Lee Wells

Some FX4 opinions needed out there before I submit an order for a 2012.

• 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratio, only real reason I would take this option is for some extra oomph in the initial acceleration. As long as the 3.73 gets me out of trouble in the snow, ice, mud with the 4x4 that should be ample.
• 5.0 V8 or 3.5 V6 Eco, don't much care about the minimal mpg difference, not sure I can give up the roar of a V8, anyone know the relative performance of the 2 for a 0-60 or similar. A little concerned with all the threads on here with problems with the eco. Both options tow ample weight for me.
• 5.5 or 6.5 ft bed, the 6.5 is the most practical for me but is there any real downside.
• FX appearance package, I think this option has to go in the bin given the photos of the seats I have seen in favor of a set of snow tires and rims.
• Shame Ford are not offering the ToughBed until winter 2012 otherwise I would have had that as a factory option.

Appreciate any persuasive advice.

EdgeR6

Maybe in 12 but in 11 as far as I know you coudn't get 4:10's with the FX4 only with raptor and lariet. get 3.73. Test drive both motors before decideing lots of people love the eco boost. I test drove and was not inpressed at all. I wanted a 6.2 but couldn't get that in fx4. If you can get the 4:10's I'd proably go that option. I came from a tundra 5.7 with 4:30's Let me tell you don't try to race any of them.
I would stay with the shorter bed becuase its eaiser to park that extra foot make the truck look long. If you can afford it get the the luxury pacakage.

5.0 Tried and ture, mustang motor tons of aftermarket support.
eco boost. New motor No real long term longitivety test. I think they just came out with a CAI for it.
No replacment for Displacment unless you can cut a ton of weight. The only way I know to do that is to loose two wheels.
I'm not a fan of the eco.

11screw50

please just stop. the 5.0 has nothing in common with the old 5.0, it has no more history than the EB and forced induction certainly can replace displacement. neither engine has been around for very long.

OP: 3.73's, 5.0, 6.5' (as it seems to be your preference)

Jaws1

I don't think you can go wrong with either engine. I don't know where you are coming from regarding "all the eco problems". I don't know of any issues with the EcoBoost other than transmission issues. The transmission used in the 5.0 and EB is the same.

TJPlatinumEB

Wow so much misinformation here I'm not sure where to start!!!!!

1. 4.10's were an FX4 option in 2011. I had one ordered until they were able to offer me a MUCH better deal on my FX2 w/ 3.55's and no wait time. It was a very rare option to see the 4.10's in the FX4, but it was an option on the order sheet I filled out.

2. You came from a 5.7 Tundra but weren't impressed with the Eco? Funny how the Eco either runs right with it or beats it in almost every category yet you weren't impressed. My dad and two of his friends have stock 5.7's w/ the 4.30's and its a dead heat or a win by me everytime. Mine is stock as well.

3. The 5.0 is NOT the same 5.0 as in the Mustang. Even if it was, the Mustang 5.0 is only a year older!?!?!? Why do people always want to use that tried and true argument? That's like someone saying the EB in the F150 is the same as the SHO Taurus. Sure it's very similar, but it's NOT the same!!!!!!

4. Aftermarket support is picking up for both motors. The EB has a number of intakes, one programmer thus far and several others on the way, along with a number of exhaust options too. The support for both the 5.0 and EB trucks is only going to grow much bigger in the coming months and years. LOTS of options in the pipeline.

To the threadstarter, I apologize for some of the confusion and misinformation. Bottom line though, no one can tell you what to choose. We all bought what works best for us and you will too

For me I was given a 5.0 Platinum to drive for a week followed by a EB FX4 to drive for a week after and the dealership let me make my decision on what to order. It was a hands down EB winner to me, but the 5.0 is a great motor too. The big kicker for me was the AMPLE midrange torque that the EB provides over what the 5.0 does. For my driving style and needs, the midrange 2k-4k power (which is where most of us spend 80% of our driving) is what I wanted and the EB fits the bill perfectly.

Just my 2psi

76736

^ this guy took all the words right out of my mouth!

pfbz

The 3.73 / EcoBoost is a fantastic combination.
Great performance, decent or so-so fuel economy depending on how often you dip into the turbo goodness. No need for 4.10's unless you are trying to haul some ridiculously heavy trailer or plan on putting on huge tires.

To each his own on the appearance package. I think an FX4 Luxury package looks fantastic, but the appearance package looks tacky. I like the black wheels, but the red trim IMHO is pure Jersey Shore.

6.5' vs. 5.5' bed. If you are in a rural/light suburban area, go for the bigger bed. If not, the 5.5' bed is sure a lot easier to work through tight parking lots and spaces... I went from an 8' bed (Superduty Supercab) to the 5.5' bed, and have not regretted it at all.

My choice was:
2011 FX4, SuperCrew, 5.5' Bed, Luxury package, EcoBoost w/ 3.73's,

DraKhen99

I love my EcoBoost Scab Lariat 6.5' bed ... get the 6.5' bed, either motor is fine, and have you thought about the extended cab instead of the SuperCrew? The leg room is fine (and I have some 6-footers who have ridden back there), and you keep the truck parkable in a city.

Just my $.02

-John

Lee Wells

Just for reference as a baseline I currently have a 2010 XLT scab 5.4 L V8 RWD 3.15 axle ratio, 6.5 ft bed. Great truck 90% of the time, I love it.

Excuses for upgrade

• Useless in the snow. Last winter I was driving the wifes car instead which leaves her housebound. Need the 4x4
• Bare knuckle ride in snow, ice once you are moving. Even slips and spins in mud with the stock No Terrain tires. Going to get deicated winter rims and tires but if the vehicle wheels I am moving to is different then dont want to buy those before a trade.

Like to have

• Faster pickup than the current vehicle which is about 2 days 0-60, fast as plausible for a 1/2 ton cargo container on wheels.
• 4 real doors so me / the wife don't impale ourselves every time we put my kid in the back seat. Unless your in the middle it is a bit tight in the scab.
• More gadgets

Hence the move to the FX4 screw with the lux etc... Don't like the styling of the Lariats (aside from Plat less tailgate plate) and desire the mechanics of the locker etc.. for off road

NorCal-09

Excellent post!

I just love your use of 'imagery' "dipping into the turbo goodness."

And IMO, your other observations are right on the mark.

I am so torn now, and one day I am leaning toward the Lariat EB and the next I am looking at the FX4 EB similar to what you show above. Also, I am having a tough time deciding on a color this go-round....last time on my '09 it seemed easier.

I also agree on the gear ratio. I was thinking about the 3.55's as you can have the balance of performance vs. better economy with the EB; however, if you plan (like I do) of running 35" Toyos, then it might be a better idea to go with the 3.73's. Last, after going from my Screw F-250 to my Screw F-150 with the 5.5 bed, I am spoiled, (both) on the trail and in the city.