Tremor versus Regular F150

[BillfLang]

The biggest issue with ecoboosts now is turbo failure, they are wear items. Before it was timing chains, phasers, and intake manifolds. The coyote had timing chains and oil usage but also fixed. If the owner understands and does the maintenance when it’s needed (Before the change oil light comes on), both engines will last longer than the rest of the vehicle. But most people don’t, they skip oil changes and don’t want to pay for the other maintenance items.

There is data available. Coyotes have lower warranty claims than the eco boost. Coyotes have fewer major repairs post 150k miles. In general a naturally aspirated gas engine will last longer with fewer issues than a supercharged or turbocharged engine.

So it really comes down to your purpose for the vehicle and picking the best engine based on that. For some the 3.5 is better and for some the Coyote is better. But neither is better for all situations. Most people just guess, or do what Instagram says, or pick whatever is in the lot with their favorite color.

Well what I have gathered from the comments , is most people like the sound of the V-8. Before I bought my 24 Tremor I drove them both. And I was ready to get the V-8 until I drove it. Walked back in and purchased the V6. But if you like the sound it makes out of the V-8 more power to you. I don’t think one is better than the other. I do know that the V-6 is quicker than the V8. Unless you’re running a supercharger. But that is my opinion and we all have one lol

 

[ScoutingTremor]

If the idea is that adding a winch is easier on the 5.0 versus 3.5, the premium on the V8 models might out-way the cost to move the intercooler.

 

[BillfLang]

If the idea is that adding a winch is easier on the 5.0 versus 3.5, the premium on the V8 models might out-way the cost to move the intercooler.

Yes you’re right ! Installing a winch on the V-8 is a hole lot easier. If you have to have a winch, get the V8 or your other option on the V6 is to put it extended bumper on the V6 to mount or the intercooler. I put a winch on my 2018 FX4 , 3.5 , it was a pain in the ass.

 

[broncobuster]

So, as I've mentioned, my daily driver/disaster response rig was totaled recently, leaving me looking for a new truck. I would love to have another 2023 402a V8 as that seems to be one of the best years for the Tremor thus far, and even if 2024+ were better, there's no way I'm getting enough insurance payout to afford that. These seem to be hard to find.

I really like the Tremor, though I've thought a lot about what makes it better than a regular F150, besides the cool stickers and orange accents. Sorry, Active Orange accents... Yes, it comes from the factory with better suspension and better tires, different wheels, improved angles, trail turn assist and longer axle vent tubes but I could also get any other level of F150 and add better aftermarket suspension, wheels and tires, remove the front air dam and still have a possibly-equivalent (??) 4x4 F150 and still not pay what it costs to get a Tremor. I'd imagine you could get a similar interior with a decent F150 trim level. I guess I'd lose the upfitter switches, exhaust tips, tow hooks and a few other features, but my question is this: at the end of the day, why buy a Tremor over a well-outfitted regular F150? Is the 4WD better or different? Does it work better/different? Essentially, are we buying more than just a few stickers and factory upgrades we're just going to replace anyway?
View attachment 42361
A bit of paint should fix it, right?



It doesn't seem fair that I should have to lose everything I've worked to build because of someone else's carelessness on the road, but I guess here we are.

I'm not seriously considering moving away from a Tremor if I can help it, but I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

Thanks guys!

Yes the 4x4 is better....if you get one of the packages with torsen front locking diff

 

[broncobuster]

Yes the 4x4 is better....if you get one of the packages with torsen front locking diff

for 2026, it might be 402b or nothing...402a has the regular 4A and no torsen. 402b has the hi-loc and torsen. Can't option both so 402a is a lariat with a lift, 401a is an xlt with a lift and 402b is an xlt with a lift, torsen and raptor transfer case. I suspect customer orders will trend toward 402b, dealers will still order 402a because it has the highest price point and they should sell zero 401a because anyone who picks 401a over 402b doesn't deserve a tremor.

No..you got it wrong..everything in 402b is part of 402 a..including torsen..so b is 4k and a is 11k...BUT b really only costs 7k....but a is only way to get AWD and modular bumper. ...Look closer at the options of each package...read the first line !

 

[Spamslurpee]

Indeed. The 402b package has the modular bumper, 4A capable Hi-Loc transfer case, and the Torsen differential. If that package had existed in 2025, I would have bought that over the 401a package. On my truck, I'll probably just add the Torsen differential and some sort of aftermarket bumper at some point.

