2018 F150 XL 3.3L Review & Mods | 5 Year Update

[@johnnorris6737]

I’ve been a mechanic at a ford dealer for several years, the drivetrain combo you have in your truck is rock solid. The N/A 6 cylinder trucks by far have the least amount of issues out of all of them. It should give you many years of trouble free service. It’s funny though, these new N/A v6 trucks may be the least powerful in the current line up, but they are just as, if not more powerful as the v8 trucks 20 years ago.

[@americantrucking6843]

They´re like 2.3 4 bangers from 80/90s rangers, not so powerful but reliable as hell and good mpg overall

[@barrybutler3679]

Agree 100%. My truck is a reg cab short box and at 4500lbs with 290hp plenty of power.

[@jimshoe402]

@@barrybutler3679 That's mine and 24.5 mpg on a 6 hr trip with Road stuff..

[@Hash9377]

Thank you for your vote of confidence on this engine platform . I love my 3.3 regcab long boi

[@drewremaley1854]

I purchased a 2019 f150 with the same combo as your truck. I purchased the truck from the state that I live in, it was used for what they call roving patrol around a prison. Since this was what it was used for it never went over 25 mph, never towed anything or had a load in it. This thing looked like the day it rolled off the assembly line because it had no scratches or stone chips, nothing. The truck had 154,000 miles on it. My thinking was that if I needed to replace the engine no problem as long as I got the truck for the right price which I did. The reason I am writing this post is to say that 154K is a lot of miles but at 25 MPH that took a long time to reach so the truck had a lot of hours on it, 22K hours with 6K idle hours. I have to say for anyone thinking about buying this engine trans combo you can't beat it. I am so impressed, it runs as good as it looks. I don't think I need to think about another engine ever but if I do the 3.3 V6 is fine with me. You can't kill this thing.

[@dexterousx92]

*🔧 This is exactly the kind of content I've been looking for! Your detailed review of the 2018 F150 XL's performance and reliability is invaluable for someone like me who's considering getting one. It's great to hear that the base engine 3.3L V6 is still going strong after 70,000 miles. Looking forward to more updates on after-market mods and maintenance tips. Keep up the fantastic work, and thanks for helping us make informed decisions! 🛠👍*

[@dalew3799]

I've seen a 2018 3.3 F150 supercab 4x4 with 640,000km (398,000 miles). My 2018 supercrew 3.3 has 132k miles and has had zero issues.

[@Estebizle]

I have the same engine. What maintenence have you done to reach that mileage other than oil changes?

[@gad44]

Wow, I’d like to talk to that owner! 640,000 km

[@josephloguidice1841]

I have an 18 with the 3.3. 80 thousand trouble free miles and when I need to move with a hard merge on to the highway I’m telling you with the 12:1 compression and the 3.73 rear the truck will get moving very well. Yea, you don’t get the turbo thrust but it’s a great motor. I love the truck.

[@gusto1557]

I have 2019 xlt 3.3 2wd 122000 No major issues

[@jamesm927]

2019 XLT Super Cab 3.3 6 spd 2wd 3.73 gears. Got 23.2 mpg on the last tank with about 80% hwy. Love my truck!

[@wg5768]

Excellent owner long term review.

[@Southwell_13]

I have a 2017 3.5 na v6 with 154k and I love it. Have only had it for a few months and it does everything I need it for.

[@pazp777]

I have the 3.5 2016 Got in 2019 with 78k miles, currently pushing 185k No engine issues at all.

[@madebydade305ify]

​@@pazp777Naturally Aspirated ?

[@pazp777]

@@madebydade305ify yes hitting 192k right now

[@madebydade305ify]

@@pazp777 nice. I thought all the 3.5 have the turbo

[@ericjs961]

Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@udmbfckx2916]

The Ecoboob engines are fun to drive but they are "enhanced" with those twin turbines! You see a lot of this in Miami's South Beach, FL. Normally aspirated is still where it is at, the 5.0 V8 is an excellent option for the long haul too. I also know the Turbos are actually rather reliable but they are more complex and expensive to repair. A lot of people look down on this 3.3 engine but they forget this thing runs faster and hauls more than many of the V8 engines of 10 years ago. The auto-10 has been improved and most of the issues are gone. Port Fuel Injection "cleans up" the more efficient Direct Injection mess, it also has a timing chain (no belts to replace or break). If you are not doing any REALLY heavy towing or hauling, this will do the trick. The 10-speed auto has increased some of the metrics like MPG and towing. Heck this is a great option if you need a medium to large SUV to do some moderate hauling and towing plus it will be better off-road too!. Thanks for your video and showing us the mods, it makes it look 'custom racy'. I am pretty sure kids love riding at night and looking up at the starlight headliner.

[@Johnsmith46392]

The vast majority of truck owners don’t haul anything and end up with way more hp than they need. You end up with super complicated engines that are a waste. I love that ford is still building a smaller na engine that does what most of us need and is super reliable.

[@jimshoe402]

I didn't buy cargo hooks..😁😁😁😁

[@fortheloveofnoise]

They no longer offer this engine now.....

[@Johnsmith46392]

@@fortheloveofnoise yeah I ended up getting a Nissan Titan.

[@j73stuart]

I have a 2020 XL with the same 3.3L V6 with same transmission. The truck has been great to me . Great reliability and hauls everything I need. Haven't towed anything . 17 mpg combined.

[@barrybutler3679]

3.3 with 6 speed is best option in f150. most reliable. I have same combo in reg cab short box. Lots of power for this truck. And youre right, all proper trucks have column shifter.

