Looking at new F150's to replace my current 2016 F150 Lariat FX4 with the 5.0. It's been a great truck for the past 9 years.. Just time to upgrade.

Trim level - looking at Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch. 4WD. Plan to keep the truck 8-10 years/160,000 miles+. Choices are either the 5.0 or 3.5 boost....

I've had the V8 in my previous F150's (2001 w 5.4, 2007 w 5.4, 2016 w 5.0). Other than occasional coil pack,
all have taken me 160,000+ miles without issues. Pull occasional trailer (21' center console bay boat, tandem axle utility trailers) - towing is not a big concern.

From what I've read, Ford has fixed the cam phaser issues in the latest 3.5 boost.

Still can get the 5.0, but now it looks like Ford put the cylinder deactivation crap on the V8...

• Can you turn off the cylinder deactivation (someone with forscan)?
• What about the auto stop/start garbage on either motor? Turn it off?
• I read somewhere the oil pans on the new 3.5/5.0 are plastic and leak?
• What about the 10 speed transmission? Thought Ford fixed the CDF drum issues in 2023?

Are there any drivetrain changes in 2026 that you would wait for?

(I'm also looking at a Tundra - Platinum or 1794 - but the newer Tundra's seem to have more issues than the previous model..)

Any opinions on 5.0 vs 3.5 boost in the new model F150's? Thx SW '86

I have an ecoboost and a powerboost. I've only had to change the turbos on the ecoboost at 145,000 miles. Otherwise they both been solid. PB is at 75,000 no issues.

I had a 2014 5.0 to 125,000 and it was solid also. Hi that had the 6-speed and no cylinder deactivation.

Have two friends with 2018 and both are having problems with their 5.0's. Guzzling oil or other engine issues. My 2014 felt bullet proof. Cannot personally speak for newer years.

I've got the 3.5L in the rig ride. 2021 F150 Screw 4x4. 85k on the clock in North Dakota.

My field guys all run the EB. Supervisor has the 3.5L EB in the F150 as he occasionally pulls a welding rig or 18' trailer full of parts around deep south texas. All trucks are 2023 or newer. No issues what so ever and my guys run 5-6 days a week all over Zapata.

Rest of them no towing all run the 2.7L. No issues anywhere and everyone is at 125k with oil changes only.

We do have 1 guy in a 5.0L. it is harder on fuel than the rest of them. Unsure on the above oil consumption comment but I did notice on my personal 5.0 a few years ago it would be a tad low come oil change time so maybe something to that.

FWIW My Father In Law towed his boat on the 3.5 and compared with my older 5.0 I liked it. Seemed to have power in the right spots and didn't downshift as bad as my 5.0 did.

Camphasers got fixed I think in 2018/19.
Auto Start Stop might be forscan, or you can buy the Autostop eliminator. https://www.autostopeliminator.com/products/2021-ford-f-150-autostop-eliminator?variant=32263914913862
Works flawless in my 24 expy.

I have the 3.5 now and it's an awesome truck, amazing towing, good gas mileage. I just miss the sound and driving the 5.0

King ranch is no longer offered in 5.0, which sucks.

My next one will be a 5.0

3.5 boost is a great engine with plenty of power and acceleration but still decent mileage. Ive had three and no problems so far.

I've owned a 2011 3.5EB and a 2021 2.7EB. Both were/are very reliable except for one annoying thing. The 3.5 started misfiring/shuddering at about 100,000 miles. Spark plug/coil replacement fixed it. Now my 2021 started doing the same thing at about 58,000 miles. Plug replacement at 60,000 is a maintenance item per the on line owners manual. Unfortunately for me I was pulling a trailer home from Big Bend when it started. Had to limp home at 50 mph. Replacing the plugs fixed it.

My 2013 F150 had a 5.0L and I finally parted with it at 238,000 miles. No issues. Currently have a 2020 F150 with the 5.0 and no problems at 103,000.

My 2013 5.0 was my favorite truck of all time. It was Just flat out fun and I miss the rumble of the coyote engine.

I did Countless research and went with a 2023 3.5 with a 6.5 bed. It performs amazing and is doing everything advertised, I just miss driving a 5.0 short bed.

I'm in the same boat but after back-to-back Ford F150 issues with the 3.5. Both were bought brand new - 2013 had the throttle body go out after warranty. My recent 2018 had the cam phaser issue and now the 10-speed transmission is going out (slipping bad) - which is a known issue Ford should be fixing (my dad's and uncle's 2018 both have had their 10-speed transmission replaced). So back-to-back brand new 3.5s have given me huge trouble before 100K miles. Maybe just a coincidence.

I'm debating moving over to the GMC Sierra for the bigger engine, but if I go back to Ford, it'll be with the 5.0 engine.

I was always a 5.0 homer, had a couple in my F150s. My wife has a Timberline Exp with the 3.5 and I got to like it. Drove my Dad's 5.0 this weekend and no way I could go back to that.

For the 6.2?

Oh boy. Don't make that mistake.

if going to GM, it better be for the baby duramax and not the 6.2. the latest 6.2 is an abject failure.

Do some research on GM's version of the 10 speed before making a switch based on transmissions.

Furlock Bones said:

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if going to GM, it better be for the baby duramax and not the 6.2. the latest 6.2 is an abject failure.

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Yep. The only two engines anyone should consider in a GM truck are the 3.0 diesel and the 2.7 turbo.

I started looking this year with every intention of going with the 5.0. But I drove both. I ended up liking the EB better. Not so much on performance,though it is noticeably better


The thing I really noticed was that the 5.0 did not seem to work as well with the 10 speed transmission. I had noticed it driving a buddy's last year. Felt like it was constantly searching for the right gear. When I drove his, I thought it was a transmission/ economy thing. The computer trying to keep it I the highest gear possible. When I drove the EB I didn't notice it near as much.

Ended up putting my purchase off for a year, but pretty much decided I will go EB or PB.

Thanks for all the replies and experiences.

It sounds like the newer model EB have fixed the issues around the cam phasers.

I do wonder about the 5.0 with the 10 speed transmission. The 6 speed does well in my 2016/5.0 - I can lock out 6th (and sometimes 5th) gear to keep the engine in a comfortable range in the powerband when towing.

Got a few things to take care of in July - hoping to be in a position to post a "Rule 1" of a new truck in the near future.

Thanks again - SW '86