I'm hoping to get into a F150 SuperCrew in the next few months. I plan to daily drive it (only 10-15 miles a day) and am wondering what folks would recommend as far as the powerplant goes.

I don't have a real need for towing. I'm just looking to haul some household/yard stuff occasionally, take it snowboarding and get the kids to and fro in comfort. I just sold my 2000 Durango with a 5.9L (gas mileage sucked, but great power) so the wife could have a better car to haul the baby. I got her old eclipse.

Just looking for a recommendation. Should I go for the 5.4L or is the 4.6L going to be fine? I don't want to be the wimp that can't get over the pass. But, I don't want the Durango's old mileage either.

 

i got my Screw in May and i got the 5.4 with 3.55 rear gear it si a lariet and i would not want to go with the 4.6 after having the power i have now but for around town driving the 4.6 should be just fine i'm not towing but i would not buy the 4.6 for that reason the milage is so close you will not even see a difference in the 2 so i say go with the more power of the 5.4

 

The 4.6 is plenty of power, unless you want to tow, or get it with the 17" tires. You will see it start to struggle when loaded up hill with the A/C on in OD.

 

I have the 5.4 Screw, and have had a 4.6 in a short box standard cab. I would go with the 5.4, better power, and for that rare time you need to tow. Also think about resale value, 9 out of 10 want a 5.4. Better to have more then you need, instead of less then you expect.

 

The 4.6 is great with 3.73's. Tows decently too.

 

Either of these choices could meet your needs. In my opinion however there is no substitute for cubic inches (within reason). The mileage on these two power plants in a SuperCrew isn't a huge difference. I'll bet that if you bought the 5.4 you probably wouldn't regret it. On the other hand if you get the 4.6 you'll likely wonder if you shouldn't have went bigger. Just my 2 cents.

 

Did you buy it new from Ford that way, or did you have to change out to 3.73. I didn't think Ford offered 3.73 with a 4.6??

 

I would go with 5.4. The gas milage between the 5.4 and 4.6 is not much diff.

 

Noting where you are from, you are most likely aware that most engines will lose about 6% horsepower for every 1000 ft of elevation. The 4.6 is adequate at lower elevations but will struggle at 10,000 ft. The 5.4 can get good fuel mileage but it mostly depends on your driving habits. I would assume that your Durango got the usual 10-12 mpg's they are noted for. I think you will find most folks here get in the 16-17 mpg range with their 5.4's. The 5.4 is capable of 20+ mpg's but the temptation to watch traffic disappear in the rearview mirror costs at the pump. I would suggest for your application to take an extended test drive in a 5.4.

 

I have the 4.6 and tow a tent trailer with a 12' car top aluminum boat on top of the tent trailer and full gear for 4 in the truck bed. Went out to British Columbia and back in summer 2001. Best mileage with above was 24 mpg (Canadian), worst was 18 mpg (Cdn). I have the 3.55 limited slip axle and am very happy with it. The mileage drops in winter driving usually 12- 15 mpg (cdn).

I am getting exactly what Ford said I would, and I must say that I am very happy with the mileage for such a large truck.

 

I got the 5.4 and do not regret it at all. Being as heavy as the Screw is, I think the 5.4 is a good choice. For only about ~$800 more, I think you'll have a better resale value down the road. Also, I'm towing a 6000 travel trailer about once a month and I sure do enjoy having the power. If you don't have any plans to tow, I'm sure the 4.6 will suit you fine. Be advised, however, that if you do plan to purchase an RV, boat, or trailer, you will appreciate having the extra power of the 5.4. I had originally bought a new Chevy (Yes, I will admit to it) in 2000 with the small V8. It was fine for daily driving, but it felt way underpowered for towing. If I spent the extra $800-1000 back then, I wouldn't of had to upgrade. Then again, I wouldn't have experienced the joy of my Ford Screw!!! I suppose everything works out in the end.

 

i have the microtuner and i`ve found thats enough to satisfy my need for speed with the 4.6 , next time though i`d probably opt for the 5.4 or get a harley, the new f150 5.4 is very tempting with the 300hp engine, wish i had the money...