Hey everyone

I am currently looking to buy a used F150 for the wife and was lookin to get some people's opinion on which engine to go with. She doesnt need towing power or any extra power at that since we can use my truck for that...but Is there a significant increase in fuel efficiency with the 4.6 or is it close enough to just go with the 5.4?

 

Someone I know has the 4.6, and he claims to get almost 20mpg, as opposed to my 14-16mpg. I think it also has a lot to do with your wifes driving habits.....is a 5 spd. a possibility???

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F-150 4X4 XLT Supercab
Black w/ Gray trim
5.4L Triton
Class III Towing
3.55 LS
Gray interior w/ Captains's chairs
6 CD Changer
285 75 16R BFG's

 

No she seems to be unable to learn...no matter what I try. I have taken her out in the country and just let her start and stop for hours but she cant get the hang of the 5 speed. Too bad because I love having the 5 speed.

Does the 4.6 seem gutless in comparison to the 5.4 though?

 

My SuperCab 4X2 is far from gutless. Based on what you have said, I think she would be very happy with the 4.6.

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1999 F150 XLT 4X2 SuperCab
- 4.6 (Romeo)
- Oxford White/Gold
- BodyGuard Bedliner
- Prime Designs Deflector
- Ventvisors

No Door Cracks, No Engine Mods, No Problems

 

If you don't need it for towing then I would say the 4.6 would be a very good choice as it has plenty of power for a normal daily driver.

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2000 F150 XLT Reg. cab
4.6 Triton Engine
4x2 3.55 rear end gear
sliding rear window
automatic keyless entry
white styleside short box

 

I have a 98 F150 SC 4x4 ORP with the 4.6.

If you are using your truck for light duty, just basically driving it, then the 4.6 is fine. If you plan to do *any* towing, save yourself the trouble and get the 5.4. The 4.6 is a total dog with any sort of a load behind it.

With my 4.6, we always get 12.5MPG. We can be 4 wheeling, towing, driving in city traffic, or cruising down the interstate. Doesn't even matter if it's her or me driving, always gets the same mileage.

-Jay

 

Well Since I alread have a truck with the 5.4 to tow when needed I think that you guys are right and that she doesnt need the 5.4 That is unless I find a great truck with that engine, no sense in passing it up for something like that

Thanks alot for all the replies.

 

Obviously JNTGURU doesn't know the last thing about these Ford trucks!

For anyone to say that a 4.6L (lets not forget this is a V8) should not be towing any kind of a load (dog my a--)....should have their head examined. I have read discussions on this site about the 4.6L Vs. 5.4L and enjoyed them all...until I saw this one!

What a bunch of crap!

The 4.6L is a great performing and realiable motor and without a doubt can haul and tow a good load...big things come in small packages!

I feel a bit better now...just a bit!

 

98bluelariat, If your not going to use it for any towing and are concerned with gas mileage you might consider a v-6 in a shortbed which will also be easier to park and I'll bet your wife will love it, otherwise the 4.6 should fit the bill. I tow a tent trailer with mine and don't even know it's there except on the steepest grades when it's loaded with beer and food for the trip and the bed has some firewood for the campfire. Hope this helps.

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'97 F150 4.6L XL WHITE,FLEETSIDE R/C L/B, LEER SHELL W/FISHING POLE RACK, BED MAT,LIMMITED SLIP,245/75/16 DESERT DOGS ON POLISHED ALUM, WHEELS.
AIRAID, 3" CAT BACK OUT THE SIDE w/MAGNAFLOW MUFFER

 

Hey thanks guys

I have thought about the V6 but she insists on having a V8. I think that the 4.6 will suit her needs perfectly - giving her enough power to keep her happy but not as much as I have!!

I regularly tow a 4 horse with tack room trailer behind my truck with no problem. I would think that the 4.6 would have no trouble with a 2 horse trailer fully loaded. When I have had that setup hooked up to my 5.4 I can barely notice that there is a load...except at the gas station.

 

Hey guys...towing a two place horse trailer "loaded" is going to be a piece of cake for the 4.6L V8 to pull around...even up hills!

I own a Supercrew 4x4(4.6L Triton)and pull a two place snowmobile trailer "loaded" in the winter. The trailer with everything including extra fuel will weigh in at about 3500lbs and pulling it through the Canadian Rockies is no problem at all (OD off of course).

In the summer we pull a 19' ski boat through the great Canadian Rockies weighing in again at about 4800lbs...the Supercrew (4.6L) does a great job again at towing this kind of weight up and down the hills (OD off).

Sure the 4.6L is somewhat smaller in numbers than the 5.4L...but never ever count out the performance of this smaller V8.

 

If your looking for a used truck, I'd think the better 'deal' and the options/look your wife likes would be more important than whether to get a 4.6 or a 5.4 engine.

 

I had a '97 4x4 SC SB 4.6L and towed 6,000 lbs. and didn't think the truck was overloaded. It was adequate.

Empty, the truck was more than adequate. I had no complaints about power.

In my opinion, the 4.6L engine is just about the best engine Ford has. It's dependable. It's trouble free. Just about as bullet proof as you can get.

One key thing. I had a 3.55 LS rear end. If I had anything less like a 3.08, my opinion would probably be different.

When you are looking for a truck, don't only be concerned with the engine size. Make sure you get it with the 3.55 rear end. It will make for a better driving truck in the city. 3.08 is fine for the highway, but you won't be happy with it when taking off from a stop light.

As for gas mileage, expect about a 1 to 2 mpg loss when going from the 4.6L to the 5.4L engine.

 

I think it all depends on if you are going to let her modify it or not. Logically, you should be able to get more horsepower and torque out of the larger 5.4, but if you don't want her to have more power than you give her the 4.6. From the #'s I have seen, the fuel mileage of the 4.6 isn't really enough to justify the smaller motor. But, it all comes down to personal preference and what you plan on doing with it.

 

Thanks for the input on the engine. I will stick with the 4.6L. I did order the 3.55 Limited slip axle so it sounds like I will be fine.