I have a 1994 F150 straight 6 that has 280,000 and is still running good.
However I feel I need to get a newer truck before this one gives out.The transmission is starting to make noise so it is only a matter of time.
I am looking at a 2002 F150 reg cab V6 and wanted to know if this engine is as strong as the older straight 6.I haul 1000 to 1600# seafood twice a week.Will the 4.2 V6 do the job that the straight V6 did?Also want the best mpg ,200 miles round trip adds up with the price of gas.I'm having a hard time finding a reg cab and this one just came up so want to jump on it if it will do the job.
Thanks

 

I havn't driven either one but i know people that have had both and i think that you would be disapointed. From what i hear the v6 is nothing compared to the inline 6. I would think that if the price is right and you like it, it is deffintly able to do what your asking about. Hell..... There are people on here that are pulling ttrvel trailers with the new v6(IMO not the best LOL). The 4.6 would do a much better job and its only a little worse on MPG's.

But you cant pass up a good deal.

Good luck

 

Hauling 1600# with a V6 is no sweat. The V6 has about 50 more horsepower than the old I6 and gets better gas mileage. The only place where the I6 excels is in low end torque, it has about 10 more ft/lbs at a lower RPM. The 4.6 will haul noticeably better than either 6.

Hauling your load, I'd expect about 15 mpg in the city and about 19 mpg on the highway with the V6. The 4.6 would probably be 1 or 2 mpg less.

 

Doesn't hte old Inline 6 build all of its power in the low end. So it works the moter less to do the same job as the v6. Kinda like the 4.6 to the 5.4? RIGHT? IT would also depend on what gears he has. If his Inline 6 (300 right) has 4.10's and he buys a newer truck with 3.55's or even worse 3.08's it will be compleatly differnt.

I would deffintly compare rearends and see then. That owuld make a world of differance in how the truck pulls and feals

 

The 4.2 makes it's peak torque at 3500 rpm, and it pulls hard when you get it there. The 4.9 I6 made its power much lower. The torque of the I6 would be comparable to the 4.6. My 4.2 would handle #1600 without a sweat, and I have a 3.55. I have a 5speed manual too, so that helps with the power. The 4.2 also gets good mpg for a full size truck. If price and good mpg is a big part of it then go for the V6, and it will get the job done. If you want the power and mpg dosen't really matter then go for the 4.6. The 4.6 is more powerful, although I have beaten 4.6's in races with my 4.2 . The manual helps .

 

4.6 much more reliable than the 4.2.