I have a 4.2L auto/3.55 currently, and want to move up to a new F-150 with a V8.

I tow horses and cannot afford a SuperDuty. I want the Lightning's speed, but need more capactiy towing/payload-wise than the Lightning can give me.

Here is what I am looking at.

1. F-150 Work Series (can't afford XL or better), 4x2... or maybe 4x4.
2. 5.4L V-8, auto
3. 7700 Payload package (towing 8800 pounds, payload 3200 or so)
4. 3.73 limited slip rear gears regardless of 4x2 or 4x4.
5. HD electrical/cooling group.
6. Long bed (only option with the payload package)

Now here's my plan... Since I can't get the payload and towing where I'd like it with the Lightning, I will just upgrade the engine in the new F-150/5.4L.

My SVT dealer says he can add the things to the stock 5.4 that'll make it the same as a Lightning's 5.4, as well as the supercharger, once I am ready.
Does this sound funny to anyone?

Once that is done, will I be able to run straight-line 0-60 times nearly as fast as a Lightning once the Supercharger is added? Still missing a few handling items, but the engine is the same. Tranny different, but oh well--will change that later too. Trying to get 0-60 down to about 6.5 seconds.

What sayest, thou, you mechanic types?

Thanks very much for the help! Can't wait to order!!

 

I'm sure it can be done, but how can you afford a blower, if you can't afford a XLT? If you don't absolutely need a 4x4, dont get it. Your truck will not ever be the same as a Lightning, unless you have a sportbed and etc. You sound like you want a FAST WORK Truck.

 

I think you'd be better off looking for a used SuperDuty. If you tow 8,800 pounds with an F-150, you'll kill that truck if you don't kill yourself and anybody else on the road with you first. If you add a supercharger to it, I don't think the engine will last with that kind of load.

 

Thanks for your replies.

I'd plan to have the supercharger added later on down the road--not when I purchase the truck. You are right about the unit affecting engine life under load; I suspect this is ONE of several reasons why a Lightning is only rated for 5000 pounds towing.

As for the XLT--the truth is that it's a lot of stuff I don't need and don't want to pay for. Don't care if the truck has chrome bumpers, power windows/locks, locking tailgate, etc. Why pay for it?

As for towing up to the rated 8800 pounds... The F-350 with a PowerStroke is rated at 10,000 pounds. Granted, there's a difference in weight between the two, but seems like Ford wouldn't hang 8800 pounds on a truck that wasn't built to handle the load. The 7700 Payload package includes an F-150 with a heavier duty frame, 4-wheel ABS braking, and other heavy-duty improvements. Maybe it's actually a rebadged "light duty" F-250 since Ford isn't selling the F-250, non-superduty, this year.

Will check into pricing on a used SD, but I'm not holding my breath on those--they're still too proud of 'em.

I figure my max load will be about a 4000 pound trailer, plus three horses and gear. Roughly 7500-8000 pounds.

Mike

 

It really sounds like you need a SuperDuty. check out www.kbb.com on the price of a new striped down SD and compair it to the price of the F150. Also remember that SD will haul those horses safer and easier than the F150. I would hate to think I was endangering their lives (along w/mine and other people on the road) by hauling to heavy a load with the F150.

 

Where does your priority lie? Going fast, or pulling the horses? What do you pull your trailer with now?

Dennis is right, payload is not the only thing to consider.


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'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
trixters-playground@excite.com
www.truckinweb.com

 

Mike, the 7700GVW F-150 IS a LD F-250 with the F-150 badge. That being said, you may be better off with a SD F-250. There isn't a whole lot of price difference between the two trucks. I recently went from a 99 F-150 to a Y2K SD F-250, so I know what the difference is. If you are intending to work the truck at all, get the SD. As far as towing, you don't need to spend the $4600 for a diesel to be able to tow 10,000 LBS either. Whatever you choose, I hope that it works out for you.

 

Thank you for your replies, all. I'm leaning towards the F-150/7700. I looked at the SuperDuties and decided that my current and future needs (5-7 years) are mainly a mix of outstanding handling, acceleration, and towing up to about 7000 pounds. I think the 7700 series is definitely up to the task here. The SDs just don't have the performance kick I like--they ARE heavy trucks--and I figure once I actually have the cash to get a SuperDuty or the equivalent 7-10 years from now, the F-150 will be paid for and I'll have a quick truck for drives around town and a SuperDuty for long distance horse pulling on challenging terrain. (.i.e, the wife gets the F-150 except on weekends! Oh yeah, gotta get a wife, first...) :-)

The SuperDuty will run about $2500 more. Nice truck, but heavy and comparatively boring to drive (sorry, SD owners!)

Mike

 

What exactly do you mean by boring? I'd love to trade trucks with my dad, I love drivin his new Super Duty.

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Patrick aka Mudder
Arlington Texas (DFW), member of Fordified.
Stone Cold edition F150,Black 98 Styleside S/C F150 4x4 0RP 5.4 3.55ls, Ramsey Pro 8000 hidden winch, Grizzly roll bar,2 Baja lights, 4 165 watt KC lights (I can light up the night with these), Manik grille guard, Westin step bars, Magnum bug shield, Sonic aluminum treadplate 36" tool box, Flowmaster dual exhaust, K/N air filter, 265/75/16 BFG AT/S, American Racing Baja wheels, a Mobil Speed Pass on the back window, a F150 Online sticker, and a Stone Cold sticker on the front windshield . More to come for the 3:16 machine: 4 more KC lights, shocks, and tail light guards. If you would like to see pics, email me at mudder46@hotmail.com or see pics at me and pony's new website www.angelfire.com/ok3/ponysix8/index2.html, and to hear the exhaust http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/ponysix8/images/T005.wav
Ford Trucks: "when you absolutely have to have the very best".
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[This message has been edited by mudder (edited 11-25-1999).]

[This message has been edited by mudder (edited 11-25-1999).]

 

Hahahahah.. I knew I'd catch some trouble for that one!

Boring... i.e., the F-150 is a quicker and more "handling" truck than the SuperDuty--it's lighter.

I will say that the chipped SD I test drove didn't do too bad on acceleration (F-250 Lariat with a V-10.)

-Mike