5.0 vs 3.5 Reliability
04-03-2019, 05:06 PM
#11
A step down from what? Have you read the Tundra forums?
I've had 4 F150's with the 5.0L. This latest version is not my favorite, but I still prefer it over the eco boost.
I tow about 7500-8000# boat/trailer combo with no issue. (3:55 gears)
Don't know what the life expectancy of the plasma lined cylinders is, but better than an internal water pump on the 3.5L.
Stay away from GM. They come with 3:23 or 3:42 rear ends. They say that the 10 spd trans makes up for it, but it's the same trans as the F150.
This is just my opinion. You're gonna get a lot of them.
I've had 4 F150's with the 5.0L. This latest version is not my favorite, but I still prefer it over the eco boost.
I tow about 7500-8000# boat/trailer combo with no issue. (3:55 gears)
Don't know what the life expectancy of the plasma lined cylinders is, but better than an internal water pump on the 3.5L.
Stay away from GM. They come with 3:23 or 3:42 rear ends. They say that the 10 spd trans makes up for it, but it's the same trans as the F150.
This is just my opinion. You're gonna get a lot of them.
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04-03-2019, 05:13 PM
#12
Senior Member
Found the site below with some good info on the subject. For me, it came down to what do I need the truck for and which option best met those needs. A 150, 250 or 350?. What engine, the 5.0, the EB or should I go diesel? Light, medium or heavy towing, if any? MPG important? Off-road, city or highway driving? Once you determine all your needs, then begin researching the options that meet or exceed your needs.
http://www.donleyfordashland.net/res...gine-guide.htm
http://www.donleyfordashland.net/res...gine-guide.htm
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nhammer (04-03-2019)
04-03-2019, 05:24 PM
#13
Senior Member
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04-03-2019, 05:26 PM
#14
I don't think anyone can argue the Tundra's reliability. If that's the most important thing to you, then by all means. However, the Tundra lags in virtually every other category. I take the complaints here with a grain of salt, as there are 900,000 of these trucks made every year and this is where people come to complain. I have an 18 5.0. My motor chirps at idle, which I hope a fix is coming based on the SSM. The 10 speed is jerky in 3rd gear. But i get 18-19mpg, its smooth cruising, it looks good (tundra = fugly, imo), it hauls ***, and it sounds like a truck. Id buy the 5.0 again in a heartbeat.
If Ford went 13 years without a meaningful update, the f150 would be just as reliable. Look at the Crown VIc, that is a pillar of reliability because it never got updated.
If Ford went 13 years without a meaningful update, the f150 would be just as reliable. Look at the Crown VIc, that is a pillar of reliability because it never got updated.
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04-03-2019, 05:36 PM
#15
Hey... a 5.0 vs 3.5 eco thread again...its been a while!!!!! 
Well I've owned both and I wouldn't buy either one again!
Want a good truck? Go find yourself a good used 2013-2014 with a 6.2litre engine! It will outlast anything sold new today!
Well I've owned both and I wouldn't buy either one again!
Want a good truck? Go find yourself a good used 2013-2014 with a 6.2litre engine! It will outlast anything sold new today!
Last edited by Stu Cazzo; 04-03-2019 at 05:40 PM.
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koach (02-04-2020)
04-03-2019, 05:51 PM
#16
I love it! People ask for advice hoping to get knowledgeable insight and we hear things like the eco boost has an internal water pump. Even if it did, How often do water pumps fail? The last water pump I installed was on a 1971 Challenger back around 1978. And I put a LOT of miles on my cars.
As for the 5.0 being less complicated.....ALL these engines are complicated! Besides turbos have been around for a LONG time, they’re not new on the scene.
I chose the 3.5 eb, not because I disliked the 5.0, but because I tow a camper. The eb is a towing beast!
I would test drive them all and make up your own mind. Don’t rule out the 2.7, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
As for the 5.0 being less complicated.....ALL these engines are complicated! Besides turbos have been around for a LONG time, they’re not new on the scene.
I chose the 3.5 eb, not because I disliked the 5.0, but because I tow a camper. The eb is a towing beast!
I would test drive them all and make up your own mind. Don’t rule out the 2.7, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
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04-03-2019, 05:53 PM
#17
Senior Member
I love my 5.0
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Breanna (05-03-2020)
04-03-2019, 06:14 PM
#18
Coming from a Chevy LS truck, the 5.0 is smooooth! I love it, even with the minor rattle that goes away after 20 seconds. Radio on, can't hear it anyway.
5.0 if you're a truck/engine guy, IMO
5.0 if you're a truck/engine guy, IMO
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04-03-2019, 06:52 PM
#19
Senior Member
I have a '16 5.0 and really like it. Great engine IMO.
Having said that and based soley on the latest 5.0 issues posted on this forum, they seem to have issues like abnormal oil usage and various noises.
If i were in the market for a new '19 F150 i myself would begrudgingly pass on the 5.0.
Sure seems like Ford took a good reliable V8 NA'd engine and made a turd out of it. But maybe that was their intention.
Having said that and based soley on the latest 5.0 issues posted on this forum, they seem to have issues like abnormal oil usage and various noises.
If i were in the market for a new '19 F150 i myself would begrudgingly pass on the 5.0.
Sure seems like Ford took a good reliable V8 NA'd engine and made a turd out of it. But maybe that was their intention.
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Scottbaiowulf (09-08-2019)
