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I'm looking to move out of my 2008 F250 FX4 6.4. Just have outgrown the truck, in a different way. Don't need that large of a truck any more.
I found a couple of F150's at dealers that are close to meeting my needs.
What I'm really looking for is very difficult to locate in California. I'm looking for a '12-'14 F150, 4x4 CC, long bed, max tow package (3.73 locker), cloth interior, center console shift. Not too particular on color, just not black.
Both trucks have clean car fax and are in great condition. I was able to drive the FX4 and tow my Jeep and trailer. I really wanted to see how the towing capabilities were of the FX4 with the 3.73 axle.
I haven't been able to drive the XLT with the 3.55 so this is where you guys come in.
How much of a difference will there be between the two. My Jeep/Trailer weigh ~ 8Klbs and here in California I have quite a few hills to climb.
If the 2014 has max tow pkg, you won't notice much of a difference, went from a 2012 fx4 max tow to a 2015 max tow, both w/3.5 Eco, the 12 had 3.73 and the 15 has 3.55, the engine will mask that small of a difference in rpm's no problem. Both of these look like real nice trucks, they will both do what you want, I don't think you will notice that much of a difference between the two trucks, 5.0 in no slouch either!
Last edited by j.grif; 11-26-2015 at 11:53 AM.
Reason: Read window stickers
If the 2014 has max tow pkg, you won't notice much of a difference, went from a 2012 fx4 max tow to a 2015 max tow, both w/3.5 Eco, the 12 had 3.73 and the 15 has 3.55, the engine will mask that small of a difference in rpm's no problem. Both of these look like real nice trucks, they will both do what you want, I don't think you will notice that much of a difference between the two trucks, 5.0 in no slouch either!
The 2014 does not have the max tow package.
Both are 5.0. The basic mechanical difference is the diff ratio. FX4 to XLT is only the bling difference.
The 2012 will tow 1500 lbs more than the 2014, do your self a favor and find an ecoboost and drive it and the 5.0, both of these trucks you are looking at are 5.5' beds. The max tow is rated for something like 11000 lbs and comes w3.5 ecoboost
j.grif, I did drive the ecoboost, probably get stoned for this, but I didn't like it. I like the way the 5.0 performs, hence why I'm narrowing my search to the V8.
The 2012 is a nicer truck overall, the only downfall is double the miles.
5.0 is a good engine, I would be going for the truck with the 3.73, 40,000 miles on these trucks is nothing if they have been taken care of. The 2012 shows 3.73 on the window sticker. There are people who like the ecoboost and there are people who like the coyote 5.0, both good engines!
As stated above, the trucks you posted are a CCSB as indicated by the 145" wheel base. The CCLB will have a 157" Wheelbase.
Also causing some confusion is your use of the term "max tow".
A truck with the max tow option will come with 3.73 gears and the ecoboost or 6.2 v8. That's part of the package, along with some other goodies like the towing mirrors.
Not criticizing, just trying to clarify what it means so you get better answers.
You can get the 3.73 locker with the 5.0, but that doesnt make it a max tow truck, and max tow was never offered with the 5.0.
It sounds like your trailer combo will be over the max towing for a 5.0 with the 3.55's. With that engine and your trailer I'd be looking for 3.73's.
If you could find one, a 6.2 powered truck would be another solid option since it would be a true max tow vehicle, Not sure you'll ever find one though.
As stated above, the trucks you posted are a CCSB as indicated by the 145" wheel base. The CCLB will have a 157" Wheelbase.
Also causing some confusion is your use of the term "max tow".
A truck with the max tow option will come with 3.73 gears and the ecoboost or 6.2 v8. That's part of the package, along with some other goodies like the towing mirrors.
Not criticizing, just trying to clarify what it means so you get better answers.
You can get the 3.73 locker with the 5.0, but that doesnt make it a max tow truck, and max tow was never offered with the 5.0.
It sounds like your trailer combo will be over the max towing for a 5.0 with the 3.55's. With that engine and your trailer I'd be looking for 3.73's.
If you could find one, a 6.2 powered truck would be another solid option since it would be a true max tow vehicle, Not sure you'll ever find one though.
Thanks! That's the info I needed. I haven't been able to get a clear answer from the dealer on what max tow really means, so I just assumed (and you know what happens when you assume), that max tow was available as an option on all the models.
I've been looking for a 150 that's relativity close to the towing of my 250. Since I don't have that huge trailer any longer, something with 9000lb+/- is right in my range.
The dealer allowed me to borrow the 2012 FX4 and hitch my trailer and Jeep to it and try it... I live near a fairly long 6%-7% grade and I wanted to see how it worked. I was pleasantly surprised with the 150. No where near my 250 with respects to maintaining 60-65mph, but it will work for me.
I would imagine that the 3.55, 2014 would not nearly be as forgiving as the 3.73 geared truck. Let me see what deal I can work out... As usual they want top $$$ for their truck and under book for mine.
And I agree, trying to find a 6.2L truck is very difficult (unless I get a Raptor).
You made a good choice; congratulations. My 5.0 has the 3.55 LS. I have 2 trailers, a 3,500 lb boat and a 3,200 lb pop-up camper. It is very hilly in KY. I've also towed a ~6,500 lb car hauler a few times. The 3.55 does great on these mid-weight trailers. It did shift a bit more with the car hauler in the hills. Since the 5.0 gets it's torque in the mid-level of its RPM's, I feel the 3.73 LS will be a better choice for you; it should keep you in 6th gear more (at interstate speeds). Enjoy your new truck!!
Ordered my Snug Top Aero Sport today, Airlift load leveling air bags. I'm thinking of getting LineX, but since I have permanent drawers setup in the bed, I'm thinking on passing on the LineX and just go with the plastic drop in liner. We'll see.
11-26-2015, 10:04 AM
), that max tow was available as an option on all the models.
).
