Ford F150

[Wyr Twister]

I am seeing the remaining F150 Ford Pickup Trucks favorably discounted , in a few dealerships . Started thinking about one .

Been reading about the Turbo engines and it seems they may be having more than normal problems , when compared to normally aspirated engines ?

What have you all heard ?

I would be driving it like a car 99% of the time . What axle ratio would you all recommend ? 3.55 seems to be one of the ” standard ” ratios ?

Thanks ,
Wyr
God bless

Topic

[Mike]

I had a quick look on this page, which shows the available axle ratios.

Generally speaking, the smaller the axle ratio, the higher the fuel economy. But things like acceleration and towing/payload will be less than those of a similar truck with a bigger rear axle ratio.

It all depends on what is important to you and how you plan on using the truck. If fuel economy is important, you’ll get the most out of the lightest truck with the smallest ratio. A regular cab, short wheel base two-wheel drive with the 3.31 ratio would be the most economical. If you desire more capacity, room and bling, it’s onward and upward from there, at the expense of economy.

And if fuel economy is really important to you, perhaps a truck shouldn’t be your first choice.

[Wyr Twister]

I pretty much agree with all you said .

As I mentioned , I think , 90% or the time ( or more ) I would be driving the truck like a car . Little if any towing . Maybe a little hauling .

Looking at the 3.5 L normally aspirated V-6 , as opposed to the turbo versions . Would like to have the 5.0L V-8 , but the price is higher and fuel mileage would be less .

No info pro or con on the turbo-ed engines ?

Yes fuel economy is important to me .

I would also look at the Chevy / GMC trucks , but they seem to be priced higher ?

I would have a hard time talking myself into buying a Dodge Ram .

Thanks ,
Wyr
God bless

[Nicholas Clark]

If you’re looking for fuel economy you want the naturally aspirated 3.5L with the 3.73 axle ratio. I don’t know where you live but having 2WD is good for MPG as well. I don’t know your needs so far as space is concerned, but the N/A 3.5L with 2WD and a super cab, 6.5′ bed is a good middle ground. And if you only get 2WD, make sure to get the E-Locker.

[Wyr Twister]

Most of the internet adds I see are showing 3.55 ratio . I think something around 3.33 is also offered . Wouldn’t that be better for fuel economy ?

I live in the free state of Texas , about 33.35 North latitude . 4WD is only an issue about 2 weeks out of 52 . If that much .

Would prefer 8′ bed regular cab , but most of the trucks at the bottom pricing are 6-1/2′ beds .

Not sure I know anything about E-Locker ?

Thanks ,
Wyr
God bless

[Nicholas Clark]

That little N/A 3.5 motor needs all the gear reduction it can get to get moving. But since you live in TX, you could probably get away with the 3.55’s since it’s pretty flat there from what I understand. If you get the V8, 3.31’s would work just fine. The e-locker locks the rear wheels together for extra traction as opposed to an open rear end that just lets one wheel slip when you lose traction. The regular cab short beds have the least utility and so are generally cheaper. I have a regular cab short bed and I love it, though.

[Wyr Twister]

It also comes with 6 speed automatic transmission . Shouldn’t that help with the low # axle ratio ? Do not tow over 1% of the time , if that .

Our area is pretty flat , but Texas is like a whole other country . Just about every kind of terrain .

Thanks , :-0
God bless
Wyr

[Nicholas Clark]

The 6 speed cuts both ways. Yes, it has low first and second gears to get you going, but it also has a high 6th gear which means that the little 3.5 may not have enough torque to keep you going on the highway even on flat ground. Plus, I like all the acceleration I can get in my truck. YMMV.

Good luck!

[Author]

Replies