base engine/transmission
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2016
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base engine/transmission
Don't see much talk one here about the base 3.3 NA engine and the six speed transmission. Can someone tell me if there are known issues? Thinking Jr. needs a first car ( truck ) and he has no business with any more HP It will be daily commuter and pull a bass boat. Thinking XLT Why do all the ones I see on dealer lots have a 3.73 rear---SEEMS EXTREME?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
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From: Lower 48
I have the 3.5 n.a. 2016. Good little truck. 1 1/2 years old 77,000 miles, and except for a mouse eating through the injector wires not one problem. 21 mpg regularly. I've pulled a 20'flatbed with a Harley and a 4 wheeler from Iowa to Atlanta and back, pulled 16' enclosed trailer on 600 mile round trip, a 10' trailer with the Harley on it - same 600 mile round trip. With the trailers it gets about 8 mpg. Also with the trailers -on a 6 speed - it normally lives in 3rd and 4th, and occasionally hits 5th, but not too often or for very long. Excellent little truck for commuting and light hauling/towing. Perfect for my wife which is why I got it.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 68
Likes: 17
Don't see much talk one here about the base 3.3 NA engine and the six speed transmission. Can someone tell me if there are known issues? Thinking Jr. needs a first car ( truck ) and he has no business with any more HP It will be daily commuter and pull a bass boat. Thinking XLT Why do all the ones I see on dealer lots have a 3.73 rear---SEEMS EXTREME?
Don't read much in the HP numbers. It will pull your boat. It will scratch off from every start, if you like. ( Do they still call it scratch off?) It will be going well over the speed limit at the merge of the on ramp.
Mine has the 3.55 rear gear.
Your mileage might not be this good if you drive like I have typed above.
Blue (Ford F-150) | Fuelly
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
A lot of the 3.3 trucks are in work or rental fleets. 3.73s actually get better mileage around town than the higher 3.31 and 3.15s, which are good for long highway cruises. I doubt anyone could tell the difference just driving around empty between 3.55s and 3.73s. The 3.73s wouldn't keep me from buying one, and would actually be a plus if you were considering larger or heavier tires.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
Back when I was growing up the 5.0 V8 had 210 hp and 270 tq.
The 3.3L has 290 hp and 265 tq.
I think it should be plenty powerful for a first vehicle. I’d expect the 3.73 ratio to work pretty well that motor.
The 3.3L has 290 hp and 265 tq.
I think it should be plenty powerful for a first vehicle. I’d expect the 3.73 ratio to work pretty well that motor.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 29
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Have one in the XL model
Love it....keeping things simple isn't always bad
No turbo but more power than my 3.6 grand Cherokee and as fast as I need it
Love it....keeping things simple isn't always bad
No turbo but more power than my 3.6 grand Cherokee and as fast as I need it
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 896
Likes: 6
I have a 17 with the 3.5 NA, couldn't be happier with it. If you're looking to be towing huge loads most of the time you aren't looking at this truck anyway- other than that it will do fine. More than enough power for general use, good mpg and very simple- which I like. For an "all around" half ton it can't be beat.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 60
Did your truck came with those wheels? I have the steel ones.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 127
Likes: 14
Same here. I have this 3.3L and 6 speed in a single cab/regular bed/bare bones and I like it a lot. Plenty of power for my needs. Less parts to worry about breaking. I like to call this transmission a "six on tree".
Did your truck came with those wheels? I have the steel ones.
Did your truck came with those wheels? I have the steel ones.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 60
I'm thinking about those same wheels. What about the wheel lugs (nuts)? Which ones would I need? And the tire pressure sensors. Did you just swap them?