Might be buying an EcoBoost tomorrow (3.31 gears - I hardly ever tow). There is an incredible deal on an EcoBoost (same price as 5.0) that I feel like I can't pass up.

My question is...does the EcoBoost really struggle if you put bigger tires on it (34"-35")?

 

It probably will if it has 3.31's. Not as bad as a 5.0 would though.

 

Shoot...tough decision.

 

I wouldn't even want 3.31 gears with the stock tires!

I've got 3.73's and the Eco with stock 20" tires, but they are only around 32" tall and it's just right for me..

My old F150 had 3.55's and I put on some 265/75/16 tires on it that were probably 2" taller than the stock tires. I had to recal the speedo/odo, but I could tell a difference in the gearing... It still worked okay, but I think 3.73's would have been a tad bit better.

Now, the Eco has a ton more power than that old 5.4 and even the 5.0 has a ton more power than the 5.4... But, now that I've had 3.73 gears, no way I'd go with anything less...

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Yea it looks like I'm gonna have to settle for the 5.0 then - bummer but it is what it is.

It is either the Ecoboost with 3.31 or a 5.0 with 3.55...

 

Well, you should test drive both and then decide.. To be honest, I've never driven the 5.0.. Once I drove that Eco with 3.73's and you couldn't get the Max Tow package with the 5.0, I didn't have to drive a 5.0 because I wanted the Max Tow package more..

I think the 5.0 needs more rpms to get into it's power band, while the Eco has it's peak torque at only around 2500 rpms... (that's 420 tq at 2500 rpms!)

Anyway, drive 'em both and just know that you'll have to re calibrate the computer so it shifts more like stock if you don't regear for the taller tires with either engine.

Mitch

 

That's a tough call - neither will be good with 35's and will have to be reprogrammed to run properly and recalibrate the speedo/odo. I'd probably go with the EB because the torque curve is a lot flatter and comes in at a lower rpm.

Why do you have to put big tires on it?

 

To be honest glc...I probably won't. I would probably put a nice set of Fuel rims and 33" tires on it. I assume that it would be just fine with 33".

This is actually a college graduation present (I am paying for a decent portion of it though). It won't even see new wheels or 33" tires for a few years (most likely).

 

I didn't read your sig before, but you have 33" tires now with your 04. What gears and what engine do you have in it? How do you like it with 33's on it?

Mitch

 

I have no clue - is there a way to find out what gears I have?

I mean...I had an 07 F150 XL with the 4.2L V6 (I think that is what it was). It had the same tires I have on my truck now and it was perfectly fine...

 

There is a tag on the drivers side door jamb. There will be a 2 digit "code" under AXLE. Enter that code in Google and it'll tell you what it is. Or post it here and we'll tell you..

Once you drive an Eco and feel how hard it pulls, it probably won't even matter..

If you just have to have the sound of a V8, then the Eco won't do it for you.

Even with an aftermarket exhaust system..

I love the sound of a good ol' V8... But, I'm diggin' the sound of the Eco and how quiet it is, yet gives a decent "growl" when it's being worked...

But, I'm old, so that has a lot to do with that! I've had the loud mufflers on a V8 many moons ago, so I've been there and done that already!

Anyway, get what makes you feel good and getting 33" tall tires on either engine won't hurt you that much. Go to 35's and you'll need to re gear if you want the stock power back again.

Mitch

 

I just found a 2014 F150 XLT Crew Cab EcoBoost with 3.73 and max tow package for a few hundred bucks more than the other one. Going to check up on that tomorrow.

I could care less about an exhaust. I just realized...I don't have my truck with me hahaha...my dad is driving it since it will be sold soon...

 

That's what I'd go for! But, it'll have the big "tow mirrors" on it.. I love them, but I tow a TT, so that's my motivation.. But, I do like them for everyday driving too..

Mitch

 

You know at this point I can't be overly picky haha

 

Yeah, I hear ya! When I was a young'n, I got some help with a vehicle or two as well!

Mitch