Ducati Monster Forum

How has that engine been for you?

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a 2015 F150 Lariat with either the 2.7 or 3.5 EB engine.

Was curious as to the DMFs opinion.

No experience with the F-150, but our Escape has the 1.6L Ecoboost.

Great mileage, problem free...so far in almost 40K miles, and more powerful than I would ever imagine a 1.6 could be hauling around a small SUV.

That said, with our camper, I'm looking for a V-8.

3.5 beats the 5.0 for torque though!

420ft/lbs
475(I think) on the new 3.5's!!

...they should turbo the 5.0! [evil]

I'm looking at a '15 GMC with a 5.3.

Hell yeah they should turbo the 5.0!

15 gmc is a nice truck. I had the 5.3 in mine (sold it). Hell of motor.

What's that camper weigh?

DucPainter... I would rethink the 5.3 motor, particularly if you are hauling something with it.  I have a '17 2500HD with the 6.0 and it's barely enough.  I carry around about 1000# of pool cleaning crap in my truck all the time, and I'm not shy with the accelerator... it requires a lot more pedal than my previous truck, an '09 SuperDoody with the V-10 (6.7L)  The motor constantly revs about 1000RPM higher than the V-10 for the same performance... so I'm in the 3K RPM range, a LOT.  Gas mileage is about the same:  10MPG.

Not that you should believe everything you read on the internet, but there is this:

https://gearheads.org/15-used-pickup-trucks-you-should-avoid-at-all-cost/3/

As far as the EB motor, my '13 F-150 had the V-8... I'll take that everyday over the EB, and twice on Sunday.  The 302/5.0L motor is fantastic, I wouldn't really want the complexity and smaller displacement of the V-6 and turbo.  There were some early teething problems with the F-150's EB motor, but I suppose they have fixed them by now.

(https://i.imgur.com/B7rhrJQ.jpg)

I feel like that website should be taken with a grain of salt but I do agree with majority of what they have on there.

The first truck they put on there I owned a 2004 Silverado and had zero issues within eight years of ownership.

I'm aware of the earlier EcoBoost Motors and the issues that they had. Most of them have been ironed out. The 2017 and newer ecoboost's are completely redesigned.

I spent a fair amount of time talking with a lead tech at a Ford dealership about the EcoBoost and the issues that the internet says they have. I'm not too worried.

I'm mainly interested in the 2.7 V6, or I would take the 3.5 that's okay too. They get very good gas mileage and still make a lot of power. The 2.7 makes the same torque as the 5 liter and some guys are getting in the mid-twenties for fuel mileage.

Any of Fords engine offerings in the 2015 F150 make way more power than I had in my 5.3 Silverado.

I'll give Ford credit where credit is due... they make good motors and they learn pretty fast from their mistakes.  I wasn't aware they reupped the EB design, in fact, I wasn't aware they had a 2.7L motor in the first place.

I've heard a bunch of good things about the EB, but haven't had any direct experience with them.

I would get one.

The particular truck I'm looking at is a '15 that's been driven by a friend for his business vehicle. The paint is flawless, and he uses it to haul a multi bike enclosed trailer regularly during the summer. I use a truck mostly to haul a bike, and our camper which has a gross weight of about 7K, which ours never gets close to as we never haul it with any water in the tanks, and we don't get very thorough as far as stocking our camper. We also only use the camper a few times a year

I'm using a '98 2500 now, and it's 5.7 is barely adequate for the terrain that NH consists of when hauling the camper.The trans shifting to second gear is not uncommon. It has had many of the 'problems' listed in the article you linked to, but peeling paint, rusty lines, or anything rusty, or using some oil after almost 20 years and 164K aren't a 'problem' in my mind. It's a fact of life here.

Both vehicles have the tow package. It's just time to update and I don't think I'll be able to match the price on this truck.

It isn't going to happen overnight anyway. Thanks for your input.

You also have to factor in how often you're going to be towing the camper, which I'm sure you have. If you towed it every other week all year probably that's not the right truck. If you use it a few times a year you can make do.

I used to tow an open car trailer and race car which weighed together about 7,000 pounds with a v6 Astro van. It worked fine but I only towed maybe 5 times a year.

If I was towing every, or every other, week I'd be looking for a diesel. As it is I tow about 3 times a year and the trip has never been more than 100 miles. I 'may' haul the camper to Grattan if T and Z decide to go. That would be a 2K mile round trip. If we start taking annual trips I'd likely get a newer lighter weight camper.

