Here's my dilemma; I'm a Ford guy, (I've owned 9 wife 1) and I need a new truck. I sold my last one a 2013 F150 4x4 Screw 3.5 EcoBoost. There were a lot of reasons I did it, most didn't involve the truck itself, however, some did. While I loved the performance of the EB it was just "too much technology" for me to have a comfort level with. I bought it with 28k mi and within a few months it was exhibiting some of the common issues, rough idle, brake issues, strange passing performance at highway speeds. Don't get me wrong, I loved the truck, it towed our 18' TT like it wasn't even there. I just never felt comfortable with it. Prior to the '13 EB, I had a '01 F250 4x4 Screw 2v V10. That truck I really loved, but it too suffered from the common issues; exhaust studs, spit 2 plugs (even though I foolishly paid the dealership to "properly" replace them. Later found that wasn't the case, but thats another story) and several other common but less major issues. So now I am pondering what to do. I'd originally decided no more American vehicles, next truck is going to be a Toyota. But . . . . like I said, I am a Ford guy. I'm considering a '17 F150 Screw 4x4 5.0 V8 rather than the EB. I get that the EB has fantastic performance and experienced it with my '13, and yes, it gets a bit better mpg but not enough to matter to me. However, all that comes with a whole lot of technology driving it that I don't want. Yeah, I'm becoming an old curmudgeon. I just want a reliable Ford truck that will take me 10 or more years into my retirement. Opinions on the 5.0 V8 is this the package that will provide the most trouble free reliability?

 

Hard to tell what someone else needs/wants in a truck.
I ordered a 17, 5.0, because it's the last year you can get the 6 speed auto & I wasn't interested in the stop/start feature all 18 MY's come with. I don't tow anything, so the eco-motors had no interest with me. I have been driving 5 & 6 speed manuals all my life, so owning an auto is culture shock enough. I've had the truck since 8/11, & am getting used to the tech, but it's a learning curve.
The 5.0 & 6R80 have been around forever, although improved upon, should last 10 years, if properly maintained.
.

 

I agree with 1 Alibi 2. 2017 is the last year of the current 5.0 and the last year for the excellent ZF based 6 speed auto. It should last you quite some time. Get an XL, STX or
XLT and keep the electronic options to a minimum.

 

Traded my '13 FX4 4X4 F150 5.0 supercrew for a new '17 4X4 F150 FX4 package Lariat supercrew 5.0. Took delivery in May. You can't beat a 5.0 w/6speed auto (have in both pickups). Have 2700 miles on it, and MPG on the current tank of gas is 21.6 (driving the speed limit.)

 

Agree with this. I'd only add that the 5.0L with 3.73 gears (if you can find one) is a great combination. The XL with the STX package is a well-optioned setup with minimal gadgetry...

 

All new vehicles are loaded with "tech", that's what modern engine management systems are. The ecoboost isn't that different as everyone makes it out to be, it's still an internal combustion engine, just with forced induction. The only way to get away from it is to go back to a carbed engine with breaker type ignition. Any of the engines offered will be good, the 5.0 will save you some money and perform great for the trailer you have now.

 

Go with the tried and true 5.0 and last year for the well sorted out 6 speed transmission. I have a 2016 Lariat with the 5.0 and 6 speed and I couldn`t be happier.

Also, this is the best time to buy and work out a deal for a 2017 F150 with the 5.0 because the 2018`s are starting to come on the dealer lots and they want to move the 2017`s out.

Let us know your decision.

 

Thanks all, you confirmed what I was thinking. Local dealer has a truck I like that seems to be what most are recommending '17 XL STX with some additional options in the color I want. Truthfully, this truck is better optioned than some XLT trucks I've owned. I'm going to look at it tomorrow and again Saturday with the wife if its what I want. Don't get me wrong, I'm not so old school that I want a carb engine. but the dual turbos and the issues with the 2v v10 were well, less than stellar for me. I love Fords but it frustrates me that they, and other manufacturers, build trucks with a lot of whiz bang but less reliability. I get it, a lot of this comes from trying to conform with Government cafe standards, but thats a whole other can of worms. I felt the 5.0 with the 6 speed was proven, thats what I want, not a carb engine. Though it was cool when you could climb in the engine compartment to change plugs and points on your own vehicle!
JOKING!

Thanks again, I'll report back on what I decide and pics if it goes well!

 

The last thing I had with points was my boat, it now has a pertronix ignition kit lol.

 

I bought a new 2011 eco boost and had all the issues. What made me trade it in was, three different times when I merged onto the highway it would lose power and go into limp mode. After almost getting hit by a tractor and trailer, I traded it in for a 2014 dot with the 5.0. That truck never gave me any issues. Great motor. Just traded it in for a 2017 dot with another 5.0.
You can get some great deals right now on the 17's.

 

Yeah, that!

What I've been thinking has been confirmed. Interesting video polling a Ford dealerships techs on engine choice
Not saying the EB is bad. I had a not great experience with my '13 though I really liked the truck and the performance. But then there were the issues I had which I seemed to share with others. It does sound like the new Gen EB have addressed a lot of these and I have faith that Ford has taken care of most. But like the mechanics above, I'm going to opt for proven longterm reliability.

 

I sold my 13 super crew Eco XLT and waiting for my 18 Lariat SC 5.0. It's built sitting waiting for transport. Looking forward for the v8 again. The 10 speed doesn't bother me because it has a 1.1 at 7th something the 6 speed didn't have. 3.55's to replace the 3.73's which may have been better. First thing will be a PCV catch can passenger side for a Mustang 5.0-5.2 (Ford Performace numbered part) Driver side may come later. 2nd thing dual exhaust out the back. Then a hard tonneau.
I've heard gas V8's are on there way out at Ford but that will seal the fate of a Mustang for sure.

 

Welcome to the top forum shipmate and thank you for your service! Let us all know how you made out.

 

Thanks Senior Chief!

Been around the forum a while, mostly lurk though I posted a bit with the v10 and EB trucks.

Test drove the truck today. I like it. Waiting to discuss it with my wife and see about a test-drive with her tomorrow.

Semper Paratus

 

I've been looking for a new truck as well, but for a little different purpose, but I have spent my time reading. I currently own a 2012 5.0 FX4, and I love the truck. If I weren't looking to upgrade to a heavy TT, or possibly a fifth wheel, I would stick with the 5.0. Good motor, good power, and good noise when you play with the skinny pedal.