Hi there,

I'm from New Zealand and am thinking of buying an F-150. (probably once the exchange rates are a bit more favourable. At present, a 4x4 XLT Styleside is around NZD $90 000 - ouch)

The only version available in New Zealand is the 5.4L auto. Does the Automatic transmission still deliver all the power to the ground? or would a 4.6l manual do a better job? Would a manual 5.4l (not available unless I'm mistaken) simply burn its clutch out? And does the auto tranny in the 5.4l deliver a good driving experience?

These may sound like dumb questions, and they probably are, but if I don't ask, I won't learn! Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I am not a fan of automatics so I bought a 4.6 5 speed. I have not had any problems with it except that it doesn't like to go into 2nd gear. If you look on this page, you will find that just about everyone will tell you that same thing. Plus the tow capacity on the 5 speed is half of the auto.

Unless you absolutly have to have a stick, get the auto. You'll be happy you don't have to replace the syncro's with an exchange rate like that.

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1997 f150 4x4
extended cab, xlt
4.6, 5 speed 3.55 gears

 

The five speed/clutch isn't strong enough for the 5.4L. You can get a 6 speed with the F250HD, if sold in NZ. The 6 speed has a "granny gear" 1st, which is very low, so you don't need to slip the clutch too much to get going.

The 5.4L/Auto combination is strong and reliable. Americans do a lot of towing with their trucks, so you can be sure its well tested.

Oil might be an issue - don't know if you can get 5W-30 in NZ. I lived in Australia until recently and it seemed the only weights offered were 20W-40 or 20W-50. The 5.4L needs quick lubrication at start up or you get some bad noises.

The auto loses about 22% of the available power, the manual around 18%. There is still plenty! Personally I like manuals, but in American trucks they take away from the effortless driving experience of the V-8 IMHO. Go with an auto.

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'99 f150 S/C 5.4L
Tow package, L/S, 3.55

 

I went from a Mustang GT with a 5 speed to this truck with the 4.6 and auto and it has held up well as I like to WOT every chance I get and haven't had any problem out of the trans yet I would rather have a 5 speed because this auto eats up to much gas.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box