I'm looking to upgrade my 03 F150 5.4L.

I'm looking at getting a 09-12 F150 4x4 crew cab.

What are my engine choices? I'm a little out of the loop. Which engines/years should I stay away from?

Most of the ones I see are the 5.4L.

 

My advice would be to get a 2011 or 2012 because they have the newest engines Ford offers. There are a few engines you can choose from for the 4X4.

-5.0L V8
-3.5L V6 Ecoboost
-6.2L V8 (I think you would have to get the Lariat package to have this engine in the 2011-2012 models)

I have the 5.0 V8, but the Ecoboost is very popular these days. I don't think you could go wrong with either the 5.0 or Ecoboost. I wouldn't get the 6.2 unless you do a lot of heavy towing.

 

Thanks. Is a 5.4L not available in 2011-2012?

I definatley don't need a 6.2L. Biggest thing I pull is a 4 place snowmobile trailer.

 

6.2L: F150 Lariat Platinum, King Ranch with max tow package only. Found this out 1/22/2011 when I bought a Lariat 2WD Stupor Crew. Wanted 6.2L, settled for 5.0L

3 valve 5.4L still available in Expeditions.

2011 Lariats have fugly blonde plastic wood interior trim. 2012/13's have dark walnut wood trim, looks much better...if you like plastic wood.

 

The 5.4L and 4.6L were replaced in 2011 with the engine lineup they have now. The new engines they offer now are great. I had two F-150's before with the 4.6L V8, and I can tell you the 5.0L is much better in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I liked my 4.6L, but this engine has much more power and the same gas mileage I was getting with my old smaller V8.

 

Ok, so I need to look for a 2011-2012 to get the new 5.0L

Any major problems with a 2009-2010 5.4L?

I have a budget and want a fully loaded truck so I'll have to see if I can find a 2011-2012 in my price range.

 

Why would you want a 5.4L when the 5.0L is a much more powerful engine?

2011 F150 Lariat 2WD 5.0L Super Crew with Lariat Plus Package, with trailer brake controller, but without DVD, Nav or Moon Roof: MSRP: $39,990.00 (SoCal).

Be prepared to step up, way up. The step in height in these trucks can be a pain. Even at 6-5, I found it waay too high, 5-3 wife needed a pogo stick!

And, there's no "boost-your-carcass" grab handle on the drivers side.

 

I agree. There is a big difference in how much harder it is to get into these trucks compared to the F-150's before them.

 

i am 6'2" and never had a problem getting in or out? and my wife is less then yours

 

How old are you? I'm 68 .. have arthritis in both knees and spinal stenosis. Getting out is EZ, stepping up...then getting in...is a pain, especially since there's no grab handle.

 

It's funny how the 3.7L is always omitted from these conversations. The little six is more powerful than the 4.6L 2V V-8 and it achieves superior MPG's. The best part is, there is no up charge. The downside is, it's not available on trucks with a higher trim level than XLT. This engine is a real gem and it will very capable do what the majority of us need our trucks to do.

 

Like I said earlier I have a budget so I can't afford a brand new F150 with the 5.0L There is lots of 2009-2010 with the 5.4L I can afford. I'll have to wait and see if I can find a used 2011 with a 5.0L. I would like to get the 5.0L if it is a better engine then the 5.4L.

I mostly use my truck in the winter for going to the ice fishing shack and pulling a 4 place snowmobile trailer to the cabin on the weekends. So it's not an every day commuter and not pulling huge loads.

I'm very surprised the new trucks don't have a grab handle.

 

You know I have seen people completely ignore that handle and always use the steering wheel to pull themselves in the vehicle...which is how a lot of people bend the steering wheel a bit after awhile. (I fund myself doing it at times as well) My Sequoia has the handle and I really can't understand why Ford would remove it from their trucks! It's a truck for crying out loud and people need to get in the thing! I ALWAYS use the running board for getting in the truck otherwise it would be a chore everyday.

 

well i am 43 with a R knee replacements and two sets of disks in my back that have been fussed, a left leg with 7 pins and three plates in my hip. all that at the old age of 30. i did not mean to be or sound so rude. i just asked why you had problems getting in your truck. i know growing old is not for wimps or the weak at heart. have a good day

 

I have the 2009 with the 4.6 3V. I'm very happy with it - lot's more power than my old 4.6 2V. If I had the $ I would go for a newer truck with the 5.0 but I can recommend the 4.6 3V for sure.