Originally Posted By: BleedsBlueIf you look hard enough you'll will find negative comments on any product.
If new technology in trucks is a bad thing then we all should go back to oil lanterns and only hand calls for predator hunting.
It is a pretty good engine. The biggest problem that I have seen are people running conventional oil and aftermarket oil filters. If ran over filled on oil carbon deposits will form on the valves just like any other engine. The carbon deposits will cause pre-ignition/ spark knock which will result in lean codes. It is important to run motorcraft oil filters to prevent timing component failures, the motorcraft filter has a superior anti-drainback feature.
By running full synthetic oils and only filling half way in the safe zone any engine will run cleaner. If more people did research into modern API specification SN and CK4 licensed oils and the lack of zinc/phosphorus and calcium being used as detergents you would be shocked and most likely switch brands of oil. And find that conventional oils are no longer safe to use.
Since the ecoboost is intercooled condensation can form in the charge air cooler in humid climates. The symptoms are a stumble at wide open throttle after low demand driving in high humidity climates. This has been less of a concern since they have been equipped with an air deflector to reduce the efficiency/ cooling effect of the intercooler.
This write up sounds scary but don't be deterred from this engine. It is very efficient when driven properly, durable and powerful.
The turbos give little to no problems allowing the truck to be unaffected by altitude. The turbos are easily accessible in the event that they need serviced. I personally like the 2.7L version better because it is just as fun to drive and has better fuel efficiency.
The LS engines have issues also such as camshaft/lifter failures. Intake gaskets leaking coolant in the oil, and oil consumption.
Toyotas are good trucks but small and fuel hogs.
A Dodge well... Is just a dodge.
GM trucks typically have weak transmissions and differentials and the body rusts out, a crowded cockpit with less space.
The Ford truck overall is more durable and spacious. So why worry? Get the Ford truck, do better maintenance, run better oils and do it less often. Enjoy the long service life and excellent resale value.
My only complaint on the Ford truck is that they are too tall, it is difficult to reach into the bed from the sides.
GM is hit and miss with their transmissions. If people would actually read their service manual they would see that the fluid and filter needs changed every 30,000 in the 6 speeds, and every 50,000 in the 4 speeds. Both of my GM vehicles are used, and one has 88,000 miles on it, 40,000 of which were me using it like a truck, and the other has 118,000 miles on it...both have zero issues.
As for differentials, I've never heard anyone have an issue with a GM, but I do know a lot of guys with LSD issues in their Fords around 80,000 miles. Mine are still chatter free and work well.
As for rust as well, I can show you hundreds of Fords here in PA that are rotted out and look like Swiss cheese after 5 years. Nothing else rusts as bad as a Ford here. Just walk through any parking lot and it's obvious. The rusted Chevy's I see are from the 90's. Heck, my wife bought a 2010 Ford Escape that had rust holes forming at 13,000 miles! I've sworn off Ford for their garbage bodies. I'll swap a new tranny in or even rebuild a motor before I play catch up trying to cut out all the cancer that comes with Fords.
P.S. If you want higher zinc content in your oil, which I usually only worried about in my old inline 6's, then modern racing oil still retains a pile of zinc for older motors. It only last 3,000 miles, though. I personally change my oil every 3,000 miles. There's no way I would waste my money on Amsoil and only change oil once a year, and filter 4 times year. If you have a motor that NEEDS Amsoil, it better perform a heck of a lot better than a turbo charged, factory V6. Ha-ha!