I think a 325/327 will do the job.

I just said that the other day!!!


I have a good friend that owns a concrete mixing company.  They run a lot of trucks all through NH, VT and MA, mostly f-150s.  They have tried a dozen eco boosts over a few years.  They have had issues with all of them.  They decided to stick with the 5.0 v8.  He claims they run forever. 

But if you were to get the eco boost, he said the 2.7 seems to hold up better. 

i had a 2015 3.5 Eco-Boost for 18 months. I put 60k miles on it, and had an ungodly amount of idle hours. And I mean ungodly  [evil] I never had an issue. I traded it in on a 2017 F-250  diesel just due to the aforementioned ungodly idle hours  [laugh] I doubt that the little gas motor liked idling half the day in the Texas summer. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another for a personal truck, but will likely stick with 3/4 ton for my work truck.

Tundra (http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-news121015-2012-toyota-tundra-tows-endeavour/)

I run my trucks 10 years... my previous truck was a '99 F250 SuperDuty, V-10 (2-valve) with a 5-speed... I traded it with 186K on it and the only thing it ever got was a battery, an AC compressor and 10 new plugs.  My '09 V-10 (3-valve) has 167K on it now... still on the original plugs mind you... but the automatic needs a rebuild.  How I miss my 5-speed...

I agree... I had a '97 2500 with the 5.7/5-speed... it was a great around town truck but the ole' 350 was not up to towing.  It lost the contest with the dump truck that ran the stop sign... hence the '99 SuperDuty.

I also agree... if you are going to be pulling/hauling anything on a regular basis, a diesel is in order.

This may be my old fuddy-duddy-ness, but I'd rather have a naturally-aspirated, large displacement gas motor vs a tiny turbo-charged one.  I don't really care about gas mileage, it's a non-issue with me, I'm more concerned about reliability and drive-ability.  Big V-8 and V-10s have always sung the siren song to me...

I feel like the 3.5 eb should be more drivable because it makes huge torque now vs the v8 which makes less torque later (much higher in the Rev range)

I definitely care about mileage. I'll take all I can get!

I know two guys with the 3.5 EB, and both love it. One of them is getting up there in miles too, with no issues. Both pull large enclosed trailers occasionally and claim the EB pulls like a diesel.

I drove a Tremor once, which was a limited production regular cab shortbox sport-type variant with the 3.5 and 4.10s in the axle, that thing pulled like a train. Almost traded my Jeep for it on the spot, luckily I have an aversion to black vehicles or I'd own it.

I used to option the trucks that my technicians drive.  I've constantly opted for the 5.0 V8 b/c our technicians drive almost always with a fully loaded truck (very close to GVWR) and my thinking (which is based on my experiences w/cars of the past) was that the nearly constant turbo boost would be too hard on the engine over time (200K miles).  I could be wrong, but the 5.0's have been fantastic engines.

Just don't drive around ignoring the check engine lamp.  I had to replace an engine once due to a fouled cylinder due to an ignition coil that went bad.

I like boost...otherwise I add nothing to this  [laugh]

I'm just sayin....towed the friggin SPACE SHUTTLE (http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-news121015-2012-toyota-tundra-tows-endeavour/)

Pretty comfy ride too!

[laugh]

Any news on the new truck front? 

I bought it 8)

Nice!

Pictures!!!!!!   ;D

Holy Mother of God.


I have discovered Sport mode.

What could go wrong? ;D

Not a thing 8)

You should use new vehicle as an excuse for a road trip, I'll show you a mode you don't have...track!  [evil]

If you have track mode...

you can get there quicker.

When should he expect you? :-*

hmmm wonder what kind of full economy it would get running flat out for a length of time?  [cheeky]

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4472/37279300850_959ac50566_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YNfamo)
Generated from my Motorola Moto G using tools.rackonly.com (http://tools.rackonly.com)


(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4499/36868456833_ef9ca91702_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YaWtJR)
Generated from my Motorola Moto G using tools.rackonly.com (http://tools.rackonly.com)

Nice truck Kev...enjoy it.

Thanks!  So far so good.

Quite an upgrade over the last one

the tech in these things marches on so quickly that even something just a few years newer feels like you jumped in a spaceship, so this is a hell of a jump from your last one.

Definitely.

My favorite thing is the LED headlights. Holy crap.

Congrats and enjoy!

Too nice for the likes of you.  ;D

Don't let your customers see it.

