I was finally able to drive an f150 as im trying to finalize my decision on a truck. I was fortunate to drive a silverado for a wknd and fell in love, but how i want it specd is pricey. I havent driven a new ram but my dad has a 10. Theres pros and cons to each truck. Ford has very nice and roomy interior smooth highway ride smooth engines and all around best looking in and out but the low speed ride is too hard its a bit loud. The silverado is quieter and has a cushier ride but its interior is blah the transmission is very annoying and has a weird shudder in the front suspension on the highway my dads ram isnt as quiet as either but smoother than both...im leanin towards the ford but what are youre guys experience with the f150 with the 2.7 or na 3.5 v6

 

4x4 or 4x2?

What trim level and cab configuration are you looking at?

What do you want the truck to do for you besides commuting?

I'd go for the 2.7L ecoboost over the n/a V-6 in a heart beat.

 

What are you using the truck for? Obviously you'll get a Ford bias here. If I were buying a new truck right now then I'd get the NA 3.5. I operate a small farm and am always bringing stupid project cars home. The base motor would do what I need. The 2.7 is pretty impressive with more power than my current 351 (which in 95 was the most powerful). My 95 gets 11 mpg... my bodyshop manager is still getting 25 mpg with the 2.7. Seems like a winner to me.

I did drive the 3.5 NA back to back with the base Ram and the 3.5 was slower, but you don't buy that for racing. The Ram has a nicer ride due to rear suspension. The Ford has the best stats and is the best selling truck for a reason. Resale is good on the Fords, lease residual is showing 61% currently for 36 months via Ford. I don't have the numbers for Ram or GM to compare there. If you plan on keeping the truck for the long haul the Ford Al body will likely prove to be as good as Ford says. Of course it's a risk, but really you're just competing against existing steel bodies, which have already proven they'll rust like nobodies business no matter who makes em (though the Dodges seem worse in the past 10 years). I think Ford is going to push some good rebates soon. It's not just a hunch, but I also don't have any details.

I realize trucks are a different world, but look at the overall lineups. Ram makes a nice truck, but I don't trust the company to be one of quality (and when it comes to old cars I am pretty Chrysler loyal as far as non orphan brands go).

Chevy makes a good truck too. I like it's traditional styling. I feel like they don't excel really at anything though. It's less truck than Ford and less comfy than Ram. For the casual user they are selling well because they didn't take risks yet (traditional power, traditional suspension, traditional body). Good all around truck, and sometimes thats what matters to the here and now consumer. Plus, can you say rebates? Long run Chevy will have to play catch up in one direction or another, and sales aside, the mid sized trucks are going to prove a hindrance to that I think. That is more industry concern than for you today as a customer.

Still, obviously, I vote Ford. As I've said before, I do sell Fords for a living, but I both sell cars intentionally, and I sell Fords intentionally. Good products and a good family controlled American company. Not sure if this rant is useful, sorry it's so wordy!

 

We have a 2015 F-150 XLT; Super Crew; 6-1/2' box; 4x4; 3.5L EB. By far the nicest truck we have owned. If you don't need the long box, or super towing capability, the 2.7L EB is also really nice. I was blown away by the amount of scoot there is in the 2.7L EB.

 

Yes, you need to define what you want to do with the truck. I spec'd mine to be able to do anything I want, and I'm paying the price at the pump. It isn't bad, but just not good.

So, if you don't need to tow often or large then I'd vote like several of the others for the 2.7L EB. It'll pull 'most anything and give good economy when not.

 

It would mostly be a commute and highway cruiser. Id like the crew cab because i always seem to carry passengers and full size suvs have limited sec row leg room. I dont need the real big engines so im narrowing my searcg to the smaller v6s. Of course the na has a price advantage with very small fuel economy penalty but not wouldnt be buying for that. If i could id get the larger tank as to me the 390 extra is a no brainer(some ppl can add the extra gallons but im not that machanically inclined lol). Critically it seems that these trucks are all even as no one critic says which is better, depends more on the location that they compare. I do like a plush ride, but balance is key to me which is why i currently have the mazda 6. The only problem is test drives only give you so much to go by you know.

 

Oh and 4x2...to me 4x4 is only needed if you off road your truck which i would not be doing. I also seen some nicely equipped xlt cc for 32k sale price. Im trying to hold out until model yr end deals.

 

OK then. 4x2 crew cab. Long box? If it's going to be your daily driver, then I'd be leaning toward the 3.5L NA or the 2.7L EB. The 3.5 has enough power for a DD, but the 2.7 would sure add a Lot of fun factor.

You should see a ton of those on the lot.

