Hey guys I am not an F-150 owner at the time. I have driven a Titan for the last three years but it's a King Cab and needing a Crew. Anyway I have done alot of research and driven every new half ton out there and feel like the F-150 is the best all around truck. However I had only driven the 5.4 in the Ford and was curious how the 4.6 compared. So yesterday went and drove both with each having a 3.55 rear with limited slip and I have got to say on the same roads with hills and having to pull out into traffic I could tell no difference in acceleration. Sometimes the 4.6 felt a bit more responsive. I know their hp ratings are not that far apart but thought due to the torque being a bit stronger in the 5.4 I would be able to feel it. The sales guy told me he could get me the 3v 4.6 with a 3.73 rear for a little more punch so that's the way I am leaning. Just wanted to share my thoughts.

 

the 6spd auto really helps the 4.6 out giving it more gears to dig into.

on the 97-03 trucks you could feel a difference between the 4.6 2v and the 5.4 2v with the 4spd auto.


As long as you get a truck you like, and enjoy driving, thats all that matters

 

I've hashed this out many times. I always recommend the 5.4L and shortest axle ratio, so 3.73 if possible. I think it offers the best value at the costs (up front, fuel, maintenance) for what it provides.

Read the Tire and Load Rating sticker on any Supercrew you are interested in. Many of the higher trim levels have less than 1200 pounds of payload, which is not much for even a half ton pickup. Although, if you are considering the 4.6L, it has to be an XLT or lower which will have less features and more payload. Just look at the sticker and make sure it is enough for your uses.

 

So true. And be careful about adding extra weight you won't really be using much like the side steps and rear tailgate steps (unless you are older/disabled and really need them) because they add a surprising amount of weight that needs to be accelerated/braked every time you change speeds. Ford has done a great job of weight reduction/aerodynamics overall but then the side steps were added on like an after-thought. It all adds up and reduces your total load capacity and performance while simultaneously increasing the need to fuel more often.