New Truck - Go with Diesel or....Gas model? Ford 3.5 Turbo took a dump.

Can it be defeated? GM's AFM/DFM can't be turned off, in the Ram MDS is disabled either by using T/H mode or by using a gear limiter (even when the limiter is in the final gear).
 
Some helpful info on the phasers and warranty coverages for repairs… sounds like OPs friend should be fine. Get the dealer to note in writing the truck needs the phaser work before 60k, then who cares if it takes 40 days to get parts or not? Besides, phaser rattle is a nuisance alone, and only affects “cold” starts.

The lack of maintenance evidenced by the low coolant will not be remedied by changing brands, regardless of how much the OP spends. If this truck enables his livelihood, he should treat it as such and take better care of whatever vehicle he has.

 
I own a v8 gas truck ... but you can't match the low end torque of a diesel for serious towing.
Agreed I to run gas trucks but if diesels were real diesels today I would have me one for sure........., but how much does one really need in a pickup?

Lets go back to 1996.

Did people?

haul the same size equipment such as skid steers, excavators, boats, etc? YES
haul big heavy rvs in the mountains? YES

Ford:
Standard:
5.8L V-8 / 210 HP / 325 ft.lbs.
Available:
7.5L V-8 / 245 HP / 400 ft.lbs.
7.3L V-8 / 210 HP / 425 ft.lbs.

Chevy:
Standard:
5.7 V-8 / 250HP / 335 ft lbs.
Available:
7.4 V-8 290 HP / 410 ft lbs.
6.5 td / 215 HP / 440 ft lbs

Today these numbers have doubled in some cases, the price has tripled. Do you really need 1000ft lbs in a pickup?
 
Hey guys! Just wanted to post an update on the truck -

My buddy contacted another Ford dealer and they took-in his truck on Friday. They told him the truck "Is still eligible for the 5/60 warranty."

So... He's elated and thankful and wanted me to tell all you guys a huge THANK YOU for helping out! We will see what they advise on Monday/Tuesday after they examine the vehicle.

Also - I just wanted the thank all of you that have posted and helped with the knowledge pertaining to this problem. Guys - I can't thank you all enough!!

And... this thread has really taught me a great deal about trucks, Diesels, maintenance and options. I am learning a ton here! THANK YOU!!

And.... I gave my buddy a hard time on the "maintenance" topic. (Or, should I say: "lack of maintenance" ,) He fully admitted he should be checking ALL the fluids on a more regular basis. He does take care of his truck by taking it to be serviced (Calendar based) and checks the oil. But???!!! I absolutely told him he cannot wait for a calendar date or miles to accrue. He MUST make it a habit of popping the hood every week and checking levels etc.

Trust me, he's learned a valuable lesson here. I advised him that maintenance is not a linear science. ANYTHING can happen at ANY TIME. Pop the hood and do it!!

Anyhow... I certainly am anal about this fact. I check on my rides as much as possible. Anyhow.... I'm reading about the 5.0L now and it's quite interesting to see what these engineers are doing to squeeze out the mpg's. Thanks again everyone. You guys rock! (y);)
 
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Some helpful info on the phasers and warranty coverages for repairs… sounds like OPs friend should be fine. Get the dealer to note in writing the truck needs the phaser work before 60k, then who cares if it takes 40 days to get parts or not? Besides, phaser rattle is a nuisance alone, and only affects “cold” starts.

The lack of maintenance evidenced by the low coolant will not be remedied by changing brands, regardless of how much the OP spends. If this truck enables his livelihood, he should treat it as such and take better care of whatever vehicle he has.


Our dealership sells 80% trucks - so one service bay is full time cab off …
 
Wonder if he got the programming updated?

There are no simple trucks or cars anymore... even the simple ones aren't.

If he is under the powertrain warranty there is no reason to believe that they wont take care of it.

WRT towing capacity - at one time the Max tow package required the 3.5, i think now you can get it with a 3.5 or Coyote - not sure when it changed.

I have a friend with a Sierra with the 3.0 Diesel, he likes it and hasn't had any issues, but it is fairly young yet. I think it is a 20 or a 21 and there were changes to the latest engine. Pretty sure GM is the only one still offering a 1/2 ton Diesel.

While i fully support fixing his current 150 and keeping it, if i was going to buy a new truck and i knew i was going to have to tow close to 9000lbs with any regularity id be looking at 2500/250 in general and a F250 7.4 specifically.
 
Gasser 3/4 ton or better. I regularly tow 8000lbs over the passes out West with 6.0/6L90E 1 ton gasser. It will be better than any half ton. He won't run out of payload, and they have the capacity he will need. You say he does construction? He can find a lightly used one or a new Ford, Ram and GM. The all make solid gas 3/4 ton and up trucks.

My kid has a pre-emissions 2003 Duramax. 222,000 miles. Runs like new and gets close to 22 mpg on the Highway. I couldn't believe it. There are clean options out there too. If he wants new and does construction, I would skip the half tons.
 
Great news to hear that another dealer is stepping up and giving quick service. Time will tell for the final outcome, but hopefully it should be 100% covered (minus a small deductible, if applicable). All's well that ends well (we hope).

Presuming it's covered and rebuilt correctly, AND he now takes better care of it, it should be a long-lasting vehicle. There are lots of EB F150s that have high mileage and fare well. He's getting a "do over" at a very low expense; he needs to make sure this time he doesn't squander the second chance he's given.
 
I mean, if he’s against turbo’s, a diesel isn’t for him. If he’s sloppy on maintenance, a diesel isn’t for him. If he doesn’t like changing oil and fuel filters on time, diesel isn’t for him. I think all that’s probably been said, but it deserves to not get lost in the noise. My 2.7L ecoboost is a wonderful little beast when towing. His loads really call for the 3.5, but a single turbo 3.5 is said to be easier to live with than a diesel, according to diesel owners. Plenty of RV community folks towing heavy behind a 3.5 and very happy with them.
 
This thread was pitiful. First the truck was taken care of. Not! Wants to replace his truck with a power train that doesn't exist. Third- has a warranty on his current vehicle and doesn't know it.
I could use some very descriptive words for the owner of the vehicle in question.
 
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