Hey, get the 3.73 Limited Slip rear or go with the 4.10 (even better). Then, get a 350.00 chip, 450.00 exhaust and a 300.00 intake. Guaranteed with that 1100.00 spent, you will beat most 4x2 HEMI's and Titans and for sure out tow them. If you got the Z-plan as I did (A-plan converted to a Z-plan) then you are getting a great deal anyway.

As far as performance, we are talking about the F-150 being about .5 to .75 slower in the quarter and 0 to 60. Not too much if you ask me. We have less HP, TQ and more weight. If our engines were in their trucks we would be going just as fast as they are.

I have the 04 Reg Cab Short Bed 5.4L 4x2 w/ 3.73 Limited Slip and I hang with a HEMI and beat a Titan and all I have is an exhaust..no other mods. So, your FX4 with those mods will hang for sure. I do suggest the 4.10 rear end though for more pulling power and better acceleration. That, added with those mods and it will SCREAM.

 

My Scab with the 5.4 feels plenty powerfull, if im not easy on the pedal from a stop or a slow roll, it will put my head in the headrest.

I also have to agree with the others in that it realy dosent feel as fast as it is actualy going. Most likely because of the ride.

My previous truck was a 99 reg cab v6 5 spd, which I have always heard described as "peppy" and I thought it was, especialy for a v6. But this truck......only 1 word comes to mind, MONSTER . Ive heard alot of people saying the 5.4 is anemic and sluggish, but I dont see it....

I absolutely love my truck

 

The sluggishness is evident with the SuperCrew Lariat loaded model 4x4's with a 3.55 diff. I test drove one and my 98 4x2 4.6 with 3.08 gears would have beat it I think.

But, the thing to remember here is that these trucks work better with lower gears. With a 4.10 rear end, you will still be able to achieve 120+mph with the rev limiter gone. Also, the change from a 3.55 diff to a 4.10 is about 400rpm. Not alot. But, you get tons better acceleration and pulling power.

 

I think the sluggishness has a lot to do with the drive by wire system. My '97 with a mechanical (ie cable) connection between the pedal and the throttle body feels a lot more responsive than my '04 does, feels like it revs faster sitting at idle as well. Other Fords I've driven with electronic throttle control have a similar feeling, though not as pronounced in an F150; granted, the ones I've driven are 280 hp LS V8s, apples and oranges compared to a 5000+ lbs F150.

 

I decided to go with the ford supcab fx4 package, dark shadow. At 27k out the door for a fully loaded truck i cant complain. After only having it a few hours i love it and my gf who swore to never drive a truck might fight me for the keys after she slipped behind the wheel. I have to say that the truck i test drove and the truck i bought are two different animals. I dont know what that can be attributed to since the first truck had 7k miles and was broken in and this one is brandy new, who knows. Thanks for everyones feedback.

Dan

 

congrats and good luck with the new truck..