I'm going shopping in a couple weeks for a 98-00 ext cab 150. I've driven a '97 reg cab, 4.2, 5spd and found it fun and had plenty of power (3.08), tried a 00 sc, 4.2, 5spd, and found it sluggish, then drove a 00 sc 4.2 auto and found it to be just fine. I will be using the truck to drag a <3500 lb boat while hauling 4 people on fairly short trips (occasional road trips) and normal commute to work at 17mi each way.

My question is, are you happy with your v6? I can't justift the mpg and price tag of the v8. I'm just looking for owner opinions of the v6. Do you have auto or manual? Was the manual I drove unusual or am I just biased since I currently drive a '92 Ranger std cab, 3.0 v6, 5spd-tons of fun. Keeping in mind that the 150 will not likely be a daily driver for a few years,(keeping the ranger for that), would you buy the 4.2? If it influences your opinion, I tend to drive fairly conservative, with a propensity to get a lead foot and stomp it every so often. I don't expect the 150 to be a sports car, just competent.

Opinions?

 

The supercab auto 4.2 with 3.08 gears is a slug; get 3.55 gears and do a few mods like the superchip and the power is acceptable.

Problem with the 5 speeds and towing is that Ford rates the maximum tow weight VERY low with the manual; probably to protect incompetent drivers from ruining the clutch.

Whichever one you get, you need to rev it up which just doesn't seem very truck like, but you get used to it. Also, don't expect great mileage.

Mine was $1,400 less than a similarly equipped V-8 due to various incentives, and would have been about $2,400 less if I had gone with a 5 speed. Just couldn't justify that kind of price difference for the V-8.

For my use, the V-6 is fine and I'd do it again. The chip really helped the power and improved the stock automatic's slippery shifting.
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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, Ford bed liner

Clarion ARX8570z Head Unit, Sony 10 disc CD, Infinity 610cs components & JBL GTO7520 speakers; USAcousitcs 4065 amp and Polk 8" subwoofer

Edelbrock IAS, Energy Suspension anti-sway bar bushings, Steeda Rear Anti-sway bar, 2" rear drop.

Superchip, Airaid FIPK, Flex-a-Lite Black Magic electric fan



[This message has been edited by dirt bike dave (edited 05-11-2001).]

 

ranger 305;
I have a '98 f150 xlt sc with 4.2l, 5-speed and 3.08 gears. I have towed a 3100 lb. camper with 4 people in the truck, a cap on the back, a canoe on top of the cap, bicycles, etc, etc..... I towed this through hilly northern Ontario on an 8 hour trip and the truck handled it all without a wimper. I know we all think that bigger is better, but the 4.2l is putting out as much horsepower and torque as most of the V8's that were available 20 years ago. Your gas mileage won't be great, but no vehicle will give great mileage when pulling a large load.

I have had no problems with the clutch or transmission because of this towing. If you think that you can treat the drivetrain with respect and not expect miracles, you should be able to pull any reasonable load around. Glenn Mc.

 

Okay I have to chimp in. I have a V-6 with manual trans and 3.55 gears. I've never towed with the truck yet. Seems to have power when I need it. With gas prices like they are I am glad to have a v-6. even though I'm getting 15 to 18 mpg. If your going to get a V-6 with manual trans and do a lot of towing, I might suggest a performance clutch. Even with me not towing I still feel the stock cluth is weak. I'm sure I'm going to get some comments on this... Please I love comments and I need the usefull advice


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99' Ford F150 XL Sport
(Black) V-6 3.55 manual
Mods:
Airaid, Bosch +4 Plat.
Ravin Z-33 SI/DO
Color Keyed Carpet
AVS Headlight covers
AVS Bugdeflector II
AVS Ventshades
Lund Wiper Cowl
Lund Tinted Glass
Lund Soft Bed Cover
V-tech Taillight covers

 

Hey Headless Horseman;
What makes you think that the stock clutch is weak? I have never felt mine slip, shudder, or put off a bad odor. I haven't been able to find too many fried clutch stories anywhere on this web site. I tried to contact Ford to find out why they down rate the towing capacity of these trucks but I have not had any luck yet. My truck has about 70,000 miles on it with the stock clutch, tranny, hydraulics etc. I would love to know why everyone thinks it is the weak link. Thanks, Glenn Mc.

 

I pretty much agree with everyone. I have a 5spd 4x4 reg cab. It is no speed demon but it does get the job done. The thing with the 4.2 is it is really a rev happy motor.The power really starts picking up around 2000 rpm and doesn't fade until alomost 5,000 rpm. The most i have towed were a couple of jet skis (1 sit down,1 stand up) and it did just fine. I also feel that the clutch is the weak link.The clutch on my 98 2wd w/v-6 was starting to go at 35,000 miles and this one in my y2k feels like is slipping a little with only 16,000 miles on it.I *think* it has something to do with the fact that there isn't alot of power available down low.