I had that thought. On the other side of that, I'd rather roll up to a customers place in this than a rusty beater.

Looks great - enjoy! 👍🏻👍🏻

Your last truck was hardly a rusty beater.

Now my truck on the other hand. [laugh]

There was more there than you think.

I thought yours was in pretty good shape?

Looks great, congratulations!!!!

It's getting kinda scabby.

That's the good thing about trucks,  no matter how old or shabby, they still look good. 

You haven't seen mine.

Not a straight body panel on it.  :P

Yet yours is actually in better shape than mine.

Appearances can be deceiving.

You've seen it try to start.  :P


It just ain't worth replacing. Trucks are too expensive.

I hear that.

The truck market is dumb. I can't believe what well used, maybe even almost worn out, trucks still sell for.

I can't believe what used trucks go for.  But it goes back to what I said earlier, no matter how old or shabby, someone thinks it's worth something. 

Well, if you can't swing a new 60-70k truck, you're stuck with the used market.

Add in rust and whatever else you want out of one and the market gets fairly small.

I'm looking for 8k for it. Low mileage, needs some body work. No title.

(http://68.media.tumblr.com/1b3b192a1b8e9a105283ab3d062e9b23/tumblr_ox9rxvHIRL1s7km96o1_250.gif)

(http://68.media.tumblr.com/96aada04e85316fb8c844f3a87c15bf0/tumblr_ox9rxvHIRL1s7km96o2_250.gif)

Max tow package?

Well... at least the bed will drain out after a hard rain...

Complete with low rider pack!!! 😉

Is the Chevy EcoTec3 V6 comparable to the Ecoboost? Not a huge Chevy fan, but apparently I might be able to get a discount.

I assume that the 5.3L V8 is a closer comparison.

I'm not too well versed in the Chevy stuff so I can't offer any advice :(

Umm... well, decide for yourself

http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lv3/

New to me 2014 F-150 is now sitting in my driveway and it's all Kevin's fault.   [roll]

 [thumbsup]

so next the bed will be full of yarn and cats?

Cats are easier to take care of than dogs. 

Saw a scrolling message on the news this morning about a door latch recall by Ford for F-150s.

I'm not totally useless, I can always serve as a bad example.
But seriously,

Congrats!  Post a pic...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4486/37551593910_a17031be1c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ZdiJAj)20171018_163026 (https://flic.kr/p/ZdiJAj) by anzalone22 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/32381491@N07/), on Flickr

Hell yeah!  That was my second color choice.

HID headlights?

Yes.  It has all the bells and whistles but no sun roof.

[thumbsup]

I'm really liking mine. I skipped the sun roof as well.

https://youtu.be/ZkqOWl5vUZA

I'd have no qualms racing that heads up.

[evil]

https://youtu.be/_UKfBAokGSg

https://youtu.be/S10vH1TvD1M

2017 f150 3.5 crew 4x4
14.7 @ 95
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/f-150/2017/2017-ford-f-150-platinum-4x4-ecoboost-first-test/

2017 Titan crew 4x4
15.2 @ 94
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-nissan-titan-pro-4x-4wd-endurance-v-8-crew-cab-test-review

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Test sessions at the drag strip by test drivers in perfect conditions etc etc etc. Give it a go on the road. I think the Ford will win the standing start races every time, but rolling it can’t hang. None of it makes a bit of make the beast with two backsing difference, unless you’re racing for pinks on V St.   ;)

So I've had 3 F150's in the last 5 years all in xlt trim. I'm a Field Engineer so I drive 80-100k miles a year (a lot of that through unpaved "roads") and my trucks idle for ~14hrs a day everyday. Mostly in hot as balls South Texas weather.

'12 5.0 -> Huuuuge POS. Went through 5 alternators (located at the bottom of the engine so it died every time I looked at a puddle), 2 water pumps, heater core, Ac, transmission was basically shot, CV, and some other stuff I'm forgetting. Hated that thing with a passion. 150k miles of woe on that one.

'13 3.5 eco. Totally awesome truck. Pulled stronger than the 5.0, super dependable. Only stuff I had to replace was a water pump and the AC coil that caught a rock and broke. 165k miles of worry free hard running. Thing was such a beast. Tranny was starting to slip there at the end though.

