After reading these posts, It seems that both powerplants are dependable, and each buyer should consider the relative percentage of heavy hauling/towing they will be doing while they own the vehicle before making a decision.
I just bought the 4.6 for general driving and towing an 18' ski boat in summer. (I used to tow the same boat with my V6 Explorer Sport!)
My thanks to all who have added their .02 cents for helping me make an informed decision.

 

Well the story continues, went by the dealer today and they said that there was a delay because we changed our order from a 4.6 to the 5.4 go figure. So I told him after reading this post that I did not care anymore whatever engine size would be okay, I would like the 5.4 just because but the 4.6 should be plenty if that is what it comes with once it finally arrives.

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(Currently) Ordered 4 May 2000
4X2, Lariat, 5.4L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

Earlier this year, I drove a 4.6-equipped SuperCab 4x4 (loaded down with two hunting buddies, coolers, animals and equipment) up, down and around the Big Island of Hawaii. The power was okay for the highway, but a bit inadequate for the steep terrain, even more so @ high altitude. We started joking about the "Triton V-8" when I'd floor it, and get little response. As an avid outdoorsman, I decided to get the 5.4 when I ordered my SuperCrew.

Fast forward several months...

When I took delivery of my SuperCrew two weeks ago in Oregon, and as I subsequently put 1500 miles on it during my vacation, I was very pleased with the powerplant. Climbs up to Mount Hood & Crater Lake, passing lumber trucks on hills, and inevitable freeway on-ramps were a breeze, despite the fact that we were loaded down with my girlfriend and up to 250# of cargo. Mileage varied from 14.88 - 19.05 MPG., averaging 16.44 MPG.

The downside? I'm still waiting for the truck to arrive here in Hawaii via barge! Can't blame the 5.4 for that!

 

hey!
waaaa waaaaa waaaa!
living in hawaii, hunting, driving around
moutains, in your new supercrew!
wish i had your problems!
i hope the barge has a leak and has to go back to oregon. lucky ***!
just funnin' ya.... ha hee!

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'97 broken but patched up '97 f150 4.2
flair side, green\green int.
mods; k&n, cd player, bed cover

 

Hey Setter Man,

How's the SuperCrew for hauling and storing windsurfing gear? (Figured if you live in Hawaii, you have to sail, if not you need to learn..what a place!)

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'00 WHITE/GOLD F150 LARIAT FlareSide SC 5.4 Auto 3.55 LS
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, K&N Air Filter,
Sometimes Superchipped,
Leather Captain's Chairs (like a screen door in a submarine!),
and all the Lariat goodies
SOME SHOW and a LOTTA TOW
My am E, Fl *** Member of ??? Ford Group

 

I have the 4.6 and it just takes a little more pedal to get moving. Went to Vermont last weekend and the hills make you take it out of OD and push the pedal a little harder.
On the way home got a rock shot into the windshield. The truck only has 2000 mi.
Hope they can repair the star crack and not pull the windsheild. But with the 4.6 I got 17 1/2 mpg with all the hills not to bad.

 

My 2 cents worth (Canadian Change that is)

I purchased a SuperCrew XLT (4X4) this year with the 4.6L motor in it, 17" tires with the 10 spoke rims to boot. Prior to purchase time I had questioned the 4.6L but due to the fact that the truck was on the lot and it had everything on it I wanted for options including the beautiful deep wedgewood blue and silver colors, I decided to go for it and buy it with the 4.6L

Since purchase day I have yet to look back and need anything bigger...I pull a four place snowmobile trailer loaded down through the Canadian Rockies in the winter and a 18' ski boat in the summer with no problems at all. Sure It may work a bit harder than the 5.4L, but who cares...these engines are designed to rev high when required. But Don't get me wrong the 4.6L doesn't have to work twice as hard to get up the hill than the 5.4L...the 4.6L is a very realiable motor with a great reputation behind it, besides if I wanted a truck to pull a massive load I would of bought a diesel...the 4.6L is no slouch and gives my buddies Chevy's and Dodges a real good run for their money!

5.4L is a great motor...
4.6L is a great motor...
Power Stroker is a great motor...

Remember your V8 options are out there...4.6/5.4 or diesel

2001

 

Okay here is the deal; the dealer just emailed me and explained that the 5.4 was on restriction and they would go ahead with the 4.6 if I wanted. The thing I would like to know before I tell them okay. How does the 4.6 react when you're going 55mph and you want to pass somebody? Does it react quick or do you wish for more power when this happens. I don't care about 1/4 mile times or racing (I'm past that age) but I do want an engine that will be able to pass any other car if I need to pass somebody that feels like they need to stick to the speed limit. Please advice!!!!

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(Currently) Ordered 4 May 2000
4X2, Lariat, 5.4L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

[This message has been edited by fun island blue crew (edited 06-11-2000).]

 

Dutchy,

I'll try to explain as best I can how the 4.6 reacts at 55 mph when passing. At 55 mph in OD the tach reads about 1500 rpm. When you push the accelerator to the floor it will shift all the way down to 2nd gear. I think the tach will be somewhere around 3000 rpm which is just getting into the range where the engine starts developing some good hp as well as just getting close to its torque peak (at 3250 rpm). The engine sounds strong and will pull quite well but being that this is a 5000 lb truck it's not going to take off like a sports car. It does finish quite strong however - going 80 mph before you know it.
I personally have been very pleased with the 4.6. I too was a little worried about it being under powered. I know what the 5.4 drives like and yes it reacts quicker, but if your not concerned with having the quickest truck on the road the 4.6 will do just fine.

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2001 SuperCrew, XLT, 4x4, Island Blue/Silver, Med gray int., 4.6, 60/40, 6 disc, cab steps, power seat, 17" 10 spoke.

 

Dutchy,

Sorry to see your still caught in the 4.6 vs 5.4 dilema but I can understand why. For what it's worth I went out today and tried accelerating from 55 just to see how accurate my previous post was. The downshift to 2nd gear brings the tach up to 3700 rpm not just 3000 as I had previously thought. As you would expect the engine is really strong at this rpm and before I knew it I was at 65 and climbing.

Every time I try something like this with the 4.6 it surprises me. You really should take one for a drive even if it's a SuperCab (just make sure it's got 3.55 gears). That's what I did. Drove both engines and felt that I could live with the 4.6. I'm still happy with my decision today, actually even happier now that it's broken in and can put more revs in the engine. But only you can make that decision for yourself.

Good luck.


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2001 SuperCrew, XLT, 4x4, Island Blue/Silver, Med gray int., 4.6, 60/40, 6 disc, cab steps, power seat, 17" 10 spoke.

 

Does anybody know what they mean about the delay on the 5.4 engine. I thought that this happened before but that this was resolved by now. I'm calling Ford tomorrow but just wanted to check here. Since I'm still not sure what I want. 5.4 or 4.6.

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(Currently) Ordered 4 May 2000
4X2, Lariat, 5.4L, Deep Wedgewood Blue and Gold, Moonroof, 6cd changer

 

can't seem to conserve gas milage these days. from start or passing, the 5.4 doesn't disappoint and you will never wonder if you made the right decision.