[@josephgibson6401]

My '18 is at 130k and still runs like it did when i got it

[@kevonwalker8392]

Like that engine it looks like the 3.7 and the 3.5

[@blackericdenice]

Cold air intake was 100% waste of money. The 5.0 v8 use the same air filter and box to make 395 hp. It was not restricting your engine from making more than 290 hp.

[@ugabulldogs2790]

Cool story bro

[@bluntone2273]

I just bought (April) a 2019 xlt super crew 4x4 with the 3.3. I get 20mpg average with mine.. 3.73 gears. really surprised by so many comments getting 15mpg.

[@ugabulldogs2790]

Yooo I got a 2018 F150 3.3L with 83k miles! Have pedal controller! Great motors

[@longboardguy]

I’ve been thinking of buying a 2018 F150 xlt with the 3.3 V6 after the issues I’ve had with my 19’ Ram 1500 with the 5.7. I don’t need my truck to be fast just reliable with decent pep. I don’t tow heavy just haul an atv or snowmobile around or a few garbage dump runs. I think it’s an excellent reliable choice. I plan to buy a dark horse mustang, that will be my faster vehicle lol for enjoyment

[@Clamjammer]

What problems with your hemi? I have the same year ram. Only issues I have are both manifolds are cracked and leaking. Sounds like crap

[@SeanRaynon]

amazing videos! keep it up! subd and followed

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

Had my 3.3 xlt crew for 5 months. Love it even thought it's slow as crap

[@apexcorner45]

Yup! that's the only drawback :/ but still a decent truck

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

@@apexcorner45 funny story. I went to test drive it because it was the only truck I was approved for. I asked "do it got the coyote or the Ecoboost' he laughed and said neither. I didn't even know the 3.3 existed.

[@quesokid4959]

@@11.9lsupercharged4 if thats the only truck you were approved for then you shouldn’t be buying anything but a Corolla or civic rn bro. Get your credit up and work more lmao. Don’t make dumb decisions.

[@11.9lsupercharged4]

@@quesokid4959 man stop. I got a whole house with a garage and the ctsv on my credit. I'm a working man I'm glad I don't have six figures worth of debt btw what you drive son

[@shlumpedmoney2653]

@@quesokid4959😂😂😂 do you know what credit is

[@mattmechanic]

Got a 2021 3.3 xl, the base of the base level, got the roll down windows in em, it has all the things a truck needs to have to get the job done. Only options are the box liner and tonneau, this has definitely given me some ideas 🤔

[@JorgeRamirez-sb3yl]

Reliable? I’m looking to buy the same year engine with 120k miles on it..

[@mattmechanic]

@@JorgeRamirez-sb3yl only got about 50k miles on it, no issues except needed a reprogramming update at 33k - would definitely recommend

[@davidhuez7027]

Dog hair is universally everywhere

[@65armadillo]

Leaf blower

[@jonathanlara5093]

Do you remember what was the brand for the fender flares?

[@curtisreynolds7375]

Dude... I've been looking for a throatier exhaust for my '23 F-150 XL 3.3L. I like the sound produced by that Flowmaster 40 series.

[@richard-t9q8o]

It may be cheap but in all honesty it looks good.

[@thepurplegar]

Is this the CAI you used?54-13019D

[@dantheman982]

How can I get a used truck with your motor I just see 2.7 or 3.3 most of the times

[@CharlieThunder24]

Is this a 2wd or a 4x4 one? I want one that's 4x4

[@tacticalidiot175]

16mpg? You should be getting 22+

[@jakemcclurg4369]

Was your muffler with a resonator delete ?

[@apexcorner45]

Nope, just a muffler replacement. I have a video on it if you want to check out the transformation.

[@jakemcclurg4369]

How do I find out what transmission is in mine? Have a 2019 with same motor

[@Jonathan-uc7do]

It should tell you on the dash as you run through the gears

[@BrockOBauma]

6 speed

[@shlumpedmoney2653]

How many hp

[@alvaroespinoza1026]

What exhaust is that?! U never said that one

[@alvaroespinoza1026]

Never mind…got to the end of the video lol

[@americantrucking6843]

Im actually suprised that u can rev up to 7k rpm... in a truck.

[@matthewcarew3331]

Running wheel spacers?

[@apexcorner45]

yes sir! 2-Inch Billet Aluminum Hubcentric 6-Lug Wheel Spacers

[@matthewcarew3331]

@@apexcorner45 any issues with the level and spacers being run at the same time?

[@apexcorner45]

@@matthewcarew3331 I moved up to a Readylift 3.5 inch lift now. still have the wheel spacers on. only major issue was major tire wear on the outside. but the camber kit and alignment fixed that. Good setup imo

[@matthewmoore661]

Is it internal water pump like the 3.5 and 3.7?

[@richardhouvener6423]

F150 water pump is external.

[@BrockOBauma]

Internal pump on those is only on the transverse mounted engines to save space.

[@user-gi8ji4xv9e]

So what do you get for mpg on the highway vs city

[@apexcorner45]

City 14mpg and highway 16mpg

[@user-gi8ji4xv9e]

That’s a fair amount under what it’s rated for. I want one of these set up this way but I do a lot of highway and ideally looking for something that gets 20-22 hwy

[@jamesm927]

I get 23 in my 2019 3.3 2wd super cab with 3.73 gears and about 80% hwy driving. In my 2018 with 3.3 and 3.55 gears I got 26 on pure highway with some hills. Hitting the highway with the 2019 tomorrow for a drive across the state, will see how it does. Keep your foot out of it and it will reward you with MPG’s. Expect a couple less mpg with 4WD

[@jimshoe402]

That's what I have 8K Haha

[@Hash9377]

Buy cheap buy twice

[@chanoleyva8584]

Is it 4wd?