My '99 5.4 4x4 Lariat finally gave up the ghost at 270K last week (catastrophic engine failure) leaving me in need of a replacement vehicle rather quickly. I've found an 01 V6 FX4 standard cab with manual everything that *might* serve as a placeholder until I get back on my feet to afford something newer, but I live in the mountains of Colorado (@ 9,000 feet) , and am concerned that the V6 may not cut it. I know towing would be out, but is the 6-er enough to get the truck out of its own way?

I'll appreciate opinions and input.

Thanks,

Andy

 

I say yes, it's powerful enough.

 

I have an 03 with over 300k miles on it. It's 2wd and except for leaking oil it is a great truck. You won't win any races with it, but I think you will be satisfied. Plus altitude doesn't bother these computer/fuel injected motors as much as the old carb motors. If it is in decent shape and a fair price I say go for it.

 

Coming from a 5.4 which isn't very fast, but it does produce good low end torque, the V6 will feel like a snail

 

You'll learn to hate it quick. I've been in yer neighborhood with a 302 Bronco and it was a major land slug. Climbing Cumbres Pass had me in first gear, flat on the floor and doing 15 mph. Going from Colorado Springs over to South Fork had me with over drive locked out and a lot of both feet on the floor just to stay with traffic. While that year model 4.2 supposedly puts out 202 HP, at 9000 feet, it has lost 57 HP due to altitude. That doesn't leave much to push the 4800lb truck around. Another down side is the manual transmission is the Mazda 5 speed. Not exactly a strong transmission. This is the poster boy for the wrong truck for the job.

 

No idea why your Bronco was such a slug - my 4.2 has some Colorado time on it, including a trip up Pikes Peak, and it wasn't anywhere near that bad. It also gets about 23 mpg at high altitudes.

Don't get me wrong - it's going to be slow but for me it's livable. You will learn pretty quickly what gear to be in when. I prefer a manual in the mountains because it's a big brake saver.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. I took a hesitant gander at the V6, decided to keep looking, and found an '03 extended cab 5.4 with tow package in DSG with 160K on the odo. Price was higher (understandably so), but I was offered some assistance in making the purchase that would make it possible. It's *very* clean, and felt perfect on the test drive, so I'm picking it up Monday.





I'll sell/trade the current chrome 20" wheels and tires in favor of a set of stock wheels - FX4's if I can find them - and will remove the grille guard and billet grille inserts. It has a BedRug I'll also sell since I use my truck like a truck (unfortunately, Line-X will have to wait), but I may try the hard bed cover for a bit before deciding whether or not I want to swap it for my Extang full-tilt softy from the '99 which is soooo easy to take on and off.

I'll post a new thread with more detail after I've gotten it home.

Andy

 

Looks nice!

 

Good looking truck, hope it works out well for you.

 

Thanks guys. I've actually made arrangements to pick it up this evening, so I can start the de-blingification this weekend.

 

If you replace the spark plugs, be sure to torque them to 28 ft lbs to prevent blowout.

 

Funny got should mention that (and thanks for doing so) . I was just re-reading an old post on the subject over lunch , as I do intend to service/inspect the thing, as well. 28 pounds, Motorcraft only, and no anti-seize.

Andy

 

Sweet ride.