I've owned SUV's since 1986, currently a 97 Explorer XLT V8 AWD.
I like the Explorer but have decided I needed a change, so,
F150 XLT Supercrew 4x4 is what I'm looking at (significant other says it needs to have 4 doors). Purpose of the vehicle: Camping, fishing, hunting, family haulin', daily 11 mile commute, towing a 2500lb boat/trailer pkg.
I think I've estimated the loaded weight fairly close; I've always had a Class III hitch.
Question, is the 5.4L V8 quieter (in cab) than the 4.6L? The Explorer V8 is right between these two, & I've been happy with the performance.
What have you been getting for average gas mileage?
Any general recommendations? thanks.

 

I would highly recommend new 3 valve 5.4 for the 300HP .I doubt it is any louder than the smaller engines.They all are very thirsty, depending on your foot weight and habits.Have Fun Shopping and Good Luck! Let us know what you end up with?

 

I traded a 2002 for my 2004. Both with 5.4's. The new one gets better fuel economy than the older one. In spite of all the opinions you will read on this site I think these are great engines which run very smoothly and do whatever you can reasonably expect in trucks that weigh what these ones do. My only experience with the 4.6 has been in company trucks which were not too well maintained. However, I still think that the 5.4 is the right choice.

 

Go for the 5.4 with Lariat. Lariat's have more soundproofing than XLTs.

 

Thanks all,
My Explorer actually drinks a bit, 14 MPG daily commuting (no highway). closer to 12.5 MPG when driving in snow a lot, idling, stop/go. Budget is steering me to the XLT, otherwise the higher models would be worth a look.

 

XLT's Are Great! Go For It!

 

I love my XLT 4x4 regular cab with the 4.6. The 4.6 is great for this truck but with the extra weight from the screw and hauling the family around, I would definatly get the 5.4.

 

I have a hard time believing that the Lariat models have any more sound deadening than the XLT's. People riding in my XLT often remark how quiet it is. I think that the decision to go to the Lariat is purely about whether you want to spend the extra money for leather upholstery, fancier trim level and tires and wheels.
The fuel economy with my 5.4 is definitely better than what you describe for your Explorer.
Spend some time on the Ford website building yourself a few trucks (if you haven't already). This will give you a good feel for what you want.

 

I believe all of the 04's have the sound deadening but on the 05's the cut cost and only put it in the Lariet. I don't know this for sure but I have read that on here. As far as the 4.6 and 5.4, I have had both engines, both are good, but I would definately get the 5.4 in the 4x4 SCrew. The 4.6 has to work a little harder with that weight.

 

Thanks, I'll try building on the Ford site. I've been pricing out with options on sites like carprices, kbb.

 

Forgot to ask...Which axle ratio, and why?
(although I've worked on my cars/SUVs since my '70 Bonneville, some of the mechanicals of SUVs & trucks escape me)

 

Ive found that 3.73 is a good compromise for both highway and rural roads. The 3.55s are ok around town, but seem to be out of their powerband on the highway. Oh, and I vote 5.4

 

I think 3:55 or 3:73 ratio either one is a good ratio.However,if you haul alot of heavy loads frequently, I would recommend 4:10.You probably would get best gas mileage with 3:55 ratio.I personally chose the middle of the road 3:73 Limited Slip for both city and highway driving.When doing test drives prior to purchase, I felt the 3:73 ratio had a little more power at take off.These trucks are so heavy.Also,after owning several pickups I would not buy a new truck without a Limited Slip rear axle.This is just my opinion.Good Luck!

 

If the 05 is the same as the 04, you can only get 4.10s in the work package (Regular cab, long bed, etc).

 

Please tell me more. I have the 3.55 and figured it would be better on the highway than the 3.73. Can you tell me more about the power bands of each? I really appreciate all the knowledge available on this site.