Just got my rental 2002 ext cab 4x4 with the 4.6, while my truck gets the doors fixed.

All I can say is: man the 4.6 is ANEMIC compared with the 5.4!

I am surprised at how much a difference there is between them, I thought the 4.6 would be pretty close, but no way.


*-( I realize that I may have gotten a slow 4.6, or that I have a fast 5.4, but.........)

 

Rear end gear ratio would make a huge difference.. I think it's possible to get the 3.08 with the 4.6 to maximize mpg's, but will kill any performance..
I wonder if your rental had that combo..

 

That could be a definite possibility. I will look at the axel code tomorrow.

 

It is possible to get a 3.08 gear ratio with the 4.6 as well as the 4.2. I have one, a 99 4.6 with 3.08. So far I like it, not an excess of horses, although coming from a big block anything would seem to have less power. But I like the MPG's.

 

A 4x4 extended cab is alot of truck for a 4.6 and going from a 5.4 to the 4.6 would make a big diference.

 

I'd say check the axle ratio and how new is the truck? If it's really young then the motor will be tight.

Mine's 98 4x4 S/C XLT and I beat an Expedition 5.4 between lights. So mine's not that slow... but I have the FOU computer code which helps I guess, slight ping on occasion though with regular gas.

Dynomax ultra-flo, flo/m y-pipe next month. Can't wait.

 

When my buddy was selling these trucks he had an extra cab 4x4 as a demo with the 5.4 . . . I have the same with a 4.6. Both trucks had 3.55's.

The 5.4 did have more power but in general I found that running around town and up to around hwy speeds they were close. The BIG difference I found was over 55-60 mph was where the 5.4 really pulled away. My 4.6 has a good rush up to around 60-65 but starts to fall off after that. The 5.4 felt like it could pull hard well beyond that . . . and it did That being said, I have had my 4.6 up to around 100 it just took longer to get there.

When I buy a new truck it will have the 5.4 or the baby diesel but only because I'll have my boat by then and would like the extra torque for towing. In the meantime, I'm very happy with the power of the 4.6 and the dependability. Great solid engine that will do about 95% of what you can throw at it.

 

I think the biggest difference is in the curve. The 5.4 has plenty of low end grunt but the 4.6 needs to be revved. From trucks I have been in I think the 4.6 is more rev needy than my 5.0.

With that configuration the lack of low end grunt will no doubt make it feel less than quick. I know, I have a Supercab 4x4 with a 5.0 in it...