'16 2.7 eco. Best yet. It's sooo comfortable and reliable. Got 65k miles on her with nothing but oil changes. Engine is strong as hell, will pull all day, it's easy on the trans and comes with a rear locker from factory. Love this thing. Used it during Harvey to pull idiots out on their trucks and waded up to 4 ft of water (I did relocate the trans and diff breathers). No a single problem or issue. This thing is a dream.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I felt like things were a little skewed in this videos and reading the comments made me feel like I was right.

I wanted actual 1/4 mile times from a reputable source to make a fair comparison.

I think, given the right conditions, anything can be made to win.

All I know is this 3.5TT is a hell of a motor. The turbos are physically small and as a result boost is immediate. Somehow in spite of the small turbo size the engine continues to build power all the way to redline where it shifts and things continue.

It pulls like a freight train.

All I can think about is transplanting this drive line into something lighter and lower.

It would be hellacious. 

Well.....the new Ford GT is running the twin turbo V6, and it’s make the beast with two backs all fast.  [evil]

I love that car.

I used to hate Ford. They're doing so many things right I've come around.

I watched it race at the Petit LeMans 2 weeks ago.

I always liked Ford trucks, not so much cars, but they started making excellent cars the past 10 years

I love the latest generation mustang.

get a yellow one!  [cheeky]

No

we do have to somehow make a day for you to see ours and with the wife out of sight.....give it a good beating  [evil]

Yes

I looooove mine.

Do tell

I changed the thread to include all ecoboost vehicles :)

Speedbag can't play, he has to take his ball and go home  [cheeky]

Why?

Does he have a real motor? :-*

yes, one that should have boost added  ;D

Any of you ecoboosters with gdi invest in a catch can?

first thing I bought

Any brand recommendations?

I got the JLT.
It came with factory type connectors so it was pretty easy to install.
So far emptied it once and it had an ounce or 2 in it over the course of a few thousand miles. An ounce or two that could have been caked up on the valves so money well spent I feel.

48k on my truck with no can.

Still worth it?

can't hurt

poke around and see if they are prone to issues, the 2.3s apparently are so that's why I jumped on it

The Ford forums say both yes and no.

https://youtu.be/ox3zV_EZhbc

(https://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/articles/RANDY-MARSH-quotes-internet-porn.jpg)

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

 [laugh]


The want to turbo the 5.0 is real, the bank account says otherwise....

but hp>food/housing  [cheeky]

He could totally sleep in that car if he had to.

No dedication.

debatable, comfy enough for driving but sleeping I'm not so sure  [laugh]

Wow, I really thought you'd green light sleeping in the Stang

I guess it would be a step down from that spacious tdi you Dimbyd in one year.

The Golf does have a bunch more laydown space. I could try folding down the seats in the Mustang but I'm thinking it'd be a bit shorter

Yeah, I have zero interest in trying to sleep in the Mustang.

Hell, I almost got trapped in the back seat once as it is just cleaning the inside of the rear window.  [laugh]

"Hello, 911. What is your emergency?"

[laugh]

 [laugh]

"Yeah, uh, I'm trapped in the back seat of my car and can't seem to get out...."

Jaws of life would put that right.

Crisco

If you bust out the Crisco, you’ll end up in the same condition as that south park pic you posted.

[laugh]

https://youtu.be/tsjEQpC55MI

Well...

turns out the Chevy I was looking at wasn't a 5.3, it was a non turbo V-6 which definitely wouldn't haul our camper, and because of the delay the interest was going to kill me.

I'll be picking up a '15 F-150 XLT 4 dr with the 3.5 ecoboost next week.

Pretty much what we bought less a few options [thumbsup]

No issues with mine and I'm almost to 60k.

The 3.5 makes a bunch of torque.

This one is pretty well equipped, and compared to my '98 GMC is a virtual luxury vehicle. :P Even has those annoying halogen head lamps.

Has the tow package and 7000lb GVW package...should haul our camper for the few times a year we use it. This truck has more hp and torque than the GM V-8 ever dreamed of having.

What motor was in your old Chevy?

And was it a 4x4?

Congrats on the new pickup.

My GMC is a 5.7 reg cab 4x4. The camper was more than it wanted on a long hill, and being a regular cab was very cramped with all of us in it.

It's getting tender, but runs good, and most things work...not terrible for a 20 year old truck. I think I have it sold.

About the only thing I would suggest is let it idle a few minutes after you've been using boost vs just shutting it down (while towing, stopping for fuel, rest stops etc)

Keeps the oil from cooking

Thanks for the tip. [thumbsup]

We haven't had any issues with the Escape, but that thing doesn't spin up all that much if you keep your foot out of it. I'll keep it in mind.