 

[CAMDENN]

…….It also comes with STX headlights.

 

[TremZilla]

Tremor® (401A) Equipment Group
Included
Tremor® (401A) Includes all XLT Features, Plus:
Trail Control™ with Trail 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist
Shocks - Off-Road Front and Rear, TREMOR® Logo on Rear
Increased Ride Height and Improved Approach/Departure Angles
Skid Plates
18” Alloy Wheels with Dark Matte Finish
Unique Dual-Outlet Exhaust
Unique Tremor® Style Running Boards
Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving Equipped
Unique Black Sport Cloth with Active Orange Stitching on Seats and Console
Heated Front Seats
B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with HD Radio™ (8 Speakers Including Subwoofer)
Six (6) Upfitter Switches
Pro Power Onboard – 2 kW (removes Rear Under-seat Storage)
Adaptive Cruise Control


Tremor® (402B) Equipment Group
$3,995
Tremor® (402B) Includes all Tremor® (401A) Features, Plus:
Front Axle with Torsen® Differential
Heated Steering Wheel
Hi-Lock Transfer Case
Media Bin Door
Power-Adjustable Pedals with Memory
Memory Sideview Mirrors Power-folding, Power Glass - Heat, Turn Signal, Driver Side Auto-Dimming, High-Intensity LED Security Approach Lamps, LED Sideview Mirror Spotlights with Body-color Skull Caps
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Unique Tremor® Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats Heated and Ventilated
Memory Driver’s Seat
Universal Garage Door Opener


Tremor® High (402A) Equipment Group
$10,865
Tremor® High (402A) Includes Tremor® (402B) Features, Plus:
Two-Speed Automatic AWD with Mechanical Locking 4WD
Modular Front Bumper
LED Taillamps
Second-Row Heated Seats
B&O® Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with HD Radio™ (14 Speakers Including Subwoofer)
Bed Utility Package
Tow/Haul Package
Mobile Office Package

 

[Smithy24365]

I like the rest but MY FORD IS THE BEST

 

[Spamslurpee]

…….It also comes with XL headlights.

I fixed that for accuracy.

A lot of you have never driven around with headlights like these and it shows.

The headlights are LED based on all trim levels of the F-150 including the XL. They all work fine. A lot of people with this specific criticism act like its unsafe to drive a vehicle at night unless your headlights are bright enough to fry the retinas of the other drivers.

That said, I do agree that its bizarre that Ford downgraded the headlamps on the TREMOR given how expensive they all are. Obviously its cost cutting at its finest. Of course, the upside is that the 24-26 TREMOR looks better than the 21-23 TREMOR does. (In my opinion.)

 

[CAMDENN]

I fixed that for accuracy.

A lot of you have never driven around with headlights like these and it shows.
View attachment 43458
The headlights are LED based on all trim levels of the F-150 including the XL. They all work fine. A lot of people with this specific criticism act like its unsafe to drive a vehicle at night unless your headlights are bright enough to fry the retinas of the other drivers.

That said, I do agree that its bizarre that Ford downgraded the headlamps on the TREMOR given how expensive they all are. Obviously its cost cutting at its finest. Of course, the upside is that the 24-26 TREMOR looks better than the 21-23 TREMOR does. (In my opinion.)

I never said nor have I ever said they were unsafe and it was just sarcasm. When it comes to the looks, you’re correct that it’s your opinion…..nothing more and nothing less.

 

[bh10]

Tremor® (401A) Equipment Group
Included
Tremor® (401A) Includes all XLT Features, Plus:
Trail Control™ with Trail 1-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist
Shocks - Off-Road Front and Rear, TREMOR® Logo on Rear
Increased Ride Height and Improved Approach/Departure Angles
Skid Plates
18” Alloy Wheels with Dark Matte Finish
Unique Dual-Outlet Exhaust
Unique Tremor® Style Running Boards
Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving Equipped
Unique Black Sport Cloth with Active Orange Stitching on Seats and Console
Heated Front Seats
B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with HD Radio™ (8 Speakers Including Subwoofer)
Six (6) Upfitter Switches
Pro Power Onboard – 2 kW (removes Rear Under-seat Storage)
Adaptive Cruise Control


