Ford 2.7 vs 3.5 vs. 5.0

[DMG]

I’d be surprised if my scout weighed over four thousand pounds. The hard top stays off of it and I’m sure it lost at least 500 pounds when I ditched the original drivetrain. It has fewer doody cycles now but it’s a lot more fun to drive.

I had this conversation with Ashke the other day. He says they are much lighter than they look.

 

[JR4X]

going to start casually looking for a newer SUV with a bed, to avoid the gm AFM nonsense. so a crewcab F150 it is ... what is the unicorn setup i should be looking for? quick CL search says 2020 is about the newest i can afford. all i really care about is cloth seats and no sunroof. beyond that i dont have a real opinion on much.

I’ve only had 5.0’s but I’ve had 3 CC 5.0 half tons. One with 3.73’s and a 6 speed. One with 3.55’s and a 6 speed. One with 3.31’s and a 10 speed.

IDGAF what anyone says, fuck 3.31’s. The 10 speed has 3 over drives and needs 3.31’s least of all of them. I’d get the lowest gears possible because it will only use 10th on the flattest of flat or downhill roads, IF you’re doing 85 and don’t breathe on the gas pedal.

I want another 1/2 ton with the 6.5 foot bed and 3.73’s. Still got decent fuel mileage and could tow a trailer without singing stupid RPM’s and shifting all over the place.

 

[YotaAtieToo]

I’ve only had 5.0’s but I’ve had 3 CC 5.0 half tons. One with 3.73’s and a 6 speed. One with 3.55’s and a 6 speed. One with 3.31’s and a 10 speed.

IDGAF what anyone says, fuck 3.31’s. The 10 speed has 3 over drives and needs 3.31’s least of all of them. I’d get the lowest gears possible because it will only use 10th on the flattest of flat or downhill roads, IF you’re doing 85 and don’t breathe on the gas pedal.

I want another 1/2 ton with the 6.5 foot bed and 3.73’s. Still got decent fuel mileage and could tow a trailer without singing stupid RPM’s and shifting all over the place.

Ecoboost would pull those tall gears no problem

Just checked our code since I had to move it. It's 3.55 with the 6 speed. I can't imagine needing anything taller. Crazy they make a 3.15 rear end.

I guess there may be some variations in tire size.

 

[Winchested]

Just giving you shit. I read 5.3 and figured 1 tons, cage, ect.

Either way, my main point was the F150s are very light.

Mine (scout) with tons, cage and 40s is 6250 lbs...

 

[arse_sidewards]

Ecoboost would pull those tall gears no problem

Yes, because long periods of high throttle at low RPMs is just what turbocharged engines love.

 

[Levigarrett76]

Be mindful of 18-19 5.0's. I got a bad one, even after the tsb that re-programs the ecm to keep throttle slightly open on decel (you lose what little engine braking it had), revised pcv valve and correct dipstick it still burned a couple quarts between changes.. It did improve some. Stupid thing kept needed vct solenoids also. I'm talking about a 2019 with sub 60,000 miles...

I had a 17' 5.0 that was great should have never sold it, preferred the 6 speed over the 10. and the port injection. That 2019 truck was a total lemon, front end howling, trans started squealing, i dumped it and picked up a 22' 2.7.

Id be shy of the 21-up 5.0 with the cylinder de-activation, One more thing to fuck up a once solid IMO platform.

 

[mjlogan88]

How about '14- trucks vs '15+ trucks? Despite not liking the looks of the '14- are there any other reasons to stay 15+? 5.0 trucks specifically

 

[JR4X]

How about '14- trucks vs '15+ trucks? Despite not liking the looks of the '14- are there any other reasons to stay 15+? 5.0 trucks specifically

I had a 14 and a 15 both XLT’s new at the same time. The 15 was my favorite even though the 14 was a little nicer (more options). The aluminum trucks are quiter inside if that matters. Lighter, better fuel mileage. I wouldn’t be afraid to have a 14 if you find exactly what you want in that year for a price that doesn’t make you sick to your stomach.

All 3 of the 5.0’s I had never ticked but since getting them new. I’d have the original engine oil dropped and switch to Mobile1 full synthetic by 500 miles. Then change it every 5K.

 

[DMG]

Be mindful of 18-19 5.0's. I got a bad one, even after the tsb that re-programs the ecm to keep throttle slightly open on decel (you lose what little engine braking it had), revised pcv valve and correct dipstick it still burned a couple quarts between changes.. It did improve some. Stupid thing kept needed vct solenoids also. I'm talking about a 2019 with sub 60,000 miles...

