Want to get an F150 4X4 bare bone configuration with the 6.5 bed. Suggestions on best 2010 engine for reliability and ease of maintenance? Tks.

 

You need to hurry.

After the 2010s, there won't be anymore 4.6L and 5.4L engines. There are 100,000s of these motors on the road and LOTS of repair and maintenance information.

For your situation, I would recommend a 4.6L, 3V, 3.55 limited slip, 4x4. Head over to a local dealer or 2011 Ford F-150 Truck | It's Not Just a Pickup Truck. It's a Ford F-150. | FordVehicles.com (select Search Local Dealers) and start looking at the 2010s. Post up your options and questions.

 

Shotgunz has good advice. What I would add is try to get an "A" or "X" plan PIN in order to receive a better price. See this forum for more info; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...st-thread.html

Ford Corporate Employees Discount Program (AXZ Plan) - Ford

Ford Friends and Neighbors Program - Ford (X plan)

 

I agree with Shotguntz except I prefer the 3.73 axle ratio.

 

Great idea Shorebird.

Sometimes you can get an X-plan PIN here.

 

If he was looking for towing/hauling capacity and not MPG, I would agree.

Pretty sure the 3.55 is the lowest GR you can get with the LS; otherwise I would have recommended the 3.31.

Plus with the 6-speed, 1st and 2nd are REALLY low and your effective gear ratio can effectively handle almost any towing/hauling situation.

1st: 4.17:1
2nd: 2.34:1
3rd: 1.52:1
4th: 1.14:1
5th: .86:1
6th: .69:1

 

I have a 2010 f150 STX 4x4 with the 4.6 2valve. I know you said you wanted a bare bones model, this isnt' quite it, but pretty close. It still has power windows and cruise control, but it's not over done in my opinion. the interior is all a dark gray and looks pretty darn good. it has the manual shift for the 4x4 as well. I've maxed out the bed weight and the truck hauled it with absolutely no problems at all. I've had it for just under a year and have yet to have any complaints.

I'm no engine expert, but i have been told that the 4.6 2valve is very similar to what they have been running in the mustangs after they did away with the 5.0 so i would assume there are ample parts for it.

 

Thanks for the help folks.

 

They just started building the 2011's about a week ago, so your dealer can't have any yet.

To read up on a work truck shoot out head over to pickup trucks.com
PickupTrucks.com and USA Today Present the 2010 V-6 Work Truck Shootout - PickupTrucks.com News

 

The 4.6L family are work horses for sure but the 4.6L 3V comes with the six speed transmission which translates into better MPG's and more low end grunt. The 4.6L 2V is an exceptional engine but is still mated to the 4 speed transmission. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

Great article - thanks.

 

Gear Ratio: Two dealers where I live. I"m told that most all the 2010 with 4X4 in the base model come with the 3.73 ratio since they are primarily considered basic work trucks. Both of the available 2010 trucks in 4X4 I'm looking at are 3.73 ratio. I need to find out if they even are lower gear ratios for short bed 4X4 and is a lower ratio a good idea in a 4X4 "if" it is available. I'm totally stumped on this issue now.


UPDATE: Just got the specs on the 2010 from the dealer and it looks like Shotgun is right, the 3.55 is the lowest ratio I can get in this particular model; however, I have found that the vast majority of local trucks are 3.73 - which I am assuming is because they are more designed as work trucks.[/quote]

Unless you are driving mostly highway I think the 3.73 will give as good of mpg's as the 3.55,s.The higher number is a lower speed gear and will keep it from down shifting better than the 3.55s.
I think you would be happy with either one.Running empty you will not notice much difference.

 

I've had 3, F-150 XLT's since 2006. The 2006 had a 3.73 rear diff with limited slip. The 2008 had a 3.55 reg. diff. and my 2010 has a 3.31 reg. diff w/ a 6 speed tranny. All 3 trucks had/have the 5.4 liter engine. The '06 got better mpg than the '08. The '06 had a little better traction on the slippery stuff in 2 wheel drive. The 2010 has better S**t and git than the other 2, we will see this winter when it get slick (can't wait to see what the Advanced Traction Control will do ). Now to my point.. Limited slip diff's have more moving parts that can fail. Living up north, it gets nasty in the winter, you buy a 4 wheel drive, if you want traction, put it in 4 wheel drive to get going and then take it out. I think whatever engine and diff. you get as long as it's a FORD you will be happy.

 

If you come across one, the 4.6 3v with the towing package. You will save a lot over the 11s with the incentives and an X plan if you can get one. I saved a bigger ton with incentives and an A plan.

 

process of re-writing.