F150 Locking Differential vs 4X4
We are considering changing our toad to a F150, the new aluminum based model with the eco boost. (Minimal light towing maybe once a year, with a lighter hauling trailer.) I was talking this over wi...
Forum Discussion
Hey Smitty,
Well, you and I have had our share of communications on various RV related topics, that's for sure. Let me throw in my two cents, if you'll allow me to. First off, and I'll catch a bit of flack for this, Ford, unknowingist of some of its clientele, has had some issues with that Powertech V-6. I did a bit of research and, it seems there's been a few BAD V-6 engines. A buddy just had his towed into the Ford dealer here in Havasu due to one of the rods went right through the block on the way here.
He'd had some noises emitting from the engine on his '13 year F-150 and, the dealer in Temecula was himming and hawing on just what to make of the noises. They called the MFG and, they too did some of the same himming and hawing. They told him to drive it while they thought about it. So, he was on his way here and the noises became a serious issue.
Well, the dealer here in Havasu stated to him there's been several of these types of incidents with the V-6 F-150 engine. The two truck driver said he's brought many of them in for the same catastrophic engine failures. When my buddy inquired about them at the Temecula dealer, they denide any knowledge of any engine issues on those models.
So, just how many have actually had issues, based on how many made, I can't answer that but, it's just maybe something for a tech dude like you to consider.
As for 2WD vs 4WD, well, I got my own opinion on that. Chevy and Dodge has allowed their 4x4s, in the 1/2 ton versions to be flat towed for decades. But Ford, in its infinite wisdom, did not allow any of it's 4x4s to be flat towed until the 2012 model year. Not that it makes any difference to you, if you plan on purchasing new so, take that for what it's worth.
I've read a few zillion threads on the driveshaft disconnect and, a very large percentage of the folks that have had them in the past, will NOT HAVE THEM AGAIN!! Some of the primary reasons were because:
1. Re-engaging the disconnect after towing in rainy, potentially muddy conditions, would present a very, very difficult time re-engaging due to clogged splines. Many had to get under their vehicles and clean those splines completely, before re-engagement was accomplished.
2. Many reported vibrations in drivelines due to, too many possibilities of imbalance problems stemming from slop in the driveline system.
3. Cable issues also due to gumming up from road grime etc.
Now, I cannot attest to any of these, it's only what I've read, a few times over. Companies are still selling them and, folks are putting them on so, obviously some of those issues may or may not be still present.
Your statements resales/less maintenance/less operating costs etc. could and, knowing you, most likely have merit. I will throw this out to you. We've now owned our present toad, an '11 GMC Sierra 1500 Extra Cab 4x4 with the 5.3L for about 3 years and have towed it for quite a few thousand miles. All without one issue. And many, many of those miles were with that truck carrying our Honda Goldwing (900 lbs. worth) in the back of it.)
The procedure for prepping it for towing is seconds worth. The newer F-150s ('12 and above) have just a step or two more than what we have to do).
The mileage between what we get and a 2WD version of the same truck is almost negligeable (I have couple of friends who have the 2WD version of our truck). Based on just how much we drive, and to where, if there was any difference in mileage, it made no difference to us when we were looking.
But what did influence us was/is the fact that the 4WD versions can be flat towed, right out of the box, with no aftermarket additions or, alterations. These trucks, be it a Ford, Dodge or Chevy, are so refined now that, the maintenance requirements, while are still needed, are waaaaaaaaay down from yesteryear, in terms of certain items/components.
I don't know if any of this info has helped you or not. But, I'd give a 4x4 some serious thought before you nix it in the lineup. Take care Pal.
Scott
Well, you and I have had our share of communications on various RV related topics, that's for sure. Let me throw in my two cents, if you'll allow me to. First off, and I'll catch a bit of flack for this, Ford, unknowingist of some of its clientele, has had some issues with that Powertech V-6. I did a bit of research and, it seems there's been a few BAD V-6 engines. A buddy just had his towed into the Ford dealer here in Havasu due to one of the rods went right through the block on the way here.
He'd had some noises emitting from the engine on his '13 year F-150 and, the dealer in Temecula was himming and hawing on just what to make of the noises. They called the MFG and, they too did some of the same himming and hawing. They told him to drive it while they thought about it. So, he was on his way here and the noises became a serious issue.
Well, the dealer here in Havasu stated to him there's been several of these types of incidents with the V-6 F-150 engine. The two truck driver said he's brought many of them in for the same catastrophic engine failures. When my buddy inquired about them at the Temecula dealer, they denide any knowledge of any engine issues on those models.
So, just how many have actually had issues, based on how many made, I can't answer that but, it's just maybe something for a tech dude like you to consider.
As for 2WD vs 4WD, well, I got my own opinion on that. Chevy and Dodge has allowed their 4x4s, in the 1/2 ton versions to be flat towed for decades. But Ford, in its infinite wisdom, did not allow any of it's 4x4s to be flat towed until the 2012 model year. Not that it makes any difference to you, if you plan on purchasing new so, take that for what it's worth.
I've read a few zillion threads on the driveshaft disconnect and, a very large percentage of the folks that have had them in the past, will NOT HAVE THEM AGAIN!! Some of the primary reasons were because:
1. Re-engaging the disconnect after towing in rainy, potentially muddy conditions, would present a very, very difficult time re-engaging due to clogged splines. Many had to get under their vehicles and clean those splines completely, before re-engagement was accomplished.
2. Many reported vibrations in drivelines due to, too many possibilities of imbalance problems stemming from slop in the driveline system.
3. Cable issues also due to gumming up from road grime etc.
Now, I cannot attest to any of these, it's only what I've read, a few times over. Companies are still selling them and, folks are putting them on so, obviously some of those issues may or may not be still present.
Your statements resales/less maintenance/less operating costs etc. could and, knowing you, most likely have merit. I will throw this out to you. We've now owned our present toad, an '11 GMC Sierra 1500 Extra Cab 4x4 with the 5.3L for about 3 years and have towed it for quite a few thousand miles. All without one issue. And many, many of those miles were with that truck carrying our Honda Goldwing (900 lbs. worth) in the back of it.)
The procedure for prepping it for towing is seconds worth. The newer F-150s ('12 and above) have just a step or two more than what we have to do).
The mileage between what we get and a 2WD version of the same truck is almost negligeable (I have couple of friends who have the 2WD version of our truck). Based on just how much we drive, and to where, if there was any difference in mileage, it made no difference to us when we were looking.
But what did influence us was/is the fact that the 4WD versions can be flat towed, right out of the box, with no aftermarket additions or, alterations. These trucks, be it a Ford, Dodge or Chevy, are so refined now that, the maintenance requirements, while are still needed, are waaaaaaaaay down from yesteryear, in terms of certain items/components.
I don't know if any of this info has helped you or not. But, I'd give a 4x4 some serious thought before you nix it in the lineup. Take care Pal.
Scott
