3.7, 3.5 and 3.0 Duratec V6 Forum for the 3.7, 3.5 and 3.0 naturally aspirated Duratec V6 Engines

3.7 or 3.5?

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Old 02-06-2018, 06:41 PM
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3.7 or 3.5?

I’m looking at a 14 and 16 F-150 to use as a DD about 80 miles round trip to work. Both have the small V6 and are regular cab and 2wd. I’ll only be towing a small landscape trailer occasionally so tow ratings aren’t that big of a deal. They both get 20+ mpg so that’s not a concern either. My question is would either of the base engines be more desirable than the other...Mostly from a reliability standpoint? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Old 02-07-2018, 05:06 PM
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Bump- hope you get some good info.

FWIW I have a 3.5 NA in a 2017 and couldn't be happier with it.
 
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Old 02-09-2018, 05:08 PM
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Thanks. I drove the 16 yesterday and was fairly impressed with the power and how it drove. It’s an XL truck (without select shift trans) and the only thing I didn’t like about it is there wasn’t a +\- button on the gear selector and I couldn’t figure out how to lock out over drive. Is that possible?
 
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Old 02-09-2018, 05:53 PM
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I have 14 with the 3.7L and I'm happy with it. It has plenty of power and handles the little towing that I have thrown at it well. Sorry but I can't offer any comparison to the 3.5, but I'm sure that it would handle your needs also.
 
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Old 03-06-2018, 12:51 PM
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I have a '12 4x4 with the 3.7 and it has been extremely reliable so far. Having 4wd I can consistently get 19-20 mpg on the highway, but not much more. And although the engine is powerful, the added weight of the 4wd, and the simple fact that this is a 5000+ lb truck often has me wishing for the V8. But for your needs, a 3.7 2wd should be fine. With the right gear, they can tow up to 7000 #'s. I think I'm limited to about 6000 or so.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
 
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Old 04-08-2018, 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Pgh Rebel
I have a '12 4x4 with the 3.7 and it has been extremely reliable so far. Having 4wd I can consistently get 19-20 mpg on the highway, but not much more. And although the engine is powerful, the added weight of the 4wd, and the simple fact that this is a 5000+ lb truck often has me wishing for the V8. But for your needs, a 3.7 2wd should be fine. With the right gear, they can tow up to 7000 #'s. I think I'm limited to about 6000 or so.
I have no personal experience on the 3.5 N/A trucks. Most likely the one you drove did not have the factory installed towing package. That's what gives you the Select Shift Transmission option.
At 20mpg highway, how fast are you traveling and what kind of terrain?
 
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Old 03-12-2023, 12:32 PM
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I don't know if OP is still around, but I'm wondering what he picked and how it's going for him.

My '11 has been very reliable over the years, but I never saw 20mpg avg unless I was doing less than 55 on cruise control.
Then again, I drive about 40% city, 60% hwy, and I have a heavy foot, with the 3.73 gears so....
My gas counter thingy on the dash stayed around 15mpg or less about 90% of the time I've owned the truck.

But I am curious because it's almost time for a newer truck....
 
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