I appreciate your responding to my question. Have looked at the 2009 pickups and really like them but do not want to end up with a dog or a gas hog. Am thinking that the 3.73 gears are the way to go no matter which engine and your experience bears that out. So many of the people I know with the 5.4 engine complain about the 14 mpg and I don't need any of that. There are some really good prices right now but I may wait for the 2010 Eco-Boost engine.

 

You may have a long wait. The engines are expected to be in the 2011 trucks and they will show up winter 2010. So you got a good 18-20 months.

 

if fuel economy is a worry I'd move on to something else. maybe a Taurus, edge or something along those lines.

BTW our expedition el w/ 5.4, 6 speed auto and 3.73s gets 17 to 18 in daily driving. Keep in mind that the Expedition EL is heavier then a supercrew. I'd say you'd be getting at least 16+ BUT if fuel economy is a concern I'd still say stick with a car or cross over.

 

drove 09 4.6 4x4 3.73s went as good as my 04 5.4

 

Obviously there is a difference between the two motors but not too much… If you take a look at the numbers they are close. 5.4’s have an additional 28 hp and 70 lb. torque…

I have the 09 4.6 3v with the 3.73’s, goes as good if not better than the 06 5.4 w/ 3.73's I traded for it.


It’s not just the money there are other variables; at my local dealer there were a bunch of the 4.6’s with the 3.73’s…the 5.4 is only available with 3.73’s with the max tow package(giant mirrors) or in an FX4 which as you know, more money…not all of us have Monte money or choose to spend it on a pickup.

Had the same opinion and based my decision on it…

 

Stock the 4.6 3v put down 256 HP & 270 Ft-lbs, tuned we had a peak gain of 8 HP & 15 TQ using regular fuel.

 

There is a lot of EcoBoost news over on www.ecoboosttalk.com. I think the 3.5L EcoBoost would be a lot of fun in a regular cab truck after it was tuned I have a s/c truck and I'm even under the impression that turbos make everything better.

 

I'll also agree. I have the 4.6L 3 valve with 3.73 rear diff on my 2009 XLT 4x4. It's plenty quick. When I stomp on the accelerator it literally jumps off the line.

I'm surprised and very pleased at the amount of power it has.

 

Drove an 09' STX ext. cab 5.5 box with the 4.6 3v and 3.73 rear today.

I currently have an 04 stx with the 4.6 2V and 3.55 rears and I wouldn't say its a dog, but its a good work horse and never let me down hauling or towing.

I will say that the 09 with the 3v and 3.73 gears takes off the line great compared to mine. It reminds me of my buddies 07 with the 5.4 in it.

My next truck will most likely have the 4.6 3v. The motor has plenty of power to work with and this will be the 4th 4.6 powered F150 I have owned. The 4.6 motor for me has been indestructible. I've never had any problems with reliability or had it in the shop for anything other than routine maintenance. I had a 99 that had 175,000 on the OD with nothing more than a valve tic.

My decision has nothing to do with not spending the extra $$ on the 5.4. I just don't need a race truck so the 4.6 will do. It has proven itself to me. Also if it were to be better MPG than a 5.4 that would be a bonus ..

 

Am a farmer so need a 1/2 ton 4x4 truck. It would get at least 50% use on dirt & gravel roads, some off-road use, do some light towing. Can't say that money is no object but do want a truck that is not a gas hog. I really appreciate the response of everyone as I am in the market for a new truck.