2 week update...
360 miles. About 3/4 of a tank of fuel used. 17MPG according to the onboard calculations.
This 3.5l is quiet compared to the 2017 5.0l w/ the MBRP exhaust. Too quiet. It’s definitely faster. 3.55 gears and normal sized tires have something to do with that. (As opposed to 3.31s and 35’s on the the ‘17.) The torque curve is different... the 5.0 felt like it came on stronger (more aggressively/ violently). But once the turbos spool, this thing moves out faster/ smoother then the 5.0L.
The 10 speed keeps it in the power band at all times. If never feels like it lacks power or hunts for a gear. Anything more then 1/4 throttle off the line has the tires spinning/ fighting the traction control. I’ve noticed it skips 2nd and 4th gear under light acceleration, over 1/3 throttle it uses every gear. You never really feel it shift... you have to watch the display to know for sure.
I’ve already had an issue that I should have brought it in for service. The shifter got extremely loose and sloppy. It turns out the lock for the adjustment at the trans wasn’t fully engaged when they built it and it popped free. I could barely get it into park or drive.
Instead of bringing it back to the dealer in Lakewood (The town has 300+ confirmed cases of covid19), I just climbed under it and fixed it. 30 second to lock in a clip VS going into the town with the highest infection rate in this part of the state?! Easy choice.
The longer wheelbase 157” vs the 145” on both my ‘15 and ‘17 isn’t really noticeable. It does ride a little smoother, but it also doesn’t have a 6” lift and 35’s. I’m thinking it may be noticeable while towing... that’s usually where a longer wheelbase helps.
Final thoughts... I very happy with the truck. I’m glad I ordered it with the options I wanted, instead of just taking one off the lot.