I had a 17' 5.0 that was great should have never sold it, preferred the 6 speed over the 10. and the port injection. That 2019 truck was a total lemon, front end howling, trans started squealing, i dumped it and picked up a 22' 2.7.

Id be shy of the 21-up 5.0 with the cylinder de-activation, One more thing to fuck up a once solid IMO platform.

My understanding is that the 18 and newer trucks need to be beat on or run hard regularly to avoid oil consumption. Also they like thicker oil than the factory spec.

 

[DMG]

I had a 14 and a 15 both XLT’s new at the same time. The 15 was my favorite even though the 14 was a little nicer (more options). The aluminum trucks are quiter inside if that matters. Lighter, better fuel mileage. I wouldn’t be afraid to have a 14 if you find exactly what you want in that year for a price that doesn’t make you sick to your stomach.

All 3 of the 5.0’s I had never ticked but since getting them new. I’d have the original engine oil dropped and switch to Mobile1 full synthetic by 500 miles. Then change it every 5K.

All the 18 and newer with DI will tick loudly. Even new on the lot. The DI pump is loud. It’s annoying.

 

[JR4X]

All the 18 and newer with DI will tick loudly. Even new on the lot. The DI pump is loud. It’s annoying.

Didn’t know that, glad to find that out here. The only trucks I’ve been able to test drive that new have been ecoboosts. Didn’t notice a tick.

My little 2.3 EB bronco is direct injected and I don’t here any tick on it. Is it just the 5.0’s?

 

[DMG]

Didn’t know that, glad to find that out here. The only trucks I’ve been able to test drive that new have been ecoboosts. Didn’t notice a tick.

My little 2.3 EB bronco is direct injected and I don’t here any tick on it. Is it just the 5.0’s?

I have not messed with the bronco at all yet but I think the 5.0 is by far the worst.

 

[mobil1syn]

I want another 1/2 ton with the 6.5 foot bed and 3.73’s. Still got decent fuel mileage and could tow a trailer without singing stupid RPM’s and shifting all over the place.

6 or 10speed trans?

All the 18 and newer with DI will tick loudly. Even new on the lot. The DI pump is loud. It’s annoying.

i know the DI gm motors are loud and when you have a OCD race car owner, he gets real antsy about ticking and noises.

 

[JR4X]

6 or 10speed trans?



i know the DI gm motors are loud and when you have a OCD race car owner, he gets real antsy about ticking and noises.

I am not sure I’m qualified to answer. I had a 2018 CC/SB with the 10 speed I got brand new. It was a nice truck but I liked the 15 with the 6 speed better. While I was looking, what I was looking for most was a kind of a unicorn. CC/LB XLT with FX4 package 5.0 6 speed. FX4 because in that year range if it had a 6.5 foot bed and FX4 it was almost guaranteed to have 3.73’s.

 

[mobil1syn]

I am not sure I’m qualified to answer. I had a 2018 CC/SB with the 10 speed I got brand new. It was a nice truck but I liked the 15 with the 6 speed better. While I was looking, what I was looking for most was a kind of a unicorn. CC/LB XLT with FX4 package 5.0 6 speed. FX4 because in that year range if it had a 6.5 foot bed and FX4 it was almost guaranteed to have 3.73’s.

i was asking on your preference. my transit van has a 10spd, but its the company vehicle so i just smash the gas

other than that everything i have owned is 4spds max

 

[DMG]

I wish my 2018 had the 6.5 foot bed. I am not sure it would drive differently with the 3.73s. 4.10s would be nice

 

[JR4X]

i was asking on your preference. my transit van has a 10spd, but its the company vehicle so i just smash the gas

other than that everything i have owned is 4spds max

I’m not interested in a 10 speed truck. Might change my mind in a few years but I don’t think they’re worth the premium they command.

There must be an issue or a shortage on 10 speeds right now too. Ford is sticking 6 speeds in stuff still right now. Some of it is kinda surprising. I played with Fords truck builder during Covid time looking at the new 7.3 gasser in the superdutys. At that time you could only select a 6 speed behind the 6.2 gasser, if you selected 7.3 the only option was 10 speed. There are two brand new CC/SB 7.3’s in the ford lot here right now with the 6 speed trans. Makes me scratch my head

 

[Levigarrett76]

My understanding is that the 18 and newer trucks need to be beat on or run hard regularly to avoid oil consumption. Also they like thicker oil than the factory spec.