 

I can deal with the short box but my gf loves bringing big stuff in the house...i wonder if id be able to find aftermarket softer shocks....i do know id want the diesel if i go ram but i kinda think the dealerships would be reluctant to discount them...also would it be easier to try and get more discounts on the na v6 with small take rate yet smaller stock or on the hot high take rate of the 2.7l. Any car/truck buying tips would be great as well.

 

I would think that just by going after a 4x2 truck you'll be able to write a good deal. The lots are packed with 4x4's and they sell.

I wouldn't discount the 5.0L v-8, it's a great engine with lots of WOW and it's quite fuel efficient.

I'd go with a 3.15 or a 3.35 axle ratio

 

You'd think different if you lived in the snow belt. 4x4 is much appreciated.

 

You don't have to live in the snow belt to appreciate 4wd. Here in Okiehoma we have a snow storm from time to time, and being able to go reliably is very nice. A friend took his 2wd Chevy on a trip and we had a storm while they were gone. He made it to within 100 yards of his house and got stuck. Pickups are light in the rear and don't have that much traction.

 

That motor is a dog. I don't like it. I think diesel in a small truck is a waste of money with little real gain. Exception being if you honestly plan to keep it to 400k.

Most dealerships just want to make a deal. Without going off on another rant, decide what you want, find an in state competitive price online (true car, but don't enter in your information) and then go to your local dealership that you want to give your business to and work out a deal that day. I'll always give the best deal to someone sitting in front of me with a pen ready to go. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

 

im from the eastcoast so and driven cars and trucks in blizzards and im a home rat anyway, lol. The f150 i drove was a 5.0 and it was a nice piece i must say. I've heard Chrysler vehicles have bad dependability but my dads never had an issue with his, he adores it. My gf would prefer the chevy, anyone had experiences with them. I forgot to mention that the offset steering wheel is a horrible design choice. I looked at a few dealerships in tx and in md, it seems md has the best deals but all there trucks arent configured to my liking.

 

IMHO, right now, unless you are looking at the Ford NA engines, I would go with the Chev.......here's why IMHO.....

BTW & GM use the same auto trans (gas engines) from the same MFG (just a different ID number)....

Although GM is having issues with the 4/6/8 cylinder deactivation (eating pistons due to lack of lubrication), this can be de-activated.......

IMHO, with gas engines for street use/daily drivers, I just don't like turbo/supercharged engines...too many variables to cause damage in the long run, fuel quality, road debries, etc....and very few of these last as long as a normally aspirated gas engine....Yes the tech is great but there are real issues with any highly boosted engine (which these are 12 psi+) and trouble shooting because of the complexity is at best challenging.

Ford's electric steering system also has maintenance issues, specific to individual part replacement- there is not...even for the wear items...so you have to buy a complete assembly.......get out the AMEX for that one...your looking at $1+ just for the assembly (though in the future I/m sure they will be available).

While the 5.0 is by engineering specs “new”, it is for the most part a conventional platform based around proven technology….IMHO, I would wager the reliability on the 5.0 any day compared to the much more complicated Ecoboost.

There are issues also with direct injection that the Europeans have never been able to address…carbon build-up and their current solution for excessive carbon build up- pull the heads….ok, great, so every 30-60K miles an owner can expect to shell out $3k for “routine maintenance”….oh happy day there! Ford has also advised NOT TO USE any over the counter cleaning products as this will lead to turbo impellor failure in a very short duration afterwards.

Considering the Ecoboost high boost levels (12 psi) as compared to typical aftermarket systems (6-8 psi), this leaves a lot of reliance on the systems to work correctly…as this makes the engine much less forgiving especially with engine mis-fires, etc. which are very prone to burning a hole through a piston (if you are lucky) or even worse, causing substantial catastrophic engine failure (rod through the block)

These (IMHO) are also soon to be the newest "Disposible engine" because the troubleshooting &/or repairs will exceed the value of the vehicle real fast!...And it’s starting to show…..

Yeah so 1,400 miles and my Ecoboost has a blown head gasket - Ford Mustang Forum
6-1-15, BLK50
“Yeah so 1,400 miles and my Ecoboost has a blown head gasket, I started it up at work today and drove out of the parking lot and look back and see this huge cloud of white smoke. Pull over and stop and look and there's what smells like steam coming out of the exhaust.” I took it easy on the car and never hit redline in the first 1,000.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15317028
04-30-15, 04:16 PM bctimber
“Well I was driving it made a big bang/ puff noise then the no oil psi came on and runs like its on 2 or 3 cyl.”

