You're looking at two older powerplants there, even if only by a few years. They also did not get much development beyond their original spec, but the Coyote keeps getting updated and refined, and currently does more with less cc.I know Toyota had already ended their 5.7 and Ram is fixing to end their 5.7 Hemi.
3.3 is needed for fleet trucks. Delivery vehicles, U-Haul rentals and that 8' box loaner truck you see parked at Menards or Home Depot. Consumers don't buy it but it would be a huge mistake to axe it.In my opinion, Ford could probably get rid of both the 3.3 and 5.0 now based on good reliability numbers of the newer generation turbo engines.
In my mind, offering only 4 choices... a 2.7 EcoBoost, 2.7 Powerboost, 3.5 Ecoboost, and 3.5 Powerboost would be an adequate enough selection, with 2.7 Ecoboost being the new base engine. A 2.7 Powerboost should be the next new engine.
The only thing I'm not sure of is how do you replace the 5.0 when I think it is the only engine for a snow plow option and a little better payload. My guess is the SuperDuty, which is probably a better choice for snow plowing anyway. As far as v8 sound goes...some will never want that sound to go away, but I am happier with a faster truck that has a quieter interior.
I imagine the axing will coincide with the Mustang losing it too. Would be very surprised if they kept it around for the Mustang and dropped it from the F150, it's possible, but Ford loves engines that cross platforms, it makes sense financially for Ford (producing the same motor for multiple platforms is cheaper) and for the customer (more options).Maybe the question should be whether the 5.0 will be axed for the F150 or not.
The PB would have been a good alternative since it develops a lot more torque than the 5.0 does.I ordered and hopefully will have my first 5.0 F150 this week. Have had both the 3.5eb and 2.7eb. Although great engines, I pulled the trigger on the 5.0 due to needing a plow for my driveway. They will have to figure out something for the future for plow setups. I only plow my driveway and don't tow/haul so no need to bump up to a Super Duty. Hope that's not the case when I'm looking for my next truck!