Fullrut

I know this my 1st post, but i am gonna buy an F150 for the cab space. There huge, any way i dont know what engine or gear ratio would be best. I am an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, camping, cutting & hauling wood. I live in the country and travel gravel alot. Drive about 40 miles a day to work on a hilly road. I dont pull all that much, never more than 7000lbs. I do pull a trailer with a gator xuv on it every year elk hunting. I think MPGs might be a wash. My question is what setup you would go with? I am concerned with the gap on the Eco front end where a corn stalk might take out the intercooler. Not sure if this is a concern or not. I would love to hear some feedback, thanks in advance.

Sitedrifter

Your pick of an engine is your choice as they are all good choices (I prefer N/A) but as far as the gear ratio, at least 3.55s and in particular, the electronic locking axle. I you drive in the woods you will need that for sure!

11screw50

From what I've been reading, I expect that you are right, mileage should be a wash.

If you dont tow more than 7,000lb, either will do fine. If you're one who wants to tune and mod for more power, the EB will get you a bigger bump cheaper, the 5.0 probably has a higher ceiling but will certainly cost more to get there.

From the sounds of it though I think either will work just fine for you. I'd go 3.55's or 3.73's with the ELD.

dave91gt

Funny thing about the cab space. I have a coworker (diehard Chevy) that was enroute to buy a new LTZ. Until he listened to my persistent requests to simply drive a F150. After his kids sat in the back seat, he said he was sold. Drove it and then the LTZ. He just last night brought home a 2013 FX4 crew 5.0. Said something about his dad disowning him lol.I digress.
I believe any of Fords engines will suit you. This is the first time as far as I can remember that there is actually debating about which engine is better in the F150. I chose the 5.0 and my 40 mile daily commute is netting mid 15's mpg in the worst of winter. Same drive on summer blend fuel is almost 2mpg better. Best has been 21.9 mpg on summer vacation. Truck has been flawless for 12,000 miles (1 year). Best configuration IMO for you is at least an XLT with the locker and tow package. 3.55's minimum for the 5.0 and 3.73's ideally. That's what mine has and it doesn't downshift on interstate hills in WV. The Eco has had a few bugs but are addressed. As far as cornstalks, there is aftermarket "grills" you can install in the gaping bumper hole. I did it on my 5.0. There has been a debate about installing it on the Eco. May want to search.
Good luck. These trucks are fabulous IMO.

sullyman

If your going to be fjording and streams, I would go with the 5.0, as there have been reports of Ecos stalling out in automatic car washes.

Otherwise, they are pretty equal, and will both get the job done.

With the new electronic version of antislip Ford has that uses your ABS system, you end up with limited slip on both axles of your 4x4, and it works extremely well. After putting it to the test in some pretty extreme offroad situations now, I have to say that you'd be hard pressed to get this truck stuck. In fact, I have never put this truck in 4lo yet, and have been in situations where my prior Dodge barely made it through in 4lo. If you're in a situation where you need a locker in this truck, you probably shouldn't be there, unless you own a Jeep.

12f150med

I do alot out in the woods etc. as well. I saw the torture test videos for the ecoboost but still went with the tried and true v8. Love my 5.0, plus the sound it makes is a plus.

11screw50

Is this for real? I have not seen or heard anything about it.

And while I agree about the electronic limited slip being good, there are still situations where the locker comes in handy.

knauby

Been reports of them not working when driven into swimming pools too! This whole thing is becoming hilarious and a HUGE disservice to those few owners that are having problems. I'm ready to bag reading these forums.

Sitedrifter

The limited slip I believe is mechanical but the electronic locking axle is just that, uses electronics to lock the axles.

geno51

No it's not true more sullyman rhetoric about the EcoBoost he hates the motor thinks the 5.0 is gods gift to the F150. He is the most anti Eco guy on this forum.
Let me guess ONE person had their truck turn off at an auto car wash with absolutely no proof of the cause could have been anything and sully just assumes its something related to the intercooler (even though its a sealed system an the intake is in the exact same place as his truck.

He feels the need to say ecos are plagued by taking in water. Pathetic yet expected by him with his past posts and anti Eco history where is the rolling eyes emotion con when you need it. Sad very sad !