I heard that also and beat on it pretty good including some heavy towing for about 15k miles. It burned less 5w30 than 5w20, but it was still 2-3 quarts in 5-6k mile changes with 5w30.

I dont buy it, some of ford's silly bullshit. My 17' 5.0 never burned a drop between 5k oil changes, nor does my 210k mile 7.3 P/s or 175k 4.9 ford. For that matter this 22' 2.7 hasnt used any oil either..

I hate the 21-up trucks, I prefer the 15-17. They ride nicer but the instrument display is annoying, clunky and less user friendly Intuitive than the 15-20 trucks. No shit the truck is on, no shit someone unbuckled, no shit my lights are on, no shit the brake is on. Stop fucking flashing and dinging.
Stupid thing has a motorized shifter on the column that puts itself into park with e-brake on when backing with door open into parking spots, have to crank engine to put into neutral and cant turn off key, stupid auto headlamps, trip meter half resets itself randomly, cant view tpms when moving.

 

[DMG]

I heard that also and beat on it pretty good including some heavy towing for about 15k miles. It burned less 5w30 than 5w20, but it was still 2-3 quarts in 5-6k mile changes with 5w30.

I dont buy it, some of ford's silly bullshit. My 17' 5.0 never burned a drop between 5k oil changes, nor does my 210k mile 7.3 P/s or 175k 4.9 ford. For that matter this 22' 2.7 hasnt used any oil either..

I hate the 21-up trucks, I prefer the 15-17. They ride nicer but the instrument display is annoying, clunky and less user friendly Intuitive than the 15-20 trucks. No shit the truck is on, no shit someone unbuckled, no shit my lights are on, no shit the brake is on. Stop fucking flashing and dinging.
Stupid thing has a motorized shifter on the column that puts itself into park with e-brake on when backing with door open into parking spots, have to crank engine to put into neutral and cant turn off key, stupid auto headlamps, trip meter half resets itself randomly, cant view tpms when moving.

The advice to beat on it doesn’t come from ford. It’s kind of the consensus of 18 and newer 5.0 owners. The cylinder walls have a very hard, very slippery ceramic-like coating. Your 17 did not.

 

[Winchested]

Let me just say I'd never buy another 3.5EB. Exhaust mani's are the weak link. Even the newer ones still had phaser issues. Even Though they switched the timing arrangement, chains got better but phasers still go clackity clack.

Luckily mine was covered under warranty was $3500 cdn worth of work for phasers and timing.

6 speeds had a bad issue with a speed sensor that would drop the trans to 1st gear randomly. (was dealt with via trans tune flash from Ford recall).

 

[DMG]

Let me just say I'd never buy another 3.5EB. Exhaust mani's are the weak link. Even the newer ones still had phaser issues. Even Though they switched the timing arrangement, chains got better but phasers still go clackity clack.

Luckily mine was covered under warranty was $3500 cdn worth of work for phasers and timing.

6 speeds had a bad issue with a speed sensor that would drop the trans to 1st gear randomly. (was dealt with via trans tune flash from Ford recall).

The 6 speed also had a very common lead frame issue.

 

[Levigarrett76]

The advice to beat on it doesn’t come from ford. It’s kind of the consensus of 18 and newer 5.0 owners. The cylinder walls have a very hard, very slippery ceramic-like coating. Your 17 did not.

I remember reading that when I was researching all this while having the issues.

The ford dealer that did the oil consumption tsb told me something similar to "they just burn oil". That's just BS to me. It was like pulling teeth and a major waste of my time just to get them to do the tsb. They had to do an oil change then I brought it back after 1000 miles for them to check themselves and see it was down over 2 quarts. Thats more than a miled out ls with cylinder de-activation
This truck towed a bass boat most of its life up until this, no that's not pulling heavy but its more than most of the 4 door cars with a bed see.
I later loaded about 8-10k behind it and made a few runs through the mountains. Was still using 2-3 qts per change when i finally got rid of it with almost 60,000 miles on the clock.

 

[DMG]

I remember reading that when I was researching all this while having the issues.

The ford dealer that did the oil consumption tsb told me something similar to "they just burn oil". That's just BS to me. It was like pulling teeth and a major waste of my time just to get them to do the tsb. They had to do an oil change then I brought it back after 1000 miles for them to check themselves and see it was down over 2 quarts. Thats more than a miled out ls with cylinder de-activation
This truck towed a bass boat most of its life up until this, no that's not pulling heavy but its more than most of the 4 door cars with a bed see.
I later loaded about 8-10k behind it and made a few runs through the mountains. Was still using 2-3 qts per change when i finally got rid of it with almost 60,000 miles on the clock.

