I need some advice on buying a ford 4x4 pickup, maybe an f150. Got a lot square miles of boondocks out here to explore, and very primitive roads to favorite spots, plus need to occasionally get through some really bad weather on the way home on bad roads. I would appreciate all the advice/help, pro and con. So far owners I’ve talked to haven’t been real forthcoming with answers. Big engine w/high ratio final drive okay. Need to pull trailer occasionally. Currently have a 2001 Yukon SLE w/5.3 liter V8 and .417 differential. Really like it, too, but it’s getting tired. Had to have engine replaced in it about 2 years ago.
Welcome new member. Lots of posts here in the last year or 2 about the various F150 engines. Take a look in the search bar above. The general theme is V8 good, Ecoboost bad, but that’s an oversimplification. The real truth depends on the specific engine and model year.
As far as I know, Fords 4x4 systems are OK. But transmissions are a sore spot. In particular, the 10-speed that Ford developed jointly with GM has had issues in Ford applications (but not in GM trucks, for some reason).
If you are thinking new, then absolutely do not pay a dime over MSRP. Ford dealers are sitting on a metric crap ton of inventory. They will try to tell you that “everybody” is paying dealer markups. That’s a lie. If they won’t discount for you, walk away.
Good luck.
I would not recommend any new Ford products
