Looking to haul 2 sleds on trailer, one in bed, in mountains.
Probably weighing around 2500#. It will be extended cab too.
What do you all think? I need something affordable, around 97 to 98. I prefer manual tranny, but would drive an auto.
What lasts longest?
Also, Is the 4.2. much better gas mpg than the 4.6?
Is the power difference noticeable?
Would a 4.2 5-speed be up to the job? Or would you reccommed 4.6 5spd or auto.
Thanks for replies. new here BTW.

 

The 4.2 or 4.6 automatics are dogs compared to the stick. The 4.6 stick is very close to the 5.4 auto. With both these engines you have to rev to make any decent power. As far as getting the job done both these engines will do it.

JMC

 

Skip the 6 for towing.
4.6 stick = hard to find + determine if the shift quality fits you.

 

I have a 4.6 stick.

The 4.6 works well on pulling, but the stick sucks big time on shift quality and I'm not really sure the clutch is up to the task as well. I had to back a trailer into my driveway and had some clutch smell. I am really easy on the clutch never slipping it or even holding it in at lights.

Another downside is the 4.6 with stick has less towing capacity than a 4.6 with an auto(probably because of the clutch)

Anyhow I would recommend getting a 4.6 with an auto, change the fluid to a full synthetic and you should have years of trouble free service.

 

I agree. Get the 4.6 with an automatic. I used to haul a 2 place enclosed with my 4.6 and auto trans, never had an issue. I did have to tow in 3rd gear. No way OD would handle the wind resistance. Typically got between 11-12 mpg. If you are going into the mountains, look for lower mpg then that.
Also, make sure you get at least a 3.55 rear end, 3.73 if possible.

 

I would think 4.6 in AT or 5speed would work fine. As triton motor said if you go with the 5speed try to get at least the 3:55 rearend, I have that damn 3:08 in mine & I get pissed everytime I think of it however even given the high gear ratio, I pull a 21tt with a ATV in the bed and pull in the mountains & it does surprisingly well, so 2 sleds will be no problem..

 

I pull 2 sleds with the 4.6 4x4 ORP but it wont pull them in OD. Pulls no problem in 3rd though even against strong winds at 70MPH. I just wish it would hold that speed in OD but it wont. thew third sled in the bed is no problem either .

 

I pull 2 sleds 4.6 auto and 3:08's. I don't have any issues.

 

I have a 4.6 auto supercab 4x4, and it tows full size trucks, and the only time that you know the trucks are back there is when you're turning steeply or the wind catches your trailer. I have trouble towing some things, but I doubt that 1/2 tons were ever made for some of the stuff that I hook my truck up to. 4.6 auto is a good choice, you'll not have any problems.

 

'99 SuperCab Off-Road, 4.6L w/ auto
I agree with the other...the 4.6 w/ auto needs be be out of OD otherwise all it does is shift even at HW speeds on a minimal grade. Have a 2 place, but usually only have 1 sled, and 8-10mgp is all you get in the hills.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, sounds like the 4.6 is the way to go, pretty painful looking on the gas mpg in the hills though! I think I'll have to drive a 5 spd and an auto, then decide from there...