 

I can be objective here as my personal truck is a 99 SC 4.2L auto w/3.55's...... One of my work trucks is a 98 SC 4.2L auto w/3.55's. Plain and simple, I would choose the V-8 hands down. It doesnt have to rev as high as the V-6 to obtain the same performance, and you wont have to put a chip in it to be happy. Sorry folks, I'm not bashing the 4.2, but I have both to drive on a daily basis and have quite a bit more to testify to other than reading brochures and taking one for a quick test drive. I bought the 4.2 as the rebate offer made a $1250 spread difference for the 4.6L. The 4.6 in my situation gets BETTER MILEAGE than my personal 4.2. On average I get 1-1.5 MPG more with comparable type driving..... I like my 4.2 , but if I really had it to do again, I would say screw it and splurge for a 5.4....... Again, I'm not flaming the V-6, but I can certainly bre a good judge as I drive both. Good luck with your decision.. ..
Rick..

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"99" F-150 4x2,SC,4.2L
"00" Taurus 3.0L FFV
"67" Mustang Fastback

 

My work truck is 4.6L. I made the comment above that my work truck is a V-6, but its a 4.6L.. Ooops.. Slip of the finger!. .....

 

I have a Y2K 4X4 5 speed with a V-6. Great truck power is good. gas mileage is good I get 18 city 20+ highway.I some times tow a 16 foot trailer with a mini backhoe with no problems. My old truck was a 98 F 150 with a 5.4. I like the 4.2 better

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Y2K F-150 XLT
4X4 5 Speed 4.2 V6
Green & Tan
Dual Exhaust,Bed rails
soft toneau cover, Dee Zee stainless steal nerf bars,Lund bug shield

 

Just a quick reply.

I have the 4.2
Never regretted the decision
My total avg MPG is 19.16 and going up.
I feel the manual helps the driveability and makes you a more aware driver, the manual also looses less HP due to internal losses.

As mentioned before my V6 was about $2100 cheeper than a similarly equiped V8 (not a hard choice for me).


Keep up posted of your decision


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My first Baby:
2000 SC XLT Bright Red, 4.2L
5speed
K&N air filter
3" intake mod
16" perma cool electric fan
Jacobs DIS
best 1/4 mile: 17.1 @ 81.53 MPH
total MPG average to date 19.15

My Second (but most important) Baby:
Hailey Jean, born April 9, 2000

 

I sure would have gone for the 5-speed. My wife gave me some static about the manual, so I went for the automatic. The stick definately is the way to go, as the automatic robs the 4.2 of its low end. Broken is right when he said the manual feels better in the 4.2. As for mileage, on an open trip I can only squeeze 17.9 out of my 4.2, and around town I'm 14-15 mpg with a little expressway mixed in. Theres the automatic robbing the 4.2 out of approx 2mpg!.
Rick..

 

Well last week-end I was hot dawg'in my truck toward the lake so me and my GF could go out on the ski boat, and as I pulled out from the store after buying pops I could smell the clutch burning... The bad thing I wasn't even towing a boat. I was just spinning and grinning

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99' Ford F150 XL Sport
(Black) V-6 3.55 manual
Mods:
Airaid, Bosch +4 Plat.
Ravin Z-33 SI/DO
Color Keyed Carpet
AVS Headlight covers
AVS Bugdeflector II
AVS Ventshades
Lund Wiper Cowl
Lund Tinted Glass
Lund Soft Bed Cover
V-tech Taillight covers

 

Get the 4.6, it is a better technology. From what i've discovered driving these trucks, if you want a stick and u wanna save money get the 4.2, if you have to have an automatic, then you prolly should get the 4.6, the auto does make it a bit laggy. Definately get the 3.55 gears and nothing else. I have a regular cab, 4.2 styleside. Get the flareside if you want it, it doesn't take away much space and looks sharp. If you would like to offroad and jack your truck up like crazy, either v8 will do. Also, if you have to have 4x4, i would prolly go ahead and pick up the off road package because it gives you a better stance and i believe with the towing package you will get a transission coller and beefier alternator (right? correct me if im wrong). Anways, whatever you choose will be a great truck. One more thing to keep in mind, the 4.2 and the 4.6 get "similar" gas mileage, so don't get the v6 for mileage because i get 12 a gallon and i am almost bone stock and have done everything on earth to make it better.
Peace

Paco

 

I have a 97 4.2 5spd and 3.55 gears. I have done some pulling with it (a 21ft 6 horse trailer w/4 horses) and it didn't do to bad. wasn't paying attention to mileage, but I couldn't use OD effectively. Could still manage 55, but only in 4th. My sister has a 99 EC 4.6 auto. She pulls a 24ft camper without any probs. IMHO, want to save money and are doing light hauling, go with the 4.2 5spd. just want a daily driver 4.2 auto, a little more hauling, 4.6 auto. want fun 4.6 stick. The stick CAN make life much harder when towing. Never had any probs with my clutch and I have been rather hard on it (30ft marks from a standstill).

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97 F-150XL 4.2V6, 5 spd, 2wdlb, Kenwood cd, MTX 4ch amp, MTX 12"sub, MTX components in doors

Future 16x8 Daytona wheels, 265/75 tires, rhinoliner, perf stuff

 

hey guys, i just have to tell you that i pulled a dodge durango on a towdolly with my bumper hitch, its like a 6500 lbs vehicle, my v-6 is a standard and has the 3.08 gears, i didnt have a problem except that the trailer sucked and swayed a little bit, but it towed the bigger vehicle just fine,