Im looking at buying a sd cc sb and need to know opinions and facts about the 5.4's towing capabilities. According to the towing chart it will tow up to 9k#. I have a 5ktt and need to know if it would be too much for it in real life.

 

I had the F-150 (1999) with the 5.4 and 3.55 gears. I towed a 5500lb trailer from sea level to 8000 feet. It worked fine until I hit the 6 to 8% grades. The truck would shift into 2nd and rev 4000-4500 RPM. It was ok, but the F-250 wieght is
a little more than the 150. The F-250 has a wider choice of gearing so you might be ok depending on the towing surface (flat or hills). I just upgraded to the F-250 super cab, long bed, V-10 with 3.73 gears I am a lot more satisfied with the combination.

 

My Expy tows like a champ with the mods I've done. My boat weighs about 7000-7200 depending on fule and water. However, I know someone that just traded a 2001 SD with the 5.4 and 3.73's because of the way it towed his boat that only weighs about 5000-5500. He was very unhappy. I think a chip would have helped a ton. Intake and exhaust even better. At least in my case it's incredible!

He bought a Chevy HD 2500 with a Duramax and loves it. (I think if he had the PSD he would have been even happier)

If you're getting a SD, PSD just seems right!

 

Go V-10 and don't look back.

First of all, the truck your describing is going to be heavy. That sucks up a large portion of your pulling power right there.

Secondly, at the end of the day you will only give up about 1 to 1 1/2 mpg in fuel economy. Or that seems to be what most people are reporting. I for one used to own an F-250 LD with the 5.4. It got around 13 in town and 15 to 15.5 hwy. My wife's V-10 X gets around 12 to 13 in town and 14 to 15 on the hwy and it's still not broken in yet.

Think about resale. Most people who buy a heavy duty truck want it for the pulling power.

Yes, you could chip the 5.4 plus change the exhaust and air filter to get a little more power. I have a friend who did just that and wishes every day that he had a PSD or V-10 because he pulls. IMHO hopping up a 5.4 in a Superduty is like taking a gerbil to the vet. Just start out with the right critter under the hood to begin with.

I would think the 5.4 Superduty would appeal to the crowd who pulls light and seldom or not at all, just as the PSD appeals to the crowd who pulls heavy and often. I think the V-10 is a great happy medium.

Good luck with your choice.