Looking at replacing my 03 F150 and thinking of getting 4WD due to towing bassboat and slippery boat ramps. Been limiting my search to trucks with 5.4L engines, but seen a few 4WD with 4.6L's. Does anybody have one of these combinations, and can provide some feedback.

Thanks,
Roger

 

I am 97 4x4 with the 4.6 and tow a 20 ft bowrider. It does fine for the ramps and there are couple I use 4x4 really helps. The 4.6 is sorta gutless, but my boat weighs more than bass boat so that would help quite a bit.

 

well i don't have a boat, but my 4.6 was an anchor. it didn't pull worth a snot. now that i swapped in a 5.4, i have no hauling problems. stick with the 5.4

 

A 4.6 will pull a boat fine. Unless it's a REALLY big boat.

 

The 4.6 will tow fine. My specs are 06, 4x4, 3.55, tow pkg, 4.6, auto. I have pulled around 7k through some pretty decent hills and was able to maintain 65-70. Your boat will have much better aerodynamics than the offroad lifted trucks I was pulling so you will be fine. The 4.6 is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

 

98,4x4, 4.6l,3.55LS rear...

I normally pull a 16 aluminum bass boat with no problems. I have occasionally pulled my friends 26 foot cutty cabin without any issues also... Even on pretty slipery ramps, I've never left 2wd with either boat.
You're best friend on bad boat ramps is a good set of all terrains, such as the BFG's, or my favorites, Toyo Open Country A/T's.

 

4.6 is a tough motor. throw a decent tranny cooler and she can handle your size boat no problem.

 

I've been pulling a 4800 lbs. boat with the 4.6 for 7 years. No issues at all. Yeah it would nice to have more power once in a while, but 99% of the time it's fine.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions........ Wife has already given go ahead.. now just finding the right deal.

 

I've had 98, 01, 04 and now an 07 F-150. All with the 4.6L. The 04 and 07 were both 4x4's with 373 LS gears. Never a problem pulling 3-4000 lb. trailers uphill with AC running. Also pulls other trucks out of mud.