Ford 3.5l Ecoboost Engine Failure

04-04-2013, 03:23 PM EcoBoom
“When I went to the dealer I asked them to bring it in and look see what the issue was and what I had though it was. (turbo) they lifted it up and removed the skid plates to find a hole on either side of the block just above the oil pan rail. to shorten this up. They quoted me $12+ to install a new motor”

Dec 10, 2014 1:28 pm inkryptic
2010 3.5L Ecoboost Engine being replaced under warranty : Ford Flex Forum

...#5 was misfiring. It turn out there is a hole in the piston.

2012 F-150 King Ranch - 2 Blown Motors in 23,500 miles | Tundra Headquarters Blog

Engine number 2 blowing up within 3 weeks. Another new long block will be going in as well as turbos and whatever else I need. They found cylinder 3 and 6 had been flooding/running rich and blew apart. Same problem as before. He says they will be testing the fuel injectors and fuel system all around

2012 Ecoboost F150 Engine Failure

08-22-2013 Blueflame12
I have a 2012 F150 with the Ecoboost engine and it has about 34k miles. As I was driving to work, which was only about 4 miles from the dealer, the tapping noise suddenly got very loud following a BANG. The engine began shaking and loosing power. The next day I get a call saying the engine suffered catastrophic failure and was going to be replaced under the warranty. They said metal chunks were found in the oil and the turbos were damaged too

Blown Ecoboost engine - F150online Forums

cburbee 11-04-2014
“I have a 2011 f150 ecoboost. 130000km on it. I was driving down a gravel road 2 days ago and the engine misfired…….went into limp mode……..Backed off on the throttle then gave it again and seemed fine. Got to a stop sign and heard the dredded ticking/knocking coming from engine. Drove straight to the dealership….told me engine is toast, metal filings all through the bottom end. No idea what caused it. I was quoted 15k for the replacement (canadian). Ouch……..don't buy one of these trucks used off warranty unless you have lots of money in case you need to fix it.

Mtnmanut 11-04-2014

“My POS ecoboost did that at 2000 mile. Ticking knocking and lots of shavings in pan and filter. New motor under warranty. first complaints to dealer was **** poor mileage,ticking and knocking. took blowing it up and ford rep to get them to look at it.”

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14955749

b bricker 12/31/14

F150 Ecoboost timing chain

“My 2012 F150 ecoboost just tossed its timing chain. Ford told me no recalls or notices. After I spoke with a master technician, there is a TSB on the timing chains. Cost me 8000.00 to repair (apparently I am not the only one). Ford did nothing for me. No warning or codes - just tore the valve train out. Thank you Ford for the Christmas Gift....

My experience : be VERY careful with the ecoboost V6

Oh yes, this was after when I first bought the truck and they couldn't find out why it was misfiring within the first year - Ended up replacing the wiring harness and all the coil” packs. At my cost...because guess what? An engine wiring harness is not covered by drive train warranty.

Buyer beware ....on this one. And by the way, I restore my own cars and mechanically inclined and maintain my equipment very well. Soooo....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14957404

86fn150 12/31/14
“at our dealership we haven't had one toss the chain but have had maybe 6 or so that ALL the front timing stuff was replaced. All ecoboost engines are junk. Lots of misfires, cooling problems etc….don't buy a new escape -PERIOD (garbage)”

Additionally, issues that are typical of turbo’d gas engines are a continued “Dominent”, and when combined with the higher boost, extended oil changes and smaller (lower capacity) filters, this is not what I would call “A Good Thing”. A few comments from Ford Master Techs:


Black oil from Ecoboost motor - FORD - FlatRateTech

“You are supposed to go 5K-7.5K on an LOF. That way, Ford can sell you either another vehicle, or an engine, after 100K pops up on the clock. Providing it makes it that far. But in honesty, I think the main problems now are the size of the oil filters today.”

“You could try and get into the habit of letting your vehicle idle for a minute or” 2 prior to shutting it off every time you park it.”

“Turbo engines beat the **** out of oil like motorcycles.”

“Knowing the Ford engines and my experience with Mazda, I wouldn't push the oil change interval past 4k miles regardless of synthetic or not. Especially if you beat on the car.”

“Car manufacturers use the customers as lab rats for testing. I'd be concerned that the oil is taking a beating due to the DI, heat from the turbocharger working overtime, and so on. The turbo won't be the only thing taking a beating either.”

Ecoboost Blues - FORD - FlatRateTech

fullsizeblazin December 4, 2014

“The black "soot" he's seeing on the tail pipes is actually oil blow by from the leaky turbos. That's why all turbo Fords smoke so bad. They think they can survive 7,500 miles between oil changes.”

Karrpilot December 2014

“I would also like to add that the problem of intake valve deposits pretty much went away after the fuel additives were improved. In the early 1980's, it seemed that they were doing a lot of experimentation with the fuels. Along with the injectors. If a fuel was good at keeping the intake valves clean, it might gum up the fuel injectors. And vice versa. Now with the direct injection, there isn't any fuel getting sprayed onto the intake valves. But there sure is PCV vapors, EGR gases, and the fuel vapors from the fuel tank getting pulled into the intake tract.