Tremor® (402B) Equipment Group
$3,995
Tremor® (402B) Includes all Tremor® (401A) Features, Plus:
Front Axle with Torsen® Differential
Heated Steering Wheel
Hi-Lock Transfer Case
Media Bin Door
Power-Adjustable Pedals with Memory
Memory Sideview Mirrors Power-folding, Power Glass - Heat, Turn Signal, Driver Side Auto-Dimming, High-Intensity LED Security Approach Lamps, LED Sideview Mirror Spotlights with Body-color Skull Caps
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Unique Tremor® Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats Heated and Ventilated
Memory Driver’s Seat
Universal Garage Door Opener


Tremor® High (402A) Equipment Group
$10,865
Tremor® High (402A) Includes Tremor® (402B) Features, Plus:
Two-Speed Automatic AWD with Mechanical Locking 4WD
Modular Front Bumper
LED Taillamps
Second-Row Heated Seats
B&O® Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with HD Radio™ (14 Speakers Including Subwoofer)
Bed Utility Package
Tow/Haul Package
Mobile Office Package

Looks like Im going to trade my 25' 401a for a 402b. I absolutely hate my truck doesnt have a heated steering wheel.

 

[BillfLang]

If the idea is that adding a winch is easier on the 5.0 versus 3.5, the premium on the V8 models might out-way the cost to move the intercooler.

Yes it is ! I installed a winch on the back of my 2018 FX4 3.5 , worked great.

 

[CAMDENN]

Looks like Im going to trade my 25' 401a for a 402b. I absolutely hate my truck doesnt have a heated steering wheel.

Is that the only reason you’re going to trade it?

 

[Spamslurpee]

Looks like Im going to trade my 25' 401a for a 402b. I absolutely hate my truck doesnt have a heated steering wheel.

You know you can add the heated steering wheel function right?

Also, the 402a trucks existed in MY 2025. Why wouldn't you have checked for the heated steering wheel feature on the 401a if its such a deal breaker?

 

[bh10]

You know you can add the heated steering wheel function right?

Also, the 402a trucks existed in MY 2025. Why wouldn't you have checked for the heated steering wheel feature on the 401a if its such a deal breaker?

Everything Ive seen its a couple thousand to make the swap. You need quite a few parts including a new steering wheel.

 

[bh10]

Is that the only reason you’re going to trade it?

I was being dramatic, but its definitely the top of the list along with vented seats. The torsen diff and auto tcase is nice too.

 

[Machine]

Well what I have gathered from the comments , is most people like the sound of the V-8. Before I bought my 24 Tremor I drove them both. And I was ready to get the V-8 until I drove it. Walked back in and purchased the V6. But if you like the sound it makes out of the V-8 more power to you. I don’t think one is better than the other. I do know that the V-6 is quicker than the V8. Unless you’re running a supercharger. But that is my opinion and we all have one lol

For me it's not the sound, though admittedly the V8 may sound "better." All of my research prior to purchasing showed that the V8s had fewer warranty claims- that the service department guys often recommended the V8s because they just didn't see them come in for repairs as often. Right or wrong, that was part of my decision-making process, and while I'm being tempted more and more to look at a V6 (because it's hard to find a V8 with the features I want) I'm still holding out for the V8 for now.

At the end of the day, with the hot and dusty/watery environments I'm taking this in I just don't want to have to baby the truck. I do regular oil/lube/filter changes, but there are several particulars with turbos that I just don't want to deal with. That's my reasoning. And yes, I'd love to have the extra torque, but then again, if I really wanted lots of torque I'd go for a diesel F250...

I've found one that has 80k+ miles on it, but most everything except a Torsen, which I also want. The dealership said about $4000-$5000 to install a Torsen for me, so I'm not sure that's worth it. Seems like it should be les expensive...

 

[Spamslurpee]

For me it's not the sound, though admittedly the V8 may sound "better." All of my research prior to purchasing showed that the V8s had fewer warranty claims- that the service department guys often recommended the V8s because they just didn't see them come in for repairs as often. Right or wrong, that was part of my decision-making process, and while I'm being tempted more and more to look at a V6 (because it's hard to find a V8 with the features I want) I'm still holding out for the V8 for now.

Technicians say that, but I doubt they are looking at the bigger picture. The fact is, the 2.7L EcoBoost is the base engine and the 3.5L EcoBoost is the only choice on upper level trims. The V8's are being offered in fewer and fewer trucks, so naturally when there are more 2.7L and 3.5L trucks out there, that's going to make up the bulk of what the technicians see.

