When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
New to the forum living in Upstate, NY Albany Area, originally from TX. Got out of the military and landed in the salty North East. I mentioned being back but I had a 2008 Lincoln Mark LT which I still consider to be an F150. I loved that truck so much and it was mint with only 108k miles, only issue was the 5.4 had horrible cam phaser issues and would bucked like a mule as if it was fuel starved.
After dealing with dealership replacing the cam phasers and not truly rectifying the issue and essentially throwing thousands of dollars out the window I went with a more trusty platform 5.7 Toyota Tundra. Great truck plenty of power but I lost a lot of luxury and tech even thought the tundra was newer than the Mark LT it have far superior options and luxury.
So last Wednesday day I went to the dealership looking for a upgrade and may a little fuel efficiency. They had a 2021 Velocity Blue/Med Dark Slate SCrew 4x4 145" 3.5L TT EB, 10R80, 3.55 E-Locker, 302A XLT, FX4, Tow Tech, Co-Pilot Assist 2.0, 360 Camera, Twin Panel Moonroof, Power-Sliding Rear Window, Power Tailgate with Step, Tailgate Work Surfaces, 20" Dark Alloy Wheels, Extended Range 36GAL Fuel Tank and it came with Wheel Liners. Heads and shoulders above anything Toyota is offering as they have been making the same truck since 2008... so it was a no brainer and after 4hrs Of negotiating I walked out of the dealer with the biggest smile on my face. The 3.5 EB is so nice and the 10 spd shifts like a dream.
My next move is to get it tinted and get a level and new tires. I’d also like to paint match the grille, side vents and the mirror caps.
I’m open to recommendations as this is my first Ecoboost and really my first actual F-150. I don’t know a lot bout these motors or modifications for these trucks. And have never owned a turbocharged vehicle as I usually am a v8 guy, but I heard a lot of good things about the 3.5. I did however hear of cam phaser issues and hope to not go down that road again...
Welcome aboard and congrats on the new truck. I love that blue. Does not appear that you have the bed lined. Is that on your agenda also? Suggest Line-X as it is the most popular around here. Bed cover?
In regards to the cam phasers, it seems that issue is mostly in the past. I will get my head chewed off for saying this, but a sensible oil change interval with a full synthetic oil will go a long way in avoiding premature failure. 4-5000 miles a good rule. Some will push 7500 miles or more by following the computers estimated oil life calculator. Please excuse me as I dive for cover under my desk. Enjoy the new truck and quit worrying .
Last edited by cihmagnum; Apr 7, 2021 at 02:03 PM.
These modern era trucks are lightyears beyond the reliability and tech from the '04 - '08 era. If you think you liked that old truck, you're really going to like this new one.
Welcome aboard and congrats on the new truck. I love that blue. Does not appear that you have the bed lined. Is that on your agenda also? Suggest Line-X as it is the most popular around here. Bed cover?
In regards to the cam phasers, it seems that issue is mostly in the past. I will get my head chewed off for saying this, but a sensible oil change interval with a full synthetic oil will go a long way in avoiding premature failure. 4-5000 miles a good rule. Some will push 7500 miles or more by following the computers estimated oil life calculator. Please excuse me as I dive for cover under my desk. Enjoy the new truck and quit worrying .
Thanks for the advice. I make sure to change the oil between 4-5k. As for bed liner I do like the Line-X with the new protective finish, but being apprehensive I went with a lease since this is a first model year vehicle and I don’t know if I’ll buy it out or trade it for a Lariat Powerboost. I was thinking of going with a under one hundred dollar rubber mat in the time being. I will be getting a roll up tonneau. I got cheap as well like a Tyger or Gator just to protect from weather.
Thanks for the advice. I make sure to change the oil between 4-5k. As for bed liner I do like the Line-X with the new protective finish, but being apprehensive I went with a lease since this is a first model year vehicleand I don’t know if I’ll buy it out or trade it for a Lariat Powerboost. I was thinking of going with a under one hundred dollar rubber mat in the time being. I will be getting a roll up tonneau. I got cheap as well like a Tyger or Gator just to protect from weather.
The changes this year are some very nice refinements that I am envious of, but I would not consider the 2021 a first model year vehicle. Going from a 2014 to a 2015 was a big step, but I consider 2021 as a mild change and do not expect to see a lot of red flags on here for this model year. If there are, it might be software related that a software update can remedy. The engines and transmission have been very stout and were carried over as they should have been. I have never leased a vehicle so I have no idea how much the leasing company dings you for any scratches in the cargo box. Maybe someone else here can advise us from past experience if it is a concern or not.
Happy to be back!
