I just caught the last few minutes of a closed-circuit Ford broadcast on the '04 F-150 in which they confirmed that there will be a 6-cylinder in the 2005 models. They didn't mention manual transmissions, but I only caught the last 2 minutes or so, so they may have said something previously. At least we can say with certainty that there WILL be a 6-cylinder. Which 6-cylinder? Lord only knows. Let's start praying now for anything BUT the 4.2......

 

What's wrong with the 4.2? It's a torquey little motor just few hp shy of the 4.6. I've had no problems with my 99.

 

Yeah, when I found out that there will be no V6 option for the '04, I was shocked. Much better fuel economy and very similar towing power with the V6 as compared to the standard 4.6L V8....so if you don't want the 5.4, then the V6 is the way to go. For Ford to not offer it in the new truck is a joke. At least they do plan on correcting their error within the year.

 

The 4.2 is cursed. Just like the 3.8 it came from.

 

Then you're one of the lucky ones. As for mileage, according to the EPA ratings, the 4.2 and 4.6 are both rated 16 city/ 20 highway. If the mileage is the same, then I'll take the the extra HP, torque, quietness and smoothness of the V8 anyday.

 

Let's get back to an inline 6. IMHO the 4.2 is not a very good truck engine. I've owned one so i can say that...it seemed anytime I hooked a load up it fell flat on it's face. Granted, I had the 3.31 gears and a 5spd in a 4x4, but I know that an inline six would have pulled MUCH better. My .02

 

Unless they increase the power of the 4.2 I don't think the new truck will be a success with that engine, being that the curb weight will be appoximately 500 lbs more than the previous model.

 

I wish they could get a 6-cylinder like the ole trusty 300 in the new series F-150's. I have heard very good things about that motor.

 

They wont offer it because the milage would be about the same as the new 5.4. In my expeience with my friends 4.2, it did great pulling the 2 vehicles on the trailer. Not at the same time. I will agree though, and Inline 5 or 6 would be better. Same reason chebyes doing the inline thing. Cheaper and easier to work on. latr

 

IMO, the 4.2 is a POS and not worth getting. In my shop, we have had more than one 4.2 fatality. I would like to see an I6, also, but the hoods on the f150's aren't that long so a nice big I6, like an updated 300, is pretty much out. Besides, who would buy a 4.6 then?

 

I heard a while ago (where, when??) that they were designing a 6 cylinder version of the new 6.0L powerstroke that they were gonna put in the half tons. Wouldn't a diesel F-150 be nice!?

 

yep...but its not coming. Ford bailed out a while ago on that project.

 

Ford will never bring back the inline 6 just like the wing windows that I love on my 95.
The 4.2 v6 was built for a person who wants a truck but doesn't use it. It not like the old days when a truck was for working and then you have the EPA. They have to out fit trucks with these smaller engines to keep those guys happy.
When I finally decided to get my new pickup I'll just get me a F-350 with the 6.0 powerstroke. From the ones I've test drove it's like what I'm use too in my pickup that has the 351.
By the way my 351 get's better gas mileage then the 4.6 I have in my Expedition.

 

Carefull with the 6.0 PS. Make sure you do your homework. Blueovalnews.com has a page on it, 6.0 powerstroke ticking timebomb, they have had problems with the diesel injectors letting diesel fuel get into the oil pan. Ford has realized the problem and have started using improved injectors. Also go to the 6.0L forum on this site, there has been quite a bit of discussion on the subject.

 

Hey Moonley,

Now your talkin. This would be the way to go especially if we could get them to actually do it. I run Biodiesel in all my Diesel engines check this fuel out it is amazing www.biodiesel.org everyone should learn about this fuel. i am going to start a new thread on the main 2004 F-150 page Please anyone interested in Joining in come give your opinion of what you think we can do to push FORD into doing this. Just think more power and torque plus much better gas milage buring fuel made from Vege oil can i get a hell yeah !

WuData
www.wudata.com www.biodiesel.org