The key is to get the heat out of the turbos exhaust housing before shut down. That's what cooks the oil.

Use synthetic, be responsible and it will treat you well for a long time.

I always use synthetic oil in cars...even old ones. ;)

[thumbsup]

What's this about catch cans?

Talk to lethe.

It seems that the eb engines can be good at collecting cooked oil behind the intake valves. Since this isn't a port injection setup there's no fuel steam to wash off the valves.

Aftermarket catch cans help cut down on the fumes that eventually collect in the intake.

I haven't done one. Debating on it still.

Mike said he did one on their new mustang and has hardly had anything collect in the can.

He'll likely jump in.

I was just curious.

I did it on the Mustang and there was a little in it when I checked after the first oil change after getting the car. Not much but without anything to wash it off I might add up.
You'd need two, simple add in though.

Why two?  All the kits I've seen go on trucks had one can.

Or at least that's what I'm recollecting

How has it been since?

Let you know when I take it out for the season which will be soon

You might have a second buyer, depending on what you wanted for it.

They sell a kit to bolt that motor into Kaiser military Jeeps.  :P

Do it

Can you fit a turbo timer?

I don't see why you couldn't

Right, that would alleviate the need to sit there with the engine running when you get to your destination.

Picked up the new beast yesterday. 20+ mpg at 75-80. Was even better on the flats in Mass...was running 22+ until I got into the hills.

It's waaay different than my old truck.

The ride, noise level, and the steering are the first things I noticed.

A conventional hydraulic assist gear with a pitman arm is much less precise, and sensitive, than this electric/hydraulic rack and pinion. Also, all the electronics are a bit daunting. I finally got my phone paired when I got home. My old truck had crank windows. :P

I'll get used to it.

4dr?

Congrats!

Yup...4 DR.

You're gonna love that thing.  :)

I hope so. I need to have it for a long time. ;)

I paid less for my first house.

Welcome to the truck market :P

No kidding.

I buy all of my vehicles from this dealer. Not because of price, but because of the way he treats me. I've known his dad all my life. I called last week after the BS with the Chevy, told him which truck I was interested in. He quoted me a price 1K less, ended up being closer to $1.5K. I told him put a sold tag on it. He texted me Monday asking when I'd be down. I told him Wednesday, and I'd need a ride from the local commuter rail station...no prob. I told him what my schedule looked like. He texted me on the train to make sure that it was on time, and the salesman met me with the truck seconds after I get off the train. Go to the showroom, take it for a drive, fill out the paperwork, and 2 ish  hours later I'm on my way home with his plate. He'll send a runner up next week to bring the title for registration, and get his plate back.

Why would I go anywhere else?

True, but the Jeep market is completely off the rails with the new Wrangler JL.

Another pickup will probably be my next DD in a few years, as I won't pay $50K for a new 2-door Wrangler.  :(

Sounds like that place knows what they're doing [thumbsup]

I can't guarantee that everyone gets the same service, but I'd have no problems sending a friend there.

I feel comfortable that they'd get treated like family.

Congratulations.

Ya, the electronics are bit overwhelming, read the manual  :P.  And you'll probably only use 10% of all the gadgets but it's good to have them there.

The backup camera is neat for trailer hookups' 

How crap is it ever. You can pretty much park the truck right under the hitch first time every time.

I can't tell you how many times I'd have to get out of the GMC to see where I was.

BTW...GMC is sold. Guys coming to get it in about 15 minutes.

That went well.

...and there it was...

Gone.  ;D [thumbsup]

;D

Just ordered a factory trailer brake controller, the ODB dongle, and downloaded the software to activate the TBC module so it will work, and display on the screen.

The whole deal, including parts, is only a few bucks more than an hours labor at a dealer, which is probably what they'd charge to plug it in and reset one value.

You already know more about these trucks than I do.

You youngin's and your technology

Be careful where you park yours at DIMBY.

Might never run the same. [evil]

:D

Seriously, you can change all kinds of things with this...

like keeping the fog lights on when the high beams are on so the road is lit right in front of the vehicle.

The software was written for painters and machinists...not rocket scientists...and is really intuitive.

Keep in mind they need for mechanics to be able to use it. ;)

You'll have to demo it for me this summer

about the keeping foglights on with the high beams...can't do that in PA it turns out. I got yelled at for it when I got my car inspected one time and had to change it back for them to inspect it.

Interesting. I'll check before I do that.

