Factory brake controller, brakes on Both axles , Helwig Helper springs on truck. Pulls and handles well, local only 45 mph on back roads 65 on 4 lanes , transmission locked in 3rd or 4th depending on speed.
I test drove a 2009 4.6 4 speed with a friend looking to buy a truck , l was very surprised how weak this combo felt driving.
i am sure the later years 4.6 with the 6 speed felt and performed better . My 2012 3.7 feels like a rocket compared and revs freely too 7,000 when you call on it.

Ford power has has come along way in the last decade . I have not driven or rode in the latest 5.0 , 3.5 ,or 2.7 but there specs are very impressive .

i would love to have the new 10 speed behind my 3.7 . The low 1st gear on the 6 speed gets my 8,500 pound trailer on the move much easier than my old 2001 6.0 gas 2500 ,

I had a 2010 with the 4.6 with 6-speed and it definitely felt solid. I didn’t tow/haul with it, just light loads in the box. But it felt great just driving around.

i new something had to be different in the later models of 4.6 cause the one we test drove was a real dog . I even looked down to see if the park brake was on when I first put in drive .

right you are part way anyhow. From a power stand point no the 3.7 is not completely happy with this load but due to the 6 speeds ultra low first it gets the load moving with ease . Stoppin and handling is on par with any other F 150 model with the six speed transmission which has auto down shifting when in tow haul mode . Pretty much though the trailer can stop the truck. My tounge weight is within safe limits . In fact I bought a hd curt replacement hitch to get the higher touge sticker
but the ford hitch is much stronger in the way it is mounted . It was just rated low at 500 I know you want agree and that’s ok with me .