JTM86

So I did some research and adding the factory tow package for the 3.5 NA engine is pretty straightforward. The engine oil cooler is incredibly simple to add and I'm ordering all the parts for it this week. The auxiliary transmission cooler is also a fairly simple bolt on, and I can order the entire kit complete with all fasteners direct from Ford.

Just added the hitch this weekend, had to tow my dinky 4x8 trailer to the yard waste dump. I'm impressed with this truck, it's returning excellent mileage (lifetime average at 1100 miles is 19.8 mpg with 70% city) and is peppy.

On a side note, while I was under the truck putting the hitch on I noticed that the rear differential has a 12-bolt cover - I thought that was only a 9.75" axle thing? It's a 3.73 non-LS truck...

KEVININCHICAGO

the 3.5na should be bulletproof. It has been around and my Ford dealer said they have had very few issues with them. It looks really small in the engine bay. A breeze to do anything on it eventually. My truck will do 100mph. Add the rear swaybar and find a curvy road and you can't help smiling. I haven't found the handling limit yet. Need to test in big parking lot or track to find it. 16,000 miles on mine now - no issues. (running 5w-30)

papa tiger

A tow tune for the transmission to mimic tow/haul factory tune and you have a tough truck

JTM86

papa tiger, the 3.5 FFV engine has the tow/haul mode, it just doesn't have the range select, which I would like to add.

I've been running straight E85 this week just to try it out. Mileage sucks, but the throttle response is almost sport-mode like and the engine runs cooler (I'm running Dashcommand). I would love to dyno the truck on both e10 and e85 and see how engine behavior changes.

On a side note, I would love to see a towing comparison between a 3.5 NA and a 2.7 Ecoboost. I fully realize the 2.7 is a more capable engine, but my theory is that under normal towing conditions (i.e. not TFL's towing gauntlet) the 3.5 would return better economy. I'm thinking towing a 5000lb car/trailer combo through the Midwest kind of test. The HUGE drop in mpg that seems to be present when the 2.7 is hooked to any load is interesting to me, and I'm wondering if it's dumping extra fuel in to keep the thing cool.

papa tiger

Sorry I was in belief that tow/haul is an option and if ordered included trans cooler ect and if you didn't get tow/haul from the manufacture you need to go thru all this that this thread is applying to. Since mine came with all the tow/haul/+ range select and trailer equipment it is on the sticker.

rockman23

Today I realized my 3.5naV6 is just like a V8, you'd never know the difference if ya didn't know it....when ya floor it, it throws you back in the seat...love the 3.5na. Mine has the 3.73 gears, I'm sure that helps. I average 23 mpg freeway at 75-80 mph.

JTM86

Still loving this 3.5 truck. Lifetime average is 20.1 mpg, which includes a few tanks of E85, so it would probably be a bit higher if not for that. Gets a solid 22 mpg on the highway with the cruise set at 74, which I can't complain about. Zero issues, but only 4000 miles so far.

KEVININCHICAGO, how many miles do you have on yours now? Any issues? Still like it?

nihilus

Nothing but good news from the 3.5 n.a. crew. Awesome to hear.

JTM86

Went on a little road trip today, thought I would share the mpg results. Cruise was set at 74 mph, and using the trip time the average speed works out to be just over 73 mph. I-70 through KS/MO.



I have noticed that the truck doesn't have the ***** to pull 6th gear up any kind of an incline if the speed is below ~73 mph. Needs some revs! It's fun to just throw in cheap regular gas and go, looking forward to many more easy miles with this truck.

KEVININCHICAGO

25,000 miles on mine, probably the most so far on 3.5na truck. So far not a single drivetrain issue. Replaced an outside temp sensor and driver's side door lock actuator but that is it. I am going to go to 300,000 with this truck. My last one did.