I found a 99 F-150 supercab with some form of off-road package. The dealership wasn't actually open so I just took a quick glance at everything. Since I'm terribly interested in buying, I was wondering if any truck with an off-road package came with anything less than a 5.4L engine? The only other option I would imagine would be the 4.6 because the 4.2 would be horribly gutless for such a vehicle. What I'm also wondering is how do the 5.4L and the 4.6L V8's compare? I know the HP and torque ratings and also the average MPG for both. Any reason why I should stay away from one or the other?

EDIT: A rapid response would be much appreciated as I'll be going back there tomorrow to take a more in depth look.

 

i don't know about the engine options, but if you look under the front bumper you should find a skid plate in underneath the front part of the motor. If there is than it most likely has the off-road package.

 

The off road package comes with either 4.6 or 5.4 motor. The FX4-Off Road package comes with Rancho shocks and a skid plate. Lastly both are good motors but you will notice quite a bit a difference with more power and torque with the 5.4. HP is 260 compared to 225 in the 4.6 and torque is 350ft/lbs compared to less than 300 in the 4.6, might check the exact on that 4.6 torque. Ive owned both motors. For basic driving better gas mileage the 4.6 is fine. For some pulling power more quicker response you want the 5.4. Personally I will always have a 5.4 when and if I go to buy a new one. I currently own an 02' FX4-150 w/5.4.

 

Looking on eBay I've noticed quite a slew of performance upgrades for both engines. It also seems that some of the upgrades, such as an intake kit, work for both engines. Also, they make a Diablo chip for the 4.6L so I may just go that route for the fuel economy. But I would definitely not turn down a 5.4L.

 

The OFFROAD package has skid plates, heavier shocks and usually 17" wheels. I prefer the 5.4L for better power, about the same MPG as the 4.6L and a better resale value.
I have a 2001 OFFROAD 5.4L myself. I get about 14mpg around town. The 5.4L trucks get a beefier 9.75" rearend compared to the 4.6L's 8.8" rearend.

 

If you plan to tow on a regular basis, or really beat it up off road, then I would prefer the 5.4 for greater torque + sturdier rear differential + heavier duty transmission. If you plan to drive it primarily on pavement and not carry heavy loads on a regular basis, the 4.6 is perfectly fine. The 5.4 has a LOT more aftermarket performance support, so if you want to build up an engine, the 5.4 is the way to go. My 1999 Expy has the 4.6, and while I can't give GTO drivers sleepless nights, it's been a good, smooth, troublefree engine.

 

Turns out the truck is a 5.4L. And it does have skid plates. This is my dream truck. The one I have drooled over for many years. It has 173k miles which is pretty damn high, but I can live with that. Even with that many miles it still Blue Books at $13,222. The dealer was asking $13,000 before tax and license. I got them down to $11,000 out the door. Not too bad I think. I'm having a pre-sale inspection done on it tomorrow and the dealer is going to replace the cracked windshield. If all goes well, I will take delivery of this beautiful vehicle tomorrow immediately after work. Wish me luck!

 

Thats a lot of $ for those miles. Maybe sleep on it.

 

This is alot miles for the price and year. Sleep on it, and maybe look around a bit more. With the high gas prices, more people are going to give up their gas guzzler vehicles such as 4x4 pickup and SUV's. Most likely, you'll be able to find bargain prices on them, thanks to the high gas prices. Only if you can wait for a little while longer. Just my .02 worth. If that 173K miles is on a diesel engine, then it's different story.

 

Just for the sake of comparison, add $2,000 to your budget and look at what that will buy. Compare that to the 170,000+ mile truck that you want to buy and see if going a bit up in price buys a much fresher truck.

 

I just picked up a 1998 F-150 with the 5.4 and towing package for $12,000 with only 77k miles. That is a little bit much, you might want to look around...