hey,

I've read many post here and it seems like the popular model is the FX4. I was wondering if 4.6L with a 3.73 LS dif Screw is fine for normal driving, ie not towing anything. Because I plan to order one real soon, and was thinking about this option. The reason I don't want to go with the 5.4 is because it is overkill if I don't tow anything. Also the 4.6L seems to be a reliable engine in the older Screws, and expeditions. I've read the post by "beastboy" about his 04 truck needing a new engine.

Thanks

 

Realistically, any configuration will be fine for normal driving. But then again, so would a honda civic. I am not flaming you at all, so please don't be offended. I am just thinking, what if you want to build something and you need to haul lumber or bricks? you would appreciate the power. only you know how you will drive it, so it is your opinion that matters. for me, the 4.6L would not be enough.

the 4.6L is not a weak sauce engine, it has its kick, but this is a heavy truck. if you don't care how fast you accelerate when getting on the freeway, then you will be alright. one thing to remeber though, the FX4 and Lariat only come with the 5.4L. so you'd have to go to a lower trim package.

bottom line is that you know your driving, so if you think it will suite your needs, don't waste your money on extras. you may want to keep in mind resale value. some options help keep resale value on a truck, like 4x4 and bigger engine.

good choice with the 3.73 LSD.

 

Another thing to consider is like Brewmaster said. What if you decide to haul something out of the ordinary that you wouldn´t normally do or later on decide to purchase something you will want to pull i.e. camper or boat for instance. I don´t think I will need the 5.4 all the time but for the money I am spending I want to make sure that I have a truck I can grow into should I need it instead of having regrets or needing to trade a couple of years down the road. The 4.6 is a great engine but like another member posted yesterday about the update on blueoval.com there might be a unspoken service bulletin about swapping out engine heads on them for the same ticking problem as what we have been discussing on other threads here recently. So don´t choose something with the thought that it will be exempt from problems the 5.4 might be having. Just my thoughts.

 

Thanks for the replies, I'm definatly understand you guys on the resell value and growing into a truck with a bigger engine where I can carry a pallet of bricks or something. I think now I have my mind set on a XLT with a 4.6L, I'm definatly getting a 4x4 Screw, as for resell value, I think I'm gonna keep this truck until it dies or I want to get at least 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. I've sold my explorer, which had about 125,000 and was only 2WD and plan to use the $$ for a DP on this Screw. I would of kept the explorer if it had 4WD, cause 2WD just sucks in snow. I plan to order a Screw in mid-oct hoping it gets here by december.

 

I think the 4.6L will be enough. Besides, it has 298 lb-ft of torque of which 90% of that comes in at under 2000 RPM. I don't plan to tow anything either, which is why I'm choosing the 4.6L. And because it costs less than the 5.4L. I'll be getting a 4-wheel drive too. Which will be a first for me. But like you, I need it for when the snow comes so I'll be able to get around when I have to.

 

hey I noticed your location...I am in Chattanooga.....I haven't bought one of these monsters yet but i am looking...

sorry for the off topic post..

 

I'm glad to hear from a fellow Tennesseean. Good luck with your truck! And drive safely.