Secondly, there is this idea that turbocharged engines are more complicated and therefore more prone to failure. While this makes sense, its not like turbochargers are a new and revolutionary technology. They have literally been around for decades in automotive applications. I'm 46 and they've been around longer than I've been alive. Turbos aren't that complicated when you get down to it. The principles they operate under are well understood.

Also, people seem to forget that a V8 engine has more rods and pistons than a V6 engine does. Not only that, but Ford has had the cylinder deactivation system in the F-150 since 2021. There are a lot of additional parts to make that work. While I don't have a parts count for both, the V8 Ford uses is vastly more complex than a GM LSx or LTx type engine. (Save for the DOHC engines in the Corvette.)

At the end of the day, with the hot and dusty/watery environments I'm taking this in I just don't want to have to baby the truck. I do regular oil/lube/filter changes, but there are several particulars with turbos that I just don't want to deal with. That's my reasoning. And yes, I'd love to have the extra torque, but then again, if I really wanted lots of torque I'd go for a diesel F250...

I'm not sure why you think you'd need to baby an EcoBoost engine or that you need to do anything with the turbos. Yes, its a potential point of failure but its not as if they are going to take dirt strait into the impeller or anything. Don't forget turbochargers are used in the base Raptors and other applications.

Sure, there are occasional anecdotes about someone's turbo going out but the fact is forums like this are where you will find the vocal minority complaining about issues. I've seen some pretty old EcoBoost trucks still on the road out there. Not only that, but we had a dude on the forum with a porous engine block on his V8's. He needed an engine replaced at 134 miles. Not 134k, but 134 miles. (If memory serves.)

Anecdotes aren't evidence.

I've found one that has 80k+ miles on it, but most everything except a Torsen, which I also want. The dealership said about $4000-$5000 to install a Torsen for me, so I'm not sure that's worth it. Seems like it should be les expensive...

The Torsen itself can be had from Ford Performance for about $700. Labor shouldn't be in the thousands. Dealerships are a rip off. They are basically thieves.

 

[BillfLang]

Technicians say that, but I doubt they are looking at the bigger picture. The fact is, the 2.7L EcoBoost is the base engine and the 3.5L EcoBoost is the only choice on upper level trims. The V8's are being offered in fewer and fewer trucks, so naturally when there are more 2.7L and 3.5L trucks out there, that's going to make up the bulk of what the technicians see.

Secondly, there is this idea that turbocharged engines are more complicated and therefore more prone to failure. While this makes sense, its not like turbochargers are a new and revolutionary technology. They have literally been around for decades in automotive applications. I'm 46 and they've been around longer than I've been alive. Turbos aren't that complicated when you get down to it. The principles they operate under are well understood.

Also, people seem to forget that a V8 engine has more rods and pistons than a V6 engine does. Not only that, but Ford has had the cylinder deactivation system in the F-150 since 2021. There are a lot of additional parts to make that work. While I don't have a parts count for both, the V8 Ford uses is vastly more complex than a GM LSx or LTx type engine. (Save for the DOHC engines in the Corvette.)

I'm not sure why you think you'd need to baby an EcoBoost engine or that you need to do anything with the turbos. Yes, its a potential point of failure but its not as if they are going to take dirt strait into the impeller or anything. Don't forget turbochargers are used in the base Raptors and other applications.

Sure, there are occasional anecdotes about someone's turbo going out but the fact is forums like this are where you will find the vocal minority complaining about issues. I've seen some pretty old EcoBoost trucks still on the road out there. Not only that, but we had a dude on the forum with a porous engine block on his V8's. He needed an engine replaced at 134 miles. Not 134k, but 134 miles. (If memory serves.)

Anecdotes aren't evidence.

The Torsen itself can be had from Ford Performance for about $700. Labor shouldn't be in the thousands. Dealerships are a rip off. They are basically thieves.

This is to every replay on the turbo's ! I have owned 5 trucks all with turbo's , FX4 and a new Tremor with the Turbo's 11,000 miles so far. In all of my trucks , I have had 1 Turbo problem and they replaced it. It had a oil leak inside the turbo. On start up it blow smoke on start up , just for a minute or so one side. Never any other problems .