Wondering what I should get I don't tow anything , I use the bed Only . curious what Difference would be from a 3.55 limited slip to a 3.73 limited slip or a 3.73 electronic locking rear ? Wich is better in MPG/POWER to the ground ? It will be in a SUPERCREW or a CREWCAB config with the 5.5 bed and 5.0 . Holy crap does this Motor have alot of POWER drove it home 60 miles one way gettng average 19.5 , and thats with the foot into it most of the time and PASS driving . the SUPERCREW felt quicker by the weight difference .

 

Well, I went with the 3.73 LS for mine but, that was because I specifically wanted the higher tow-rating that it gets me. If I hadn't needed that extra towing margin I would have been more willing to consider a 3.55 LS truck but, honestly I don't see where it would make any significant difference in the MPG either way (individual driving style is likely to be a bigger variable than the axle ratio I'd think). 3.73 would put the power down a bit better but I think you'd have to drive both back to back to see if you could tell the difference (I couldn't). If you don't need to worry about towing then the 3.55 should be fine for you but, I'd say don't even let it be a factor, just find the truck that has the options and color you want and whichever axle it has is what you'll go with.

 

Cool thanks for all the INFO . Found a truck with what I want .... Ingot Silver ....

 

sounds good. just remember that when you bring it home we want to see some pics!

 

Wolf, how's your gas milage on your new truck ? And how is the performance compared to your former truck with the 5.4 ?

I currently have an '01 F250 with the 5.4 and I realize it has even less power than your later model 5.4 did. I'm very likely getting a '12 F150 this fall so I'm looking for all the info and reviews I can get.
TIA

 

well, since I'm barely halfway into the tank it had at delivery all I have to go for on the mileage so far is what the lie-o-meter in the dash is telling me but, if that is to be believed so far I've getting around 15 mpg with almost all in-town, short drives (under 6 miles each, Chicago metro area), this compares quite favorably with the 10-11 mpg that the '06 was giving me doing the same driving. So, if the numbers I'm getting from the dash are to be believed (or are at least even close) then I'm looking at a 4-5 mpg bump in urban driving, so if the highway mileage turns out to be even 2 mpg better than what I was seeing from the '06 then I will consider this truck to be a winner on mileage alone.

as for the power... well, I never really felt like the 5.4 was lacking but, sometimes it seemed like the 4 spd transmission couldn't find the right gear to do what I needed the truck to do. This 5.0 though, especially teamed with the 6 spd tranny, has excellent power (when called upon) and the transmission does a great job of keeping the engine in it's power band so I can hit the go pedal when needed and know that this truck will GO. Oh, and this new engine has a much nicer sound at throttle than the 5.4 (how an engine sounds may not make a difference in the actual performance but I'd say it can definitely add to the perceived performance).

even though you are not planning on making the jump until the '12's come out (probably not a bad idea since that gives time for us '11 buyers to find any glitches in the new powertrains that might have made it through the QC process) I'd still vote for swinging by a dealership and taking a 5.0 truck similar to what you will be eventually buying for a spin so you can see for yourself how it feels. But make sure you do a good test drive, not the "4 right turns around the dealership block" test drive that the salespeople try to have you do. Get out on the highway and see how it gets up to speed, spend some time and miles behind the wheel so you can KNOW whether or not this is the right engine for you.

anyways, this was a longer answer than I thought it was going to be. hope it helps and hope you find the right truck out there for you!

 

Thanks Wolf. I'm not waiting until fall because I'm at all worried about the quality of the new engines. It would not bother me at all to buy either of the new engines right now. I think Ford has done a great job. I am having a hard time deciding if I want the 5.0 or the EcoBoost.
I'm waiting 'til fall because my wife is retiring and she is going to buy me a new truck with some of her retirement funds. Guess that's paybacks for surprising her with the Mustang convert a couple years ago. Anyway thanks again for the info and congrats on the new truck.

 

heh... well clearly the new engines didnn't worry me much either but, I can respect those who are choosing to wait a year or two just so they can feel a little more comfortable before making the jump. your case though is an interesting (and enviable) one. I sure wish my g/f could have bought my truck for me (instead of me being the one writing all the big down payment checks in the past few months for both my new truck AND her new car...). Good for you two!