Hi allmy

After quite some time of weighing my options, I believe my choice for my First Ford F-150 will be a King Ranch. The only thing that I can't make my mind about is which engine. The 3.5 Eco seams like something that should suit me especially in the long run as I do intend to keep my truck for a while. However more and more the 5.0 V8 keeps coming back into my head. My truck is to be my everything as in do what ever I want/need whenever i feel like it. The Year model is still in dispute but easily made so I am not worried about that however it will be a brand new truck regardless. As of today I am 50/50 over the engine selection.

A small part of me thinks ordering it from The Ford Factory would be better but I know nothing about it. Open to thoughts.

I am open to any and all comments and advice.

Thanks.

 

https://shop.ford.com/build/f150/?searchid=237089354 6178718947 78152010278 &s_kwcid=AL!2519!10!8031466219!78152010278&ef_id=X MXRHgAAAH78aRKl:20190513000325:s#/select/

 

In my humble opinion, same as I just discussed with my son who is buying his first F150, if you are going to tow get the EB3.5. If not, it is personal preference. I have had two EB and many V8s. My current is a V8 as it was $1,000 for V8 vs. $1,600 for EB and I won't tow on a regular basis. Both engines have performed great for me and as with anything that is mass manufactured any engine can have issues but Ford has always stood behind it's products with me which is why I am currently trading my wife's 2017 Escape for a new 2019 Escape (Ford vehicle #19 since 1995).

 

I went 3.5EB, because I like the drive characteristics of a turbocharged motor. If you prefer a throaty exhaust note and like winding the engine up, go 5.0 (assuming the oil consumption issues don't worry you).

Or, if you really want the best of both worlds, slap a Whipple on top of a 5.0. That's how I would have gone if I had the available coin.

 

if you are going to tow very much weight at all like above 5K, the 3.5 EcoBeast is a must. Remember the new 5.0 Coyote engines are having a lot of issues right now.

 

I would test drive them back-to-back, that is really the only way you will truly know. I went with the 3.5 EB because after my research, it was what I wanted. I have owned plenty of V-8's, and after a test drive of the 3.5 EB I was sold, I didn't even drive the 5.0. I have been very pleased with my choice so far!

 

Until oil consumption issue is fixed beware of the 5.0 motor. At this point anyone’s guess what real issue is and from what point going forward it is fixed. Many have the decel rattle and 10 speed shift issues on the 5.0 starting in 2018 and 2017 on the 3.5. Overall the 10 speed issues seem mostly fixed in my Aug built 2018 5.0. Best of luck whatever truck and motor you go with.

 

@150truckcommander Personal opinion: The 3.5 Liter is a much better choice over the 5.0 Liter

 

Whatever you do, make sure you test drive a new similar truck with the 3.5, I am an old v8 fan, hard core EX GM guy and anti aluminum truck guy! I bought a 2018 Screw xlt with the 3.5, and I gotta tell you it is just amazing, In my opinion, the 3.5 is a whole new driving experience, the power is a lot like a diesel that will wind out. although if you are winding out a 3.5 your nearing 100 mph.

The 10 speed is a very busy bee always one step ahead of you and always eager to please, trying to always be in the correct gear, it's the small things you learn to like with this combo, short quick bursts to make the light, quick scoot to get in your lane, merging is just plain fun, and now let's talk about passing on that old 2 lane! LOL
When you enter the oncoming lane and light it up, you are shooting past the slow car like you have never done before, it is really handy and impressive.

I love the King Ranch package and wanted one but didn't want to go that high for my purchase, in my opinion, the 3.5 King ranch would be a near perfect truck, just make sure you drive one before you pick the 8.

 

I’ve test driven and prefer the 5.0 driving experience. It will tow good and fine for 99% of half ton owners. I just pulled 13,000 pounds of boat with a gas 6.2L F-350 on saturday and the engine didn’t even break a sweat. The Ecoboost is better if you are often at higher elevation towing for sure.

My current F-150 is a 2013 6.2 Platinum and it’s been a great truck. I plan to keep my 6.2 but will order a new daily driver and have decided on a 5.0 Platinum with 3.73 rear ratio.