Saw as a thing in the menus in Rosstech and figured I'd see if it made a difference, a Euro setting I think.

I had to google this................

So what software did you use?

It just hit me!

TURBO BOOST MODIFICATIONS!!!!!!!

And here I am....enjoying the luxury of the current winter truck having a roof.

Given that the Jeep had no top when I got it.....and it's what I used in the winter.

Never again.  :P

I haven't done it yet...

FORscan

Keep us posted on how that goes for you.

Will do.

If it doesn't work, I'm out $30.

I'm willing to take the chance.

There's a free version of FORScan that you could use to make sure that it's compatible. You would only be out whatever you paid for the ELM327 OBDII.

That's the version I have. I've seen YouTube vids of people doing it with the FORscan free and the ELM327.

The ELM is only $30.

There are even cheaper ELMs available. Seen some for as cheap as $9, even though I would question their quality.

This is the one that was recommended on the FORscan forum. It has a toggle switch that allows it to access more functions.

It arrived today. I downloaded, and installed, the drivers without issue. The TBC module is due Friday.

I'll likely spend a few minutes playing with the software to create a vehicle profile and see if I can access the IPC module which is where the changes in config need to be made.

FORScan thankfully comes with most, if not IPCs for the newest Fords :D

The vids I saw made it look really robust, and easy to use.

I'll find out.

edited to add...

The FORScan program, as distributed, wouldn't allow me to make any config changes. Kept telling me I needed an extended license. I registered on the forum, downloaded and applied the extended license. The license in valid for 60 days and can be re-upped indefinitely.

Haven't tried to access those areas again, but I don't see any issues.

Worked slick as snot. [thumbsup]

Installed the control, opened FORScan, modified the parameters, and cleared all the old DTC codes. The truck had a low voltage issue at one point. Maybe someone left the key on? When I activate the slider on the control the truck tells me no trailer is connected.

I'll check it in a week, or so, and see if the thing is throwing codes.

 [thumbsup]

How's that truck working for you DP?

Me likey.

Getting 19.6 mpg just driving around. City driving here is not like city driving.

Getting used to all the bells and whistles. I confused the auto up/down drivers window the other day. :P Straightened itself out on the next key cycle.

I like how relatively quiet it is compared to the old truck, which needed a muffler, and the ride.

I don't get why these trucks have to be so high off the ground.

Zeke likes it although T doesn't want him in the front because of the air bag. He seems content to do his car dancing in the back seat.

I haven't taken the time to check the codes to see if there are any problem areas.

You're getting better mileage than I am. I'm wondering if we have different gear ratios.

I like the ride height. I only need the slightest hop to get in if I don't use the running board :)

I can flat foot a dirt bike though.

Mine's a 3.55.

I don't mind the getting in and out. It's putting/taking from the bed.

It's a modern truck thing for no good reason.

I'd rather be able to reach into the bed from the side.

Well, there's that and taller bedsides = more cargo capacity (volume).

The beds don't seem to be any deeper to me-just higher off the ground.

Higher off the ground = more room to hang dem truck nutz.

Good, I needed something to climb on to get in.

I should check my Kaiser vs the Intertrashional lump I use and see if there's any difference.  :P

No... it's just like the make the beast with two backsing conveyor.

Doesn't work. :-*

The sides aren't higher from the floor of the bed...just higher from the ground.

Oh god. The conveyor.

But....would an ecoboost take off?

I have to stand on the tire to reach anything in the bed from the sides.

 :-\

I think if I could mount some wings...

Can anyone say something about 4cyl EcoBoost Explorer . . .  Saw one, low kms, 1 owner, 4wd, AT

We have a 1.6l Escape...close to 50K and no issues...there is a minor r/h axle shaft seeping, but it hasn't gotten worse.

OK . .  thing is, this one belongs to a lady and has low kms, since it is a turbo, I have never owned a turbo, just wanted to know, apart from the usual, what else should I look for? She's in NO hurry to sell it, but, will sell to me and I am in no hurry to purchase until end of June or mid-July

Can't think of anything.

Ok . .  Thanks . . .

Do you know which motor it is?

2.3Liter Turbo . . .

I really dont like SUVs . . but need one due to bicycle and dogs . .  If I could get a station wagon, that would be the ideal car for me

As long as you don't add a bigger turbo and boost it to the moon, it won't blow up. The blocks tend to crack around 500hp because of a spot between the middle two cylinders that has less support. So your SUV drifting dreams may be dashed.
Besides that, should be fine.

