All I can say is this:

Having seen how the other side lives, I would NEVER consider the shivvie or that other brand, much less a riceburner.

You will be fine towing as long as you go with a V-8. I have seen the 4.2L have to work harder when towing.

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

Where we started.
http://www.mcmullenargus.com/gallery...ge=1165&pub=12
After a facelift.
http://www.zing.com/picture/ff/e9/b5...d.jpg.orig.jpg
trixters-playground@excite.com
www.truckinweb.com

 

lsu,

The 5.4 guys for 2000 are getting around 15 city and 19 highway. Whatever the 4.6 gets, the 5.4 does for 2000.

 

fast4.6, do you have a k&n filter itstalled?
If so has it improved performance? What about
your mpg.i had no plans to pull a trailer but now i have a trailer- would it be cheaper
to add some aftermarket parts to make to it faster or trade it on a new 99' 5.4 as the dealer still has a few left. I paid 22k w/o tax for this 99' lariot with tow, buckets, cd changer,sliding window so maybe i would not lost to much money.

 

Yes, I have a K&N Airfilter installed. I did see some improvment. Havent checked MPG but it does seem better. I would say get it.
The 4.6 will tow fine, no need for the 5.4. But how much does the trailer weigh? If you want some better towing performance, get the superchip.

 

4.6, thanks for the info- its about 5000lb
or a little under that.

 

The 4.6L Triton is an under rated engine. I had one in my '97 and it towed a 6,000 lb load like a champ, even up a moderate incline. It was a 4x4 SC with stock 16" wheels, auto tranny, and 3.55 LS rear. It towed this load BETTER than the previous F-150 with the venerable 5.8L H.O. engine. Would have liked a 5.4L, but those who bought your trucks in '96/'97 all know how hard it was to get the 5.4L.

If you're gonna tow 3,000 lbs., the 4.6L will get the job done, no problem. If you're gonna tow 6,000 lbs, it will do the job too, BUT I wouldn't do it day in and day out.

My '99 has the 5.4L Triton and well, it's a hell of a lot of fun! If it had the 4.6L engine, I'd still love the truck.

 

I think what MSAL really needs is a used 96 F150 with a 300 cid 6 and an automatic. A truck like that should be had at a reasonable cost.

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99 F150 XLT Supercab Towing Package 5.4L Auto Two Tone Med Toreador Red/ Silver Power windows, locks, mirrors, driver's seat. Cruise, tilt wheel Alloys, Michelins, ARE topper Superchip / 2000 Chevy Silverado Ext cab 5.3, auto, Tow package, tilt, cruise, power windows,locks,side mirrors, alloy wheels.

 

Buy the 4.6 instead of the 4.8. I bought my Ford for about $4000 less than a comparable Chevy and I got four doors instead of three in the SC. I was a little skeptical about a 4.6 manual in a truck this big (4x4 SC LB), but this truck has some serious snot to it. I haven't towed anything yet, but if you examine the most bang for the buck, you will likely choose the Ford.


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1999 XLT SC, 4x4, Long Bed, 4.6 with manual trans. Deep wedgewood blue

 

I agree, The 4.6l has alot of getup on it. It snaps my head back, which is really impressive for a truck.

 

I work with horses... lots. At every competitive trail ride I have ever attended, Ford trucks outnumber chevy and dodge by a sizeable margin. Why? Because Ford trucks are all-around the best truck for pulling a load, and folks know it. Towing livestock (and horses!) is serious business--the load moves around while you're pulling. Ford's smart engineering and strong engines are why most folks go with Ford when it comes to serious pulling.

I've pulled about 4500 pounds of horses, equipment, and trailer in the New Mexico mountains with my 4.2L V-6 F-150. (Recently traded in on an old '91 model with a 302!) The truck didn't give any problems, but really did rev up some of the long, steep hills (can you blame it?) Never let me down once.

Go with the 4.6--or the 5.4... Heck, the 4.2 will even get your job done--2500 pounds ain't much.

Mike

 

Howdy! I work for Ford and I can give you some insight on the two engines. Dennis is right on the money about the 5.4 engines. The Triton family of engines was developed as a SOHC design. Less moving parts and a 6 quart oil capacity along with a high capacity water pump AND low friction enternals mke this engine EXTEREMLY durable. On the drawing board these motors were designed to the 150,000 mile durability targets. That's minimum life expectancy. The little brother the 4.6 has seen 300,000 miles in taxi and as you know the police use this in very hard day to day use with very little problems. This is not just me talking look at Consumer Reports ............all good marks for the F150! Need more info? I 'll give it.
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97 F-150 4.6 auto, 4x2, 3.55 LS, WMS Velocity tube, K&N, Dynomax Super Turbo exhaust with Echo tube.
Oh yeah, it's Oxford White with crome wheels, Legacy shell & custom grill!


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