It sounds like you got a bad one. There are plenty of them out there.

 

[DMG]

I was thinking about this discussion while working on a friends 2015 5.0 supercrew with 206,000 miles. I have been the only one to work on it since it had well under 100k and have done nothing but maintenance, a starter and the coolant seal thing.

I think the gen 2 5.0 trucks are the most reliable right now. Thats 2015-2017. The 3rd gen is faster and tows much better but have more problems.

 

[Levigarrett76]

I would have to agree

 

[Y2kmxz]

The 6 speed also had a very common lead frame issue.

Nothing like being on a sweeping highway on ramp at 45mph and out of nowhere the 6 speed down shifts to 1st/2nd gear for a split second chirping the rear tires. That was my 2013 3.5 ecoboost with 3:31 gears. That truck was great except for the speed sensor/ lead frame issue at year 8. Traded it for a 2021 F150 which I ordered during the Covid debacle, took 5 months. The 2021 is a 3.5 ecoboost with 3.55 gears. I don’t hate the 10 speed, but I really liked the 6 speed. My Jeep/trailer combo is 6400 lbs. Both trucks tow/towed that weight just fine but the 6 speed truck just seemed to pull without shifting down on the highway. The 10 speed is always shifting even with 9/10th gear locked out. Not a big deal, just something I’ve noticed. I will give the nod to the 2021 for fuel economy unload or towing. Highway unloaded, hand calculated I’ve gotten mid 22 low 23 mpg on longer trips with average being 19.5-20 mpg summer. Towing, it’s about 12mpg, about .5 to .75 mpg better than the 2013.

I test drove the 2.7 eco, the 5.0, and the 3.5 eco before ordering the 2021. I loved the sound of the 5.0...but I preferred the effortless low rpm acceleration of the 3.5 eco. Nothing against the 2.7 eco, it has plenty of power...I just decided to go with the bigger ecoboost because there is no replacement for displacement.....right?

 

[Rockwood]

Anyone's 5.0l make a good amount of noise?

I see one priced decent (13k w/ 100k miles) and they're saying it's ticking. Internet is saying engine noise is fairly common/normal on these. Have yet to see it in person, but considering taking a gamble if it's not about to chuck a rod.

I have one in a Mustang. Has the BBQ tick, which is mainly audible at the drive-thru or backing into the garage. Runs perfectly otherwise, but it is annoying.

The advice to beat on it doesn’t come from ford. It’s kind of the consensus of 18 and newer 5.0 owners. The cylinder walls have a very hard, very slippery ceramic-like coating. Your 17 did not.

My Mullet-machine regularly sees 7500rpm, stopped consuming around 15k miles, but the consumption was mild before then. They definitely take a while to break in.

 

[mobil1syn]

I think the gen 2 5.0 trucks are the most reliable right now. Thats 2015-2017. The 3rd gen is faster and tows much better but have more problems.

thats the kind of information im interested in.

 

[WoodburyZuk]

I am not sure I’m qualified to answer. I had a 2018 CC/SB with the 10 speed I got brand new. It was a nice truck but I liked the 15 with the 6 speed better. While I was looking, what I was looking for most was a kind of a unicorn. CC/LB XLT with FX4 package 5.0 6 speed. FX4 because in that year range if it had a 6.5 foot bed and FX4 it was almost guaranteed to have 3.73’s.

When you say CC/LB are you talking long bed like 8’. Or long bed like longer than the short bed? I know very little about ford’s, but if they make a true long 8’ bed crew cab, that’s my next truck…

 

[JR4X]

When you say CC/LB are you talking long bed like 8’. Or long bed like longer than the short bed? I know very little about ford’s, but if they make a true long 8’ bed crew cab, that’s my next truck…

I hate that this answer is so stupid. No, they do NOT make a Crew cab F150 with an 8 foot bed.

On the crew cabs they offer two bed lengths. 5 1/2” foot and 6 1/2 foot. Ford calls the 6 1/2 bed a long bed in reference to a 6 1/2 bed on CC F150’s where that is the max length available. My referring to a 6 1/2 foot bed as a “long bed” is me disgustingly succumbing to a marketing misnomer. My apologies.

Ford only sells an 8 foot bed on an F150 in Super-cab or Single cab configuration.