Hi there everyone I am looking at buying a new 150 xl or a used 350 with the diesel. Either way the truck will basicall be driven unloaded almost all the time. I have driven the new xl with the base engine and was very impressed with the truck but for one point, the engine didnt seem very peppy. The axle ratio was 3.55 and i wonder if a 3.73 would provide better acceleration. I see from other posts that the 5.4 is not that great on gas millage so maybe the 4.6 is better on gas.

As I said I am also looking at getting a used 350 which is selling for not too much more than a new 150.

Any opinions and input would be appreciated on the topics I mentioned.

Thanks.

 

Some points to consider...

Unless you are looking at a Powerstoke, there is no way you'll get more than 11mpg under any circumstances driving an F-350. 8=10 common for either gas engines.

IMHO the 4.6L is underpowered for the new F-150 that gained a lot of weight.

The ride of a 1-ton pickup unloaded would be intolerable for around Metro Detroit. Are your roads any better?

The depreciation on a used F-350 will be much less than a brand new F-150 and you'll always have the capability to haul/tow more if the need arises.

 

I don't know yet, but I'm betting the 4.6L won't do any better on fuel and possibly worse.

Last year there wasn't a large difference in mileage between 4.6 and 5.4L (at least on 4x4's), and with the added weight and improvements to the 5.4L, I bet the 5.4L will do better. Also on last year's the 5.4L got better mileage than a 4.6L if you've got a heavy foot. If your woried about acceleration, I'm guessing you've got a heavy foot.

If you decide to go with the used 350, check it over REALLY WELL as these are often used hard and may need some work. Have the ball joints checked as these are expensive and fairly commonly needed.

 

If you are driving the car unloaded most of the time, the 350 would give you one hell of a rough ride, I would think.

 

Buy the XL you will be happier in the long run.

 

after reading the posts here, I hope I didn't make a mistake by order a 4.6L XLT Screw with a 3.73 LS. I don't plan on towing anything or drive agressively at all, which is why I chose the 4.6L engine, and also the 4.6L is a proven engine as being a carry over engine.

 

Every review I've read says the 4.6L is underpowered. You have to think where that is coming from though, probably harcorde truck enthusiasts. Did you drive the 4.6 before you ordered it? I personally don't feel safe in underpowered vehicles, so it's worth the money for me to get the bigger engine even if I'm only hauling/towing on weekends. It's probably not too late to change your order

 

The 4.6 in our truck seems fine to me. I didn't drive a 5.4, the truck we bought is the one the wife picked out (her truck). Is it blazing fast? No, but fast enough for us. We won't be pulling or hauling any heavy loads, so it works for us.

 

Sweet. Living proof that people who review vehicles don't know everything.

 

White snake. I'm buying a Screw, I noticed you have a Scab. I was wondering what rear end you have, and how it accels. This is my first truck I am ever buying. I did not test drive one before it bought it because I could not find one with a 4.6L. I've read posts there and placed a post here and people submitted it all depends on your driving habits and only I know my driving habits

 

We have the 3.55 ratio, trailer tow package, power adjustable pedals, & P255/65RX17 tires. All this was listed on the right of our window sticker. The tires are a upgrade I guess. It was the one & only '04 we drove. Loved it from the start.

Anyway, I myself think it does fine, I haven't found myself wondering if we should've held out for the 5.4 (despite numerous posts ******* the 4.6). If we want to accelerate super fast, we drive the Cobra.

My wife has been wanting a truck for the past few years. We drove a '03 right before the '04. We both figured on getting the '04 or if we couldn't make the #'s work, wait a year & get the '04. That's how much we like it.

But if your having second thoughts, try to drive both, then make up your mind.