Ok im new to trucks always been a car guy, but anyways. I want a Ford F150 2004-2008 I have decided to go w/ the V8. Problem is I dont know which one to buy the 4.6L or the 5.4L. I will be using this truck as a daily driver and every now and then I will tow. I guess here is my question What is the horsepower difference in the 2 engines and what is the MPG difference.

 

Go with the 5.4, you'll be much happier.

 

more power and about the same mpg. get the 5.4 its worth it.

 

you'll probly see slightly better MPG with the 5.4L as it wont work as hard to get that heavy truck moving, and if your gonna tow ANY go with atleast 3.73 gears.

 

If you have to have more power, go find a post 10/31/07 built 5.4-3V. That way you'll have the improved head design, which hopefully fixes the plug removal issue the earlier engines have. But, after owning 2 F150's with the 4.6, I can say, it will do the job just fine. And they are known for going hundreds of thousands of miles. Not sure the 5.4-3V has that reputation.

 

Honestly you can't go wrong with the 4.6 or 5.4, both are good motors. If you are looking at getting a truck that is 4WD, then I would get the 5.4L. If 2wd you could get away with the 4.6L.

It also depends on what are are going to be towing. If just a jet ski, 4 wheeler, lawn mower, ect (basically anything under 4000lbs) the 4.6L is more than enough motor. If you are going to be towing a camper, Bobcat, car trailer with car, then get the 5.4L.

With my truck which has the 5.4L with 3.73 gears I average 16mpg in the winter with the stock 275/65/18's, and around 15 mpg in the summer running 325/60/18. With a 50/50 split of city/hwy driving.

 

my philosophy has always been "buy the biggest motor as you can (afford)" its true for everything, trucks, boats, atv's, snowmobiles. i see too many people go the cheap route and then spend money on motor mods because it aint cutting the mustard. friend has a 4.6 and he always says "it'll get ya there everytime, but not too fast" not to mention resale is not the best of 4.6's either.

 

I say if you truly plan on towing...then without a doubt go with the 5.4L.
If you want a city truck for A to B driving...still get the 5.4L

 

I got the four six here, and ill tell you first hand, its reliable and works well, but for a bit of extra money, and maybe a mpg less you get better torque and higher horsepower with the ability to open it up further with a few bolt on mods.

If i were to do it all over again i would do the Five four.

 

I haven't driven the 4.6, but I'm very happy with my 5.4. Tows like a champ. I normally get about 16 to 18 mpg.

 

While the 4.6 is working for me I would go with the 5.4. I think everyone that gets the 4.6 kinda regrets not having the 5.4. I would love to trade up but I will be driving this truck for many years.

 

Your exhaust setup looks sweet

 

Thanks for your comments. I was already thinking of getting the 5.4L but yall help make it official. well thanks

 

does the 4.6 have the same plug problems as the 5.4?

 

Nope...one of the reasons I got one with a 4.6 and a 3.73 LS diff...........Also less issues with 2v vs 3v as far as serviceing/valve train repair if it ever arises..

5.4 has more noticealble torque but the 4.6 seems to wind up more responsively...