One other down side with the 5.4: The drivetrain is a couple of hundred pounds heavier, all of it on the front wheels. This means that you will have that much less payload, and that much more front plow when turning. And with a measly 6000# GVWR, every pound of excess weight matters when you're hauling several buddies and the load of lumber to the cabin.

I've a 98 Lariat 4.6 x-cab, and it's been a good combo. Unlike the '01s, the 98's had a paltry 15 HP and 40 lb/ft difference between the 4.6 and the 5.4, which made it a non-decision; the option cost was $900, and that's mighty dear for 15 HP. Now on the new ones, the 40 HP and 60 lb/ft of torque difference between the motors is a more attractive upgrade.

 

One other down side with the 5.4: The drivetrain is a couple of hundred pounds heavier, all of it on the front wheels. This means that you will have that much less payload, and that much more front plow when turning. And with a measly 6000# GVWR, every pound of excess weight matters when you're hauling several buddies and the load of lumber to the cabin.

I've a 98 Lariat 4.6 x-cab, and it's been a good combo. Unlike the '01s, the 98's had a paltry 15 HP and 40 lb/ft difference between the 4.6 and the 5.4, which made it a non-decision; the option cost was $900, and that's mighty dear for 15 HP. Now on the new ones, the 40 HP and 60 lb/ft of torque difference between the motors is a more attractive upgrade.

 

But won't the stroked out engine have less wear because it is spread over a larger area? And won't the increase in torque result in an engine that doesn't work as hard, therefore last longer?

Great posts so far.

Hepcat

 

This is something I would not have thought of. So your telling me that the 4.6 will have more payload capacity than a 5.4 even though the 5.4 can pull more?

Also, would there be any difference in the handling? If the 5.4 has more weight over the front suspension would performance and emergency handling suffer?

Hepcat