Well, I have a 99' F-150 XLT sport 4X4 4.2 5 speed, and LOVE it!!! It has many mods., and only 15,000 mi. However, I'm tired of the 5 speed, and now is as good a time as any to trade. I get the A-Plan, and have spec'd out a 2001 to be ordered, but I'm afraid to take the leap. Here's what I spec'd.

2001 F-150 XLT Sport 4X2 4.6L 3:55LS

See, I believe the payments will remain the same, but I'm afraid to lose 4X4, and all my mods. Also, I'm torn between the 4.6L and 5.4L. I only "pull" my dirtbike in the bed, so not much towing. Is the 4.6 really a jump over the 4.2? Also, is the 3:55 gearing for me? What changes will be made to the 2001's? Are white gages avail. from the factory? Will I miss my 5 speed with the auto. 4 speed? Would I benefit from the heavy duty alternator? HELP!!!

-AR

[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 07-31-2000).]

 

Anyone?

-AR

 

Thanks for the reply...I rarely use 4X4, but we have some heavy snows here sometimes. I just hate the idea of not being, "invincible" anymore. Also, I love big trucks!!! ...however a sporty "Lightning" like truck is nice as well. I guess 4X2 is "what's for me," but I sure will miss that 4X4 feeling. Also, the 2001 4.6's boast a 20HP increase!!!

-AR

 

i wish that I had this problem. Hrm, trade a 99 for a 01? must be nice. I guess we could, it is just what we all want to pay.

For the 4.6 it will be fine hauling dirtbikes. your 4.2 should be fine for that. If you go 2wd, you are losing like 500lbs for the tranny, front driveshaft, axle, etc. So the 4.6 would be overkill. If you are only going to haul dirtbikes, get another 4.2.

For the gears, get a 3.27 for the 2wd. 3.55 is overkill

 

Also remember, the 4.6 gets a 20 horsepower increase for 2001 models. That brings it to 240. As far as gas mileage, the 4.6 gets about 1 mpg more than the 5.4L. Not a huge difference but a slight one.

 

Great...so the 4.6L it is. I don't have any problems with my 4.2L, I just can't see giving up my 4X4 for a 4X2 and not getting the V8. My spec'd out truck will keep the same payments...with 4X4, they will jump $40 a month. I was planning on keeping this truck, but I'm worried about my 5 speed after warrenty. My first car, when I was 16, was a 94' Grand-AM with 30,000 mi. Then I got a 96' S10 with 13,000 mi., then traded for a 98' Ranger 4X4 with 2 mi., and then the 99' F-150 with 68 mi. Now, maybe I'll get this 2001 with no miles. All made possible by my daddy, 28 years at the Claycomo plant.

 

jackel you may want to wait 1 more year,in 2002 the F150 will be getting a new 5.4 3 valve 310 Hp engine.I was at a Ford dealer yesterday and almost pulled the plug on a silver 2000 lightning but I'm gonna wait for either the 2001 with a 360 to 375 Hp upgrade along with new rims and clear lenses or a possible new F150 and add mods to that, also this fall the Ranger comes out with a new V6 engine available 207hp standard 4 whl abs and standard 4 doors,I'm like a kid at a candy store at the Ford dealer.The one I went to also had 4 saleen 281's 3 convertibles and 1 coupe $44,000 for the convertibles and $39,000 for the coupe,supercharged 4.6 V8's.

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99 F250 XLT LD 4X4 S/C,5.4,3.73 Limited slip,Bright red clearcoat ,4whl abs,remote start w/keyless entry and alarm,chrome rims,tinted,westin nerf bars,factory tonneau,superchip,K&NGen II fipk,pioneer in dash cd,pioneer amp,infinity kappas all around,Lund front runner bug sheild.Gibson split rear,stull SS grilles.

 

Well as far as the V8s go, I would probably go the 4.6L. The 5.4 (what I have) drinks gas like there's no tomorrow. I have never gotten better than 18 MPG! I'm consistently at 14/17.5 city/freeway. And since you don't do heavy towing, I recommend the 4.6L. As for 4x4 vs 4x2, I guess the question for you is how much have you used 4x4 in the past 2 years? If you use it a lot, then you may want to rethink your trade. However, if you didn't use it that much, then go with the 4x2. Remember, a 4x2 with a LS-diff can go most of the places a 4x4 can go, but not all.


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1999 Lariat SuperCab Flareside, Amazon Green with Silver trim, 5.4L, 4x2, 4 wheel disc/ABS, 3.55 limited slip, towing package, fog lamps, sliding rear window, captains chairs, keyless entry with alarm, spray-on bed liner, bug guard, and K&N. http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html