06H0040

I went on vacation this past week and stopped at a Ford dealer to check out a Shelby to kill some time. Sales lady comes out and we start chatting about the ecoboost 150's. Looked at a few new ones and wound up in sticker shock. I told her I was a used type of guy. They had an 11 XLT crew cab 4x4 with 71k on it. Sold new in Michigan but went to Florida every winter. The truck is extremely clean. The dealer was asking $24,900 for it. The wife and I drove it and really like. Long story short They offered my $9 grand for my 04 FX4 S-crew with 100,000 even on it. We were $17,000 apart with taxes and all fees. dickered with them some and wound up at my truck and $15,000 difference. Talked to my Normal dealer and with Z-plan and rebates he said I could get close to 10 grand off sticker and he also said the other dealer was light on my trade by at least 2 grand so we are considering the new route. If we do go new, What is the best gear ratio to get? I see they offer 3.31, 3.55 and 3.73. I tow a 4,000-4,500lb boat quite bit in the summer and occasionally haul my old 5.0 to the dragstrip. Any other things I should look for/at? I have read quite a bit about them and have some knowledge but its always nice to hear from real world owners. All the new window stickers show the same estimated fuel mileage no matter what ratio the truck is equipped with. The ratios are so close maybe it doesnt matter enough to make mention of it. Would love to hear from the Eco owners good, bad, or indifferent.

Thanks
James

obusnizzle

I dont tow anything, so take my opinion for what it is worth. My truck is modded (in sig) with the 3.55 locker. My global average is 16.3 on the screen, last four fill ups have shown over 17mpg on the trip screen.

I bought my truck new. Sticker was 47,270 got it for a little under 39k. I got 12,500 for my 07 Lariat with 74k and a few incentives....financed about 26k.

I like my truck, no problems, no issues mechanically. Had a rear sliding switch replaced under warranty and had the rotors turned early on. Truck sat in Miami for over 6 months before i bought it. If the dealer offers you a number you like, take it. Demand a few things - new wipers; mine were beginning to crack from the sun and have them throw in some rubber floormats, i wosh i got them.

06H0040

Thanks for your input. I really was not looking for a new truck. It just Happened. My Grandpa was a ford retiree and my grandma is pushing 90. When she goes we will lose our "Plan" pricing. This may be my only shot to pickk up a new vehicle and I don't want to blow it. I like my 04 and know what I have with it. With the ecoboosts it seems you get a good one or a bad one. A local guy had one and was getting Low 20's for MPG on the highway and I see others saying they can't get better than 14-15mpg. I just don't want to get rid of my truck and wind up with a 14-15mpg truck cause I already have one of those. I wish it was as easy as going to the local salvage yard getting the boost drivetrain and putting it in my 04. I love my truck but the 8-10 mpg while towing the boat and car hauler is getting old.

Adobe2X

I have the max tow package with my EB and the 3.73's are part of that. I don't think you are going to notice ANY difference between this gear ratio and the one right below it.
One thing you will notice with the 3.73's is that the EB will stay in 6th gear almost all the time on the highway -- even climbing some pretty amazing grades at 70 or 75 mph. The 3.73's keep the EB right in the sweet spot at the lower end of the torque curve, and instead of downshifting, it just boosts you right over the hill......the 3.73's are also a great towing gear and give you some ceiling if you ever decide to tow heavier than what you describe.

zx12-iowa

Any gear ratio would work. If you are towing light like you are then 3.31 or 3.55. This way you get a little better mpg. I've had two good ecoboost trucks so far no issues and 20+ hwy with 17-18 lifetime average.

GriffFX4

Keep in mind, the EB only gets "EcoBoost" MPG while not towing. But it pulls like a 6.2 and will be just as thirsty too.

Wannafbody

My EB 3.55 out tow my dad's 6.0 Chevy with 3.73 from a dead stop with a 6000# trailer.

CreepinDeth

Of course it would.......

the EcoBoost will out tow even Ford's newest 6.2L , just look at the torque curves.
Which is EXACTLY why Ford is dropping the 6.2L now......(Smart move IMO)
It also out tows the new 2014 GM 6.2L up the Gauntlet......it's the fastest up the Gauntlet.

mcfarmall

I have the 3.73 rear axle with the max tow package towing a 5-6k lb travel trailer. As others have said, it pulls like a champ and I usually get 17 mpg around town, 20-21 highway and 10-12 towing.

The 3.73 is quick to take off from a standstill and really adds to the fun factor in my opinion.

Adobe2X

Dang ....never have seen it explained better than this chart. It is pretty obvious why the EB is the best half ton engine extant. That is one initially steep and then flat torque curve!