Thanks Mike . . . I just wanted to haul my bicycle and dogs and groceries and wife's stuff . . . might just replace air filter with K&N or similar or whatever "nice exhaust" I can find, dunno

Except the trucks now DO have higher sides than before (and yes, they are also higher off the ground). Check the bed depth of trucks from before the mid 2000s and now. They are deeper so they can claim larger cargo capacity...

Dumb question maybe . . .

how do I know if the radio is a sony or not? Looking at a 2014 base 3.5l explorer 2wd . . .

It will say Sony on the radio. ;D

I doubt a base vehicle would have it.

Ok... thanks . . . All I wany is to  connect my phone, USB stick and/or iPod for music, I NO longer listen to local radio

Any vehicle with SYNC will have a USB port for media, and Bluetooth to connect a phone.

Yes, I found it behind a ton of garbage [bang]

Does yours have the Sony amp under the passenger rear seat? 

gonna look tomorrow . . . but head unit only says sync

Got a ride in lethe's 2015 EB mustang.

Holy jebus that car rips good. Torque for days.

[evil]

Oh shit...

http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/us-world-news/ford-recalls-2m-pickup-trucks-seat-belts-can-cause-fires-1 (http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/us-world-news/ford-recalls-2m-pickup-trucks-seat-belts-can-cause-fires-1)

Saw that. Mine is a 15.

Don't crash.

I feel like there's a bunch of irony in that piece of advice from you ;D

I had the same thought when I first read the article [laugh]

I figured you would.

I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. :P

Still haven't fixed it, but I think I have a plan to minimize the paint work.

That's cool. As far as bang ups go it's nice when it's limited to one panel.

It feels totally strange to me to get in a vehicle and not use the seat belt.

You don't need to crash, just hitting the brakes hard enough to lock the seatbelt up could do it.

If it wasn't for the incessant dinging, I wouldn't wear it. It's too uncomfortable to buckle the belt behind you.

Just cut a clip off one in a junkyard and plug it in.

You're a 'picker'. Grab me a couple. ;D

So I had the chance to try the truck as a tow vehicle this past weekend.

The backup camera is like cheating. [thumbsup] The motor has plenty of power to haul our 28' camper. It likes it's fuel while doing it. I can get close to 22 mpg just driving. Our mileage while towing was 9.8. :o The transmission is just as good towing as it is not towing. It's literally the best auto transmission I've ever driven.

I did have a problem with sway going downhill. The hitch I use has sway control built in. The truck also has sway control, and it was on. I think the two systems might have been fighting it out. It was either that, or I was inducing it with steering inputs. Next time I tow I'll have the sway control turned off in the truck and see what happens.

9.8 isn't so bad. Using tow mode?

The back up camera is like cheating :D

Yes...tow mode.

Not sure why I'm worried about that. The GMC probably got less. It didn't have a display. It also didn't have as much power.

(Not an ecoboost item but good comparison information.)

I have the 5.0 V8, getting about 18 mpg normally.  Tow mode towing an enclosed trailer with two bikes, 14 mpg.  Bigger loads, 12 mpg.

The moment you press the tow mode button, the mpg drop big time.

You should try Sport mode if you want to see a mileage drop.

It does make the truck more responsive on hills.

'Sport' mode in a truck.  [roll]

 [laugh]

Yeah...kind of ironic. ;D Basically it drops a gear and seems to add a ton of boost.

Mine goes from, yeah that's not too bad to HOLY SH&$@ALLS in sport. It adds a lot of power, runs one or two gears lower and stays in gear when you ease off the throttle vs upshifting.

Wife and I were on a newly paved twisty Mt road...

I turned my head her way and said, "I'm sorry. I have to," and let it rip.

We ended up catching the car in front of us (some sporty thing I can't remember what) and having to slingshot it to make it fun.

The truck handles surprisingly well for what it is. It's enough to embarrass a lesser skilled driver in a greater car.

Pretty accurate... [evil]

For reference, my 2009 F150 FX4 5.4 got 14-15 normally. I towed my 5200lb Touareg filled with luggage on top of a Uhaul auto transporter, with my S2R1000 in the bed of the truck, 2 adults and a child inside. I got a solid 10mpg from CT to CA.

I don't have a sports mode,  :(

Maybe it's a model year/engine thing.  :-\

Your avatar begs to differ!  [laugh]  [Dolph]

 [laugh] [clap] [laugh] [clap] [laugh] [clap]

Well played.

