Light duty pickup trucks come from a philosophy based on several important factors including durability, performance, reliability and confidence that the truck will continue to function efficiently in the coming years. Consumers who want to buy a truck for family purposes or use it for towing and work purposes usually make decisions based on more than just the power of the engine. The design of the engine, transmission, service support and other factors may play a role in this.
Dealerships can also be very helpful in guiding the consumers through these choices. For instance, Jarrett Ford from Charlotte County, Florida, offers services for the drivers of Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice, and other communities of Charlotte County. The Jarrett Promise by the dealership comprises many options like flexible financing options, customization, pricing, trade-ins, servicing, and protection.
However, even the most devoted dealership will not be able to make up for frequent mechanical issues. For example, for Chicago truck owner Michael Pasko, issues with his two Ford F-150s ultimately made him switch to another truck manufacturer. Issues with his 2013 3.5-liter EcoBoost and his 2020 5.0-liter Coyote V8 included cam phaser issues, oil consumption, timing chain issues, and problems with the turbo. Pasko sold off both F-150 trucks and bought a 2026 Ram Rebel with the 5.7-liter V8 and ZF8 transmission.
1. Two Ford Engines, One Frustrating Ownership Experience
The story of Michael Pasko started gaining recognition when he posted it on the Facebook group “Ram Rebel Owners”. As he revealed, the two trucks of his Ford F-150 line created numerous mechanical problems for him, despite having entirely different engines installed in both of them. His 2013 truck had the 3.5-liter twin turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, while the 2020 one the 5.0-liter V8 Coyote.
The Mechanical Issues That Changed His View:
- Cam phaser problems affected his EcoBoost
- Excessive oil consumption created frustration
- Timing chain slap raised concerns
- Turbocharger failure added repair headaches
- Two engines damaged his confidence
The problems that existed included cam phasers, high oil usage, timing chain slap, and a failing turbocharger of the EcoBoost engine. The fact that he faced such major problems within two generations of vehicles was certainly damaging to his trust in the engines of Ford. He chose to switch brands rather than repair the trucks.
Therefore, his choice of moving from the 2017 model to the 2026 Ram Rebel went beyond just selecting a new truck. This is because he made a conscious decision to buy the 5.7-liter V8 with the ZF8 automatic after doing some research into other options. In his case, his experiences have shown that repeated mechanical problems may affect brand loyalty.
2. The EcoBoost Cam Phaser Problem
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost’s cold-start rattle has been associated with problems inside its variable camshaft timing system. Ford technical documentation has addressed internal wear involving the VCT phasers, including issues involving their locking mechanisms. When those components cannot hold their intended position correctly, the engine can produce a pronounced rattle during startup.
Warning Signs Inside the Timing System:
- Cold-start rattling signals possible problems
- VCT phasers can experience internal wear
- Locking mechanisms may lose stability
- Oil pressure affects phaser operation
- Timing components can suffer additional wear
Functioning of the phaser is based on the oil pressure in the engine and a locking pin that prevents the part from moving during engine start-up. The locking mechanism keeps the phaser in place until the hydraulic oil pressure reaches the necessary level. In case of engine oil leakage from the phaser, the hydraulic oil pressure will not be formed properly. Also, damage to the locking system will lead to excessive movement of the phaser parts during start-up. It means that movement of the phaser components at the time of start-up of the engine can take place.
However, for the owner, the problem is more complicated since it does not only mean that there is a strange noise from the engine. It may be a sign of something wrong with the timing system of the engine and something that needs to be addressed immediately. Failure to do so may result in additional wear of other parts of the engine, and thus a minor problem can evolve into a more serious one. Consequently, the noise should not be ignored by the owners but rather taken seriously.
3. Oil Consumption Creates Bigger Concerns
The 2020 5.0L Coyote V8 is another mechanical story altogether. The 5.0L Coyote V8 employs plasma transferred wire arc cylinder wall technology in place of traditional cast iron cylinder liners. There have been some issues of oil usage for some applications of the 5.0L V8 F-150, and now there’s yet another reason for frustration for owners of this naturally-aspirated V8.
Understanding the Coyote’s Oil Concerns:
- Coyote V8 uses advanced cylinder technology
- Certain applications reported oil consumption
- Frequent monitoring may become necessary
- Low oil levels threaten engine health
- Legal filings raised additional concerns
An excessive oil consumption problem may especially worry the owner in cases where he is required to regularly check and refill the engine with oil. When oil escapes through the piston rings and gets into either the combustion chamber or intake system, then it can lead to excessive consumption. This becomes even worse in situations where the engine keeps running with insufficient oil.
