Ric27

I have just started to look for a F150. I noticed 4 sections on this forum for truck of various ages.
97-03
04-08
09-14
15- present

I would probably be most interested in the two groups covering 04-14.
look for a V8-auto, Super Cab 2 or 4wd. I would be using it to two our small camper trailer and our small fishing boat.

Is there anyone here that would give me the rundown on the differences between these two groups

Cutless009

Looks, features, etc as per any updated vehicle.

The biggest difference would be 2011 saw the introduction of the EcoBoost engines which are a turbo-charged V6 instead of a large-displacement 5.4L V8. The HP and TQ match or exceed the V8 ratings if I recall, however you have to put your foot deeper into that V6 to get it into the power band due to it being turbo. The EB engines also tend to be more reliable long-run than the 5.4L engines and are supposed to get better fuel mileage.

Other than looks, features, etc that is probably the biggest difference between the two platforms. I think Ford updated the frame to be stiffer someone in the middle of the 2009-2014 run as well, but I'm not sure when or if it is significant.

PerryB

If looking at the 11th gen, try to find an '08. The 5.4 got a sorely needed cylinder head mod. for '08. If looking at 12th gen, try for a 11-up. They're hard to find, but a 12th gen with the 6.2 (Raptor engine) is a blast.

ajandersen

I know that you said that you're looking for a V8 but the ecoboost engines are really nice. I have an ecoboost 3.5L 2012 and I won't go back to a non-ecoboost engine. They tow really well and are a ton of fun to drive.

SoonerLS

When I was looking, I was looking at '09 and newer because of the changes Ford made to address newer crash/rollover standards. (A Ford engineer told me the changes were made, but I don't recall if he said '08 or '09; I'm guessing it was '09, as that was a new truck.) If, like me, you want the EB35 or Coyote, you're looking '11 or newer.

bassJAM

For the basics I'd start here, you've listed the 10th-13th generations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-Series

Really you need to start with a budget to narrow down where you're looking. I won't say there's a bad generation in what you've listed, but there are differences both in engine choices and exterior/interior designs.

The engines vary some too, from 97-2010 you had the modular 4.7 and 5.4 V8's which were prefectly adequate engines, then in 2011 the Coyote 5.0 and 3.5 ecoboost were introduced, both of which are a significant step up in power. 2015 brought the 2.7 ecoboost, another great engine, and then in 2017 the 3.5 eb was redesigned.

As other's have said, don't shy away from the ecoboosts. The 5.0 is a great engine, but so are the boosted engines and a lot of folks prefer the way they can haul/tow and stay in the lower rpm ranges.

Ric27

This is all great info. Thanks so much.

WIF-150

Ide stay away from the 5.4. if you do find one with a 5.4
​​​​ like stated above the newer the better. 04-06 were the worst years. 2011-12 ecoboost had issues also. Early 5.0 had a oblong cylinder problems. I had a 5.4 and now have a 5.0 and I don't think these motors are even in the same league, I love the 5.0

M0RRIS

Why did you make two threads on the same topic?

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/looking-f150-395329/

Ric27

Little response to the 1st on intro page.