Combine all of this with customers who buy into those 5-7K oil changes, and we have a ticking time bomb.”

Ecoboost Blues - FORD - FlatRateTech

ok44 January 2015

“It would seem to me that especially aged, high miles oil is going to have a real tendency to coke up when subjected to conditions like that. I've changed a number of turbochargers out (foreign cars) and every single one of them failed due to coked oil; and those were ones without the start/stop feature.”

“Ford is just like all the rest; as long as that POS makes it through the warranty period or even better, gets wiped out in a collision and hauled to the boneyard, they're content......”

Ecoboost Blues - FORD - FlatRateTech

Karrpilot January 2015

“Makes me wonder how Ford is going to get out of paying all those claims against them if the customer's follow their owners guide maintenance intervals. Yep. 100K tune ups, 100K coolant change out, 7.5K LOF's, not servicing the PTU units, transmissions, etc.”

“Me thinks I am going to be having my hands quite full in the coming years...............”

Ecoboost Blues - FORD - FlatRateTech

Roger Blose January 2015

“Just received my Feb. issue of Consumer's Report magazine where on page 59 they have a story about the growing problem with DI engine carbon problems.”

Dodge Truck Quality

What I do know from personal experience......

my neighbor across the street had a 2003 Dodge 4x4, 4-door cab, extended bed, V10, auto, etc with the factory (dealer installed) lift kit. At 3 years of age with 45,000 miles (all in Los Angeles)...
1. The piston rings let go- engine replaced under warranty
2. Valve guides let go- heads replaced under warranty
3. Transmission failed 3 times, rebuilt 2 times by factory, 3rd time he was on his own
4. Diff gears failed- owner replaced

Then he comes to my house one day in 2006:

The front oem lift kit is literally falling off the truck (yup, the metal is actually tearing). Factory has issued a recall but, available parts are limited to the front right (IIRR)...no parts available for the left front

Where imminent failure is likely, dealers were authorized to conduct repairs at any qualified welding facility- in this case the dealer sent the truck to Midas muffler, where they mig welded the structural cracks (ok...stop laughing that hard now!)

Now it's at my house with the front wheels sitting like a duck! The oem lift kit was definitely made overseas- gauge (thickness) of metal was clearly sub-standard for a vehicle of this size and weight. The replacement parts were basically stamped steel plate (about 18 gauge) which covered the entire lift kit parts that attached to the frame, Just one little issue--- besides being only 18 gauge (or about), the material was full of containments. As I took my grinder to reduce the mig welds to see conditions, the metal plate heated very irregularly showing multiple hot/cold spots within the same area. As I choose my oxy/acet torch with a large brazing tip, utilizing copper coated rod, the metal plate literally developed hot spots in the adjacent areas, where metal areas about the size of a penny "suddenly liquified", with absolutely no direct flame impingement. Within a minute it looked just like a piece of metal that had been sitting out in the elements for 30 years and had rust-like holes in it- except it was still shiny of course.

Sitting back for a minute and giving this some thought, I took some 1/2" flat bar steel and with heat, gently formed an inner and outer brace along each of the lift kit components, then welded up any suspected/visual cracks or fatigue locations.

The owner helped the whole time.....when done, he asked me what I thought....my response:

1. Don't drive this thing over 30 mph
2. I doubt if this will hold for more than 3 weeks
3. Get this thing to a dealer and trade it in

9 weeks later he knocked on my door, one of the parts was starting to fail again in another area, not one single Chrysler dealer in Los Angeles would touch the truck on a trade in (well one in Valencia offered him $500 for his truck, wheels and tires basically, the truck would be scrapped), he found a GM dealer that would give him $2k (mind you this was a new $50,000 truck 3 years prior)- and asked if I would weld it up one more time...I looked at it and said, yeah, but give the dealer a call first to see if they will just tow it- they did.

The Dodge trucks are crap (not that everyone's trucks don't have some type of issue) , to this day the same mfg builds the Nissan & Dodge full size truck auto trans- the torque converter impellors (V8 trucks) are only brazed in still, which causes eventual torque converter failure-

but for any mfg to allow critical safety related components to be used that do not meet the most basic street demand requirements and additionally take no action on conditions that will kill occupants and place others on the roadway in immediate jeopardy is criminal!

I know that Dodge is now owned by Fiat.....but you have to remember, in the last few years in terms of QA/Customer satisfaction, Fiat was ranked 33 out of 34 car manufacturers in the world......

Ok, I think I almost wrote a book, but it all IMHO.