In addition to the claims related to Sauder Schelkopf Ford F-150 class action lawsuit, legal filings have also mentioned that there are problems with excess fuel burning in certain engines with 5.0 liters capacity manufactured from 2018 to 2021. For truck owners, it means that they should pay special attention to fuel burning.
4. Extreme Conditions Put Engines Under More Pressure
The potential weaknesses that are inherent to the engines might be exacerbated by operating trucks in adverse environmental conditions. The mountain areas in Colorado feature lower air pressure, while pulling heavy trailers places additional thermal and mechanical stress on the power plant. In essence, such factors may add to the existing strain on the engine.
When Environment Adds Extra Engine Stress:
- High elevations reduce atmospheric pressure
- Heavy towing increases mechanical demands
- Cold weather thickens engine oil
- Low temperatures challenge oil circulation
- Demanding conditions expose potential weaknesses
The cold weather is an additional hurdle in this regard, especially in locations like Chicago. In very cold temperatures, the oil becomes very thick and needs more time to flow in the higher sections of the engine. The cam phasers and other timing devices require correct oil pressure and lubrication, which becomes important due to the complexities of variable timing systems.
While such factors do not necessarily result in the failure of an engine, they may reveal potential flaws that would go unnoticed otherwise. Towing, driving under extremely cold conditions, and operating at higher altitudes increase the strain on engines, and for that reason, proper mechanical construction is critical.
5. Why the Ram 5.7-Liter V8 Looks Different
The choice by Pasko for a switch to the 2026 Ram Rebel is based on the attraction of a more traditional type of engine construction. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is equipped with an overhead valve, pushrod-type system in contrast to the more modern double overhead cam system. The engine architecture is simpler because it has fewer high-mounted valvetrain components.
The Appeal of Traditional V8 Engineering:
- Ram uses traditional pushrod architecture
- HEMI follows proven V8 engineering
- Pushrod layouts reduce certain components
- Traditional design appeals to buyers
- Naturally aspirated power remains attractive
However, the pushrod engine design does not ensure the engine’s safety from mechanical malfunctions, but, due to the more straightforward design, it decreases the amount of parts necessary for some systems. This characteristic may be of interest for customers who prefer less complicated camshaft timing mechanisms.
This combination also helps make Ram distinctive in a market that has seen the trend of manufacturers shifting towards small turbocharged engines. It is refreshing to see the V8 engine making a return since it means a naturally aspirated performance delivery for buyers who have always liked the way V8-powered trucks feel.
6. The ZF8 Adds Another Layer of Confidence
This engine represents only one of many components which comprise the driveline system of any truck. Thus, when talking about Ram, the combination of its 5.7 liter engine and 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission developed on the basis of ZF transmission allows for the development of torque and effective power transfer. The transmission itself utilizes planetary gears.
A Transmission Built Around Balanced Performance:
- Eight-speed transmission supports smooth shifts
- ZF-derived design handles substantial torque
- Conventional gearsets provide familiar operation
- Electronic controls manage transmission shifts
- Drivetrain balance supports demanding use
This is different from the growing trend towards the use of complex multi-clutch or high-speed automatic systems. An eight-speed automatic system that is designed well will provide a good trade-off of efficiency, performance, and reliability. For trucks, it is particularly important to have low-speed reliability and power consistency.
Such an approach to the drivetrain is one of the reasons Pasko liked the Ram. Having faced complications with two drivetrains made by Ford, he wanted to find something reliable rather than overly complex. It is evident from his first impressions of the Ram Rebel that conventional drivetrain design is still popular among many pickup truck buyers.
7. Ram Is Reconsidering the V8 Strategy
Future plans concerning Ram’s engines have now come to be another key factor in the pickup competition. Before, Ram intended to switch from the use of V8 engines in light duty trucks and replace them with turbodiesel inline six engines in the 2025 lineup of cars. However, more recent information suggests that Ram is turning to V8 again.
A Potential Shift Back Toward V8 Power:
- Ram previously planned to phase V8s
- Turbocharged inline-sixes were planned replacements
- Dealer information reportedly suggests V8s
- Both 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter engines
- Consumer demand could influence strategy
Though this information has leaked on the internet, the fact that these 5.7 liter and perhaps 6.4 liter V8 engines can be coming back on the Ram 1500 line is likely. The potential comeback of these bigger engines will mean a significant departure from what the current engine strategies of Ram look like. The 6.4 liter V8 engine is currently being used in many vehicles from both Ram and Jeep. Having already been used before in the Stellantis line may actually make it easier for this engine to come back into the Ram 1500 line.