[laugh]
[clap]

It's a small treat for me just before I put on new tires.

And I don't need no stinken sport mode  [bacon]

Turns out, on the F150, that even with the traction control off, the truck will limit the revs to 3000 rpm when finishing off a set of tires.   [bacon]

The $30 I spent on that OBD II dongle was the best money I've spent on auto 'accessories'.

T's check engine light came on this morning. It was -11 F. I was thinking maybe coolant was low, or something similar.

Checked the codes and there was a turbo over boost condition.

I cleared the code. If the light comes back on, to the dealer it goes. I bought the 100K warranty from Ford. [thumbsup]

Nice.

My F150 is still going strong. 74,400 miles now.

Almost 80,000.

No issues other than my windshield washer pump died. Love this truck.

https://youtu.be/f-7XFxjKtN0

Reporting in. Truck is still awesome. I should hit 100,000 miles in the next month or so.

Turns out plugs are scheduled for replacement at 45-50k. Since I've never done it I ordered in some ford plugs and got after it.

The oem plugs were at like .041. Recommended is .027 which is what I gapped them to. Much smoother idle.

Side note, the coil packs plugs have a plastic lock to keep them from coming loose and shutting the cylinder down.

On the first one slid the lock back and worked on the tab to release the second lock that would allow the plug to pull back.

That tab is designed to push not pull. I had more give in the pull direction and promptly broke the latch. It's very fragile.

I ended up putting super glue on the broken hoop and slipped it back into the connector where at least one of the two legs stuck. Maybe both.

I think the plug would stay in place without the latch but I didn't want to chance it.

So far so good but I've only driven 1/8 mile so far.

:P

Those coil pack plugs are very fragile and have been that way on Fords for over 20+ years. I recall them being an issue on my 2000 Crown Vic which used the same coil packs as the 98's.

OEM Spark Plugs are NGK Laser Iridiums. The 3.5L EcoBoost (Gen 1, Gen 1 transverse, Gen 2, Gen 2 HO) use 1 heat range hotter than the 2.7/3.0 EcoBoost spark plugs. So if you ever wanted cold plugs, you can get the Ford Racing 3.5L EcoBoost cold plugs (which are NGK Laser Iridiums in the heat range same as the 2.7/3.0 stock plugs) or the NGK Laser Iridiums. Don't go to Ford and buy plugs for the 2.7/3.0 because they will hand you the 3.5 EcoBoost "hotter" plugs. Everything's been superseded.

Getting an OBDLink MX+ or EX with FORScan is the single most useful tool you will want. With the extended license you can turn off the horn honk when you close the door with the engine running, etc...

When EcoBoost runs properly, everything is great. When something goes bad, it really goes bad like random misfires.

Good info. FWIW it is still running great in I am at 125,000 mi. I did get the setup to fiddle with the truck with forscan and used it to activate the integral trailer brake controller. While it was in there I managed to find the spot to shut off that stupid honk honk lol. That was a good move.

Mine never honked.

Somebody was in there with forscan before you bought it. The honk is annoying.

Yep! This^ Even the dealer knows the honk is annoying as they rarely close the door fully while the engine is on. All of my neighbors have the honk and they don't seem to be bothered or care to annoy others when they run the engine in the morning at o dark hundred. "Honk"

No idea what Ducpainter has, but maybe it was a police interceptor as they have a few features disabled by default (or enabled by default).

FORScan came in handy. I disabled TPMS on my Fusion Sport because one sensor died and Discount Tire refused to replace it unless I bought new tires (waiting to wear them out, no rush on my part).

I retrofitted remote start via Ford VSS with FORScan for my 2018 Explorer. Lots of useful things! If you own a Ford/Lincoln and like to work on it or perform maintenance, FORScan is mandatory like sockets and ratchets!

I have a '15 3.5l F-150.

I used Forscan to install and activate the factory trailer brake module.

I did this as well a couple years ago. Then found out uhaul trailers use surge brakes.

So I'm at 153,000 now and things are still doing well. I still love the truck.

I threw $3800 at it yesterday at the Ford dealer.

Oil change
State inspection
Front and rear diff fluid change
Transfer case fluid change
Transmission filter and fluid
Four tires
Brake service to pass state inspection- apparently I had one caliper doing most of the work.
Parking brake parts needed to pass state as well.

Still cheaper than a payment on another one. 

Here's to another 150k [thumbsup]