As it stands now, I have a 2004 XLT extended cab with 100k miles.

My current truck has the 5.4, 3.73 Limited Slip Rear-end with the manual four wheel drive shifter on the floor, power sliding rear window.

I’m looking to buy new in the very near future. I want a 4x4 Super Crew with 6.5’ box. Other than that, I’m pretty open to suggestions.

What motor should I get?

Rear-end?

Gears?

Anything else I should be aware of or to look into getting?

Any plans on Ford’s part for coming out with something new in another year or two? I’m not 100% sold on the new body styles/trim packages. I’ve always been a Ford guy, but I might stray to find something I really like.

 

Kind of depends what your using your truck for to suggest what gears, motors, etc you should get. But since you have a 4x4 and 3.73's I would assume you should stick to that. The selectable locker is becoming more predominant then the ls now though. And the ecoboost engine is the replacement for the 5.4L, but all the reviews ive seen say you can't go wrong with either engine.

 

either engine. If your concerened with max towing capabilites go EB.

 

I haven't been following along with the new truck engines, but what exactly are the differences in them?

We have the 3.7 (I think) at work and it's a dog. I can't imagine it would be good for towing much of anything, then again we got it to tool around in and I assume for the better MPG's.

 

Get the same update version of your current truck. 5.0 engine and 3:73 gears.

You may want to look at the Ecoboost too. Atleast test drive it or couple of times and form a decison from there.

I love my EB and I had a 5.4 and 5.7 Hemi too and the EB would smoke'm all.

 

I've had 3.73s in all my trucks and liked them, can't imagine going to a lower ratio. If you drive more highway then it might be a good idea (assuming no towing)

Motor: I'd test drive them and not research either motor at all. Every thread is a pissing match on the subject with not much useful information. Make your own decision on the subject IMO.

 

Unless the work truck is a 2011 you will not have the 3.7L in there and Yes, the older V6's are dogs.
The new motors for 2011 and beyond are...

3.7L V6 - 300hp/275lb-ft
5.0L V8 - 360hp/380lb-ft
3.5L V6 Twin Turbo - 365hp/420lb-ft
6.2L V8 - 411hp/ 434lb-ft

 

I wish i would have waited a little bit and got the 6.2L but i didnt want to buy a lariat. So when i was buying it was a 5.4l option only in 2010.
For sure 3.73

 

With the 6.2 your not getting any better towing capabilites than than the 5.0 and EB. Only thing your getting is a gas hog and maybe a little quicker truck

 

If you have 3.73s you won't be afraid to put on some bigger tires. maybe some 33s?

 

We just picked it up a few weeks ago, so I assume it's a 2011.

I'm sure the twin turbo is nice, but my mind can't register buying a truck with a little 6 cylinder in it, but that just me. Kind of like buying with the old 4.6.

I currently run 35's right now, so the 3.73 is definitely a must now that I think about it.

I guess a test drive is in order. How popular are the 6.2 motors? Will that be a harder truck to find on a lot or will I have to pre-order one?

 

IMO 35s are too tall for 3.73s. The 6.2 only comes in the upper models on the f150. I think in 06 they quit letting you have any motor in any trim/cab. There's also a 6.2 in the raptors and super duty.

 

If you are going to run 35's with 3.73's, you need the Ecoboost. It has a lot more torque down low than the 5.0. If you can't stomach that, then you need a premium model with the 6.2. If you get a 5.0, you WILL be regearing it when you put the big tires on.

 

Really? are we going to start another pissing match over the eco vs. 5.0? Power and mileage is going to suffer on both motors with 35's and stock gearing. Want 35's, power, and MPG then regear.

 

My one suggestion.. www.truecar.com