The 6.4-liter V8 engine had already been used in Dodge performance cars like the Challenger and Charger.In case the plans announced by Ram turn out to be successful, then this would mean that Ram would be responding to the growing demands of their customers for performance V8 engines. What this would also mean is that customers would have the opportunity to choose between modern turbocharged engines and the traditional V8 engines.
8. The TRX Could Raise the Performance Stakes
This particular V8 engine setup could possibly apply to unusual models of Ram 1500 trucks in the future. Information revealed through the dealer guide leak indicates that Ram might be looking to introduce a new generation of the higher-performance Ram 1500 TRX. Doing so would mean that Ram would have a more competitive pickup model for the high-performance class. This is because the old TRX had a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 702 horsepower.
Ram’s Potential Answer to Ford’s Performance Trucks:
- Previous TRX produced 702 horsepower
- Ford Raptor R reached 720 horsepower
- Ram faces serious performance competition
- Supercharged V8 offers performance potential
- Renewed TRX could challenge Ford
Later, Ford stepped up the game with the F-150 Raptor R, providing no less than 720 horsepower out of its supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine. The development put the Ford Raptor R in a very favorable spot within the high-performance pickup segment. At the same time, it increased the competitive pressure on Ram to produce a pickup truck that could compete with such numbers. The development is especially relevant if the company plans to revive the TRX model line, as its next-generation version would need to be very powerful to return to its old status.
This existing experience with the design of the V8 engine provides a way for Ram to realize its target. The application of the supercharged V8 engine in the past yielded much higher power figures and thus indicates that the basic design has plenty of potential for performance. A new TRX would thus prove vital for Ram’s plans of competing with Ford in the high-end segment of trucks.
9. Motorsports Could Support the V8 Comeback
Additionally, Ram’s plans for a V8 engine comeback in its pickups could be tied up very closely with its plans for the motorsports world. According to leaked dealer information, the manufacturer is considering an entry into the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026. This motorsport program would offer a perfect platform for Ram to demonstrate its dedication to pickup trucks once again. On top of that, the racing program would allow Ram to highlight the performance features that the new pickup range possesses. Racing in NASCAR will definitely help Ram gain visibility among those who are passionate about trucks.
Racing Could Reinforce Ram’s Performance Identity:
- Ram could return to NASCAR competition
- Truck Series involvement boosts visibility
- Racing can strengthen performance branding
- Ram last officially competed in 2013
- Dodge could return to Cup Series
The last time Ram took part in the Truck Series was in 2013, which was the point where Ram stopped its involvement in the truck series. Even though other teams used Ram trucks in their races, this means that Ram did not participate in any races anymore. In this regard, Ram’s factory-supported participation in the Truck Series is a new move for the brand.
This move would also be able to garner further interest on the part of truck enthusiasts and motor sports fans. This increased visibility will assist in creating an atmosphere of anticipation for the new line of performance trucks that is being developed by Ram. The overall approach might also relate to the rumored plans of Dodge to enter NASCAR Cup Series races in 2028. In this case, motor sports will be a valuable means of promotion for Ram and Dodge.
10. The Truck Battle Is Still About Durability
However, since Ram has not officially verified all of the information provided in the dealer report, the future plans regarding the products must be handled carefully. But the fact that Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, stated that a V8 engine comeback is not something he would rule out gives an indication that the V8 is still in the picture.
Durability Remains the Ultimate Buying Factor:
- Leaked plans remain officially unconfirmed
- V8 engines remain under discussion
- Truck buyers prioritize dependable powertrains
- Modern engines continue becoming more complex
- Durability influences long-term owner satisfaction
For the truck owners, the problem is bigger than simply Ford vs. Ram. Although modern engines are getting increasingly advanced, the buyer always prefers a durable power train capable of handling towing, extreme weather conditions, heavy loads, and many years of regular use. The experience of Pasko illustrates how persistent engine problems may turn a loyal owner into a buyer of another brand.
The war between pickup trucks is eventually going to be determined based on the manufacturers’ ability to find a balance between innovation and reliability. The powertrain design process in the case of Ford is quite complicated and exemplified by its innovative EcoBoost and Coyote engines, whereas the V8 power of Ram shows the ongoing relevance of reliable mechanical designs. No matter what truck a buyer selects, good engine and transmission work plays an important role in satisfaction
