V8 turbo setup, GM LS ,3rd gen Semi Hemi, or even electrons.
When the ECO Boost first came out, the Aftermarket for parts did not exist. I'm not sure what part costs are like now, but Ford was sure proud of their parts$$$

 

[kevinwak]

Well, the garage says 80". And the specs for the Ram 3500 say 79.8". So I should be able to drive in there at 30 mph without giving it a second thought right?

If I go the used 3500 route, I'll tape measure it before I buy. The entrance is flat so no ramp to mess with the height.

I just drove four stories up a parkade that was marked 6'8" clearance the other day. I was late for an appointment and it was the only place I could find parking. Not sure how close I was to rubbing, but it never touched anywhere. This was my 2016 F350 cc 4X4 SWR SWB diesel.
If it is just one parkade you deal with go find that low point. Often it is only one place in the parkade with a pipe or beam that hangs down that low.

 

[Farmer495]

Graph shows Old dyno run with 2 Lb lower pulley.
For years I have been running a 4 Lb Lower pulley for about 600 HP, using min 93 octane fuel.
Engine is 4.6L-32V, not a Coyote 5.0, originally equipped with a M122 Heaton (1.8L) Heat generator
Much better with 2.3L axial screw compressor, though the 2.3L TVS Eaton is a vast improvement over the old compressors.
For a 1/2 I suggest OEM size lower pulley and limit HP to about 525, /500Ft-LBS, use Hi-Test gas and minimum 0-40W Oil, add trans cooler and aftermarket radiator.
Though not towing, I average 22-24MPG and still live in fear of John E. Law

I've got nothing against a nice Ford V8 turbo setup, GM LS ,3rd gen Semi Hemi, or even electrons.

Your torque curve is nothing to complain about compared to a stock 5.0. It's almost as flat as the 3.5 eco. Nice.

 

[gladehound]

Graph shows Old dyno run with 2 Lb lower pulley.
For years I have been running a 4 Lb Lower pulley for about 600 HP, using min 93 octane fuel.
Engine is 4.6L-32V, not a Coyote 5.0, originally equipped with a M122 Heaton (1.8L) Heat generator
Much better with 2.3L axial screw compressor, though the 2.3L TVS Eaton is a vast improvement over the old compressors.
For a 1/2 I suggest OEM size lower pulley and limit HP to about 525, /500Ft-LBS, use Hi-Test gas and minimum 0-40W Oil, add trans cooler and aftermarket radiator.
Though not towing, I average 22-24MPG and still live in fear of John E. Law

I've got nothing against a nice Ford V8 turbo setup, GM LS ,3rd gen Semi Hemi, or even electrons.

That is an impressive set up!

 

[HHR]

The only engineering specs I have access to are for GM. The current 6200 pound axle used in the 3/4 ton is a semi-floating type. I have seen commercial Ford cutaway vans with semi-floating axles also.

I believe that GM recently moved from full float to a semi-floating rear end on the 1-ton vans.

 

[HHR]

I have not seen a semi float on any generation of the big three 3/4 ton plus trucks. However, I loved to be proved wrong.

2002 Chevy 2500HD Duramax had a full floater and my Ford Excursion with the 5.4L gas V8 has full float axles also.

 

[HHR]

Cargo, passenger and cutaway 1 tons are still full floating axles.

I just mentioned it because I saw a newer fedex van with a semi-float and ran across this on a van forum the other day: "As of the semi vs full-float axle, it seems to me GM just uses whatever is on the rack that day. My friend's 05 gas 3500 has a FF, mine 06 gas 3500 has SF, my 07 diesel 3500 is FF, my 08 diesel 2500 is SF, my 08 Quigley gas 3500 is also SF, I had a 09 diesel 3500 with FF, and a '12 gas 3500 with SF. Totally random."

 

[gladehound]

Quick update after a pause in my truck search...

I finally found a 2018 F150 HD on the lot that was a reasonable drive from me ~45miles and optioned appropriately.

My intent was only to check it out / drive it etc. so that I knew what I was getting into before eventually ordering. I loved the ride. It was certainly a firmer ride than any other 1/2 ton I've been in but not jarring in any way. I ran it on highway, pot holes, wash board and some gravel. It was quiet, smooth, no vibrations, no roll in corners and got good fuel mileage on my test loop with the 3.73 rear (at least better than my Jeep GC).

Of course, afterwards they wanted to talk numbers. They asked me what they had to do to make the sale. So I gave them a number that was $2,000 - $3,000 South of what other dealers were willing to do if I ordered a truck. I knew full well that they wouldn't go for it...

I was wrong! I think I'm buying a truck now :laughing:

Seeing the truck in person allowed me to check all the important numbers - which are similar to my old 1999.5 F250 PSD.

Payload right at 2399 (2,450 for 1999 PSD). Hitch rated at 12,200 / 1,220 weight distributing and 5,000 / 500 weight carrying (10,000 / 1,000 WD and 5,000 / 500 WC for 1999 PSD). Curb weigh is only 900 pounds less than the 1999.5 PSD and much of that difference must be the diesel engine.

I've attached pictures of the stickers. The 2399 payload is for crew cab 4x4 HD payload, 3.5EB, 301A, running boards, TT mirrors, Tailgate step, FX4, LED box lights, remote start, Sync 3.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Quick update after a pause in my truck search...

I finally found a 2018 F150 HD on the lot that was a reasonable drive from me ~45miles and optioned appropriately.

My intent was only to check it out / drive it etc. so that I knew what I was getting into before eventually ordering. I loved the ride. It was certainly a firmer ride than any other 1/2 ton I've been in but not jarring in any way. I ran it on highway, pot holes, wash board and some gravel. It was quiet, smooth, no vibrations, no roll in corners and got good fuel mileage on my test loop with the 3.73 rear (at least better than my Jeep GC).

Of course, afterwards they wanted to talk numbers. They asked me what they had to do to make the sale. So I gave them a number that was $2,000 - $3,000 South of what other dealers were willing to do if I ordered a truck. I knew full well that they wouldn't go for it...

I was wrong! I think I'm buying a truck now :laughing:

Seeing the truck in person allowed me to check all the important numbers - which are similar to my old 1999.5 F250 PSD.

Payload right at 2399 (2,450 for 1999 PSD). Hitch rated at 12,200 / 1,220 weight distributing and 5,000 / 500 weight carrying (10,000 / 1,000 WD and 5,000 / 500 WC for 1999 PSD). Curb weigh is only 900 pounds less than the 1999.5 PSD and much of that difference must be the diesel engine.

I've attached pictures of the stickers. The 2399 payload is for crew cab 4x4 HD payload, 3.5EB, 301A, running boards, TT mirrors, Tailgate step, FX4, LED box lights, remote start, Sync 3.

Good for you! I hope you like it as much as I like my 2017 F-150. BTW, where are you in PA?

 

[gladehound]

Good for you! I hope you like it as much as I like my 2017 F-150. BTW, where are you in PA?

I'm sure I will love it. I'm in Southeast PA, in Perkiomenville, which is about half way between Allentown and Philadelphia.

 

[Ford850]

I have a 2013 F150 HD, and what stood out from that sticker is the difference in tires and PSI. Mine came with 245-75-17E tires with a sticker PSI of 55 front and 60 rear. I see yours are 18C and only 48PSI. Not that mine rides rough, but your tires must give you a softer ride for sure.

 

[dodge man]

Mine is a 7040 GVR rated 2017. I think the door jamb sticker is even less for the tire psi, maybe 35 psi. I think you will enjoy it, I really like mine. Post up a couple of pics if you get the chance.