I'm looking at getting back into a SD again and would like to get a V10. I previously owned an 08 V10 and felt it was a helluva motor. Most recently I had an 04 6.0 it too was a Beast.....more costly beast but a Beast nun the less.


Their is not many V10's out there to choose from like the Diesel's or the 5.4's.


My question is for those who HAVE or HAVE OWNED 5.4's. How is the capability of the 5.4L? I've always felt the 5.4L was too small of a motor for the SD platform, but have never actually owned one. I have driven them, but along time ago. I know it's not gonna hold it's own to my past 3V V10 or remotely compare to my 6.0.


I haul a 16' dual axle all steel trailer that weighs approx. 1700-1800lbs and a Mahindra tractor with a loader and bush hog. This is not all the time but wanna make sure the 5.4 is not getting it's guts pulled out.


Any real world advice, tips, info would be helpful.


Thanks

 

I just sold an '04 CCLB with a 5.4L

Its a good motor, but if you're towing heavy I'd hold out for a V10 if you want a gasser....

or regear if you do end up with the 5.4L

 

The 5.4 is no v10 or 6.0 when it comes to power, but it wasn't intended to be. But it isn't the dog that doesn't even belong in the truck like some would like you to believe either. I pulled the same trailers on the same hills with my 5.4 and my obs 7.3 and my 5.4 topped the hills at a higher speed but in a lower gear. It will pull whatever you throw at it, but it will downshift and won't win any races.

 

This has been my experience also. I haven't felt limited but there's no danger of getting a speeding ticket.

 

I had a 2000 F-150 extended cab long bed with a 5.4 that I pulled around a 7,000lb boat regularly. Never had a problem with that load. I just let it tow at its own pace. Sold that truck running fine with 150,000 miles on it and only regular maintenance was done.

Edit - With the exception of brakes. Had to do brakes a lot on that truck as I recall. Shouldn't have that issue with a SD.

 

My 3V 5.4L has never let me down. I've towed up to about 14,000, although a more typical load is around 8-9000. My only issues in 100k miles have been a passenger side exhaust manifold crack and a bad idler pulley.

 

I haven't had the opportunity to pull any heavy loads yet with my 5.4, but as others have said, it will get the job done but won't win any races.

I hear tunes from 5 Star make a big difference on these engines as well as gear changes if you are going to pull heavy loads.

 

If you're out looking, a 3V will make more power than a 2V in the 5.4, but they'll all get you there. I drove both the 2V and 3V's in service body trucks that were usually loaded heavy. I guess it depends on what you want and how you drive. If you absolutely MUST be the first one away at every green light, then no, you will not be happy with a 5.4. A lot of guys want their trucks to be sports cars. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, but just different guys with different "wants". The SD will not feel like a sports car with a 5.4 in it, but it will get the job done.

 

I have a 2006 F350 with the 5.4l; use it mainly as a personal plow. I also have a 2011 F350 with the 6.2l. There's a world of difference. The 5.4 will do what you want, but it can be a struggle. I have a 5 Star tuner in mine; it helps a little, but it can only do so much.

I think you'd do better/be happier with the V10 ir a 6.2l.

 

Our experience with the 330 cubic inch (5.4) engine is this:

We pull our fifth wheel and a flat bed goose neck which sometimes can weigh up to 14,000#. It will get the job done just fine but don't expect more from the little V-8 than it's designed and built to do. If you're going to tow heavy on a regular basis then invest in either 4.30 or 4.56 gears, depending on the diameter of your tires. A lower gear ratio (higher numerically) will give you more towing/hauling capability than any other modification, by far.

I wouldn't be at all apprehensive of the 330. It has it's warts just like any other make or size engine, not the least is the problem of breaking exhaust manifolds and the spark plug issues that have been discussed here extensively. But as a whole the little 330 is a relatively bullet proof power plant that will get the job done.

 

I've got an 02 CC 250 with the 5.4 and it will tow what you've talking about. I towed my Massy Ferguson 245 with loader and 6' spreader from Houston to Abilene and back about 3-4 times a year with no issues. I get about 8mpg and can keep it 65-70 all the way.
I've got 221,000 miles and still running strong.

 

The 5.4 needs the 4.10 gears minimum from the factory. Find one with them if not get the truck regeared to 4.30 with stock size tires or 4.56/4.88 if it has 33-35" tires. Also look into a 2005 up 5.4 they have the higher hp/tq 3valve motor and the much much much better 5speed auto trans. Either way make sure it has 4.10 gears and it will tow what you need, it won't win a 0-60 but it will tow anything you hook to her. I've towed heavier trailers than all my buddies diesel trucks with my 5.4 and she's never backed out or quit yet

 

i had an 03 F250 5.4 with all the usual y pipe and 5 star tuner and all that done to it for 3 years...i still was unimpressed with the power just to move a super cab short bed around. couldnt imagine if i towed with it or had a bigger truck

 

My 2008 XL with 3.73 gears pulls my 8000 pound horse trailer OK. It pulls 6% grades at 60MPH revving @ 4000RPM's. It can go faster but it just burns more fuel. 8MPG is standard when hauling. If you want to haul heavier or quicker buy the V-10 or diesel. The 5.4 3V is a good motor and I've had no problems now at 58000 miles.

 

I had a 2008 f-250 5.4 and it was meh at best. Like someone mention before, if you want a gasser look for a v10 or a 6.2L. I have a 2015 6.2L f250 and it hauled 12k pounds so much better than my 2008. Night and day difference.