I am planning on purchasing a used 99 extended cab 4wd. 4.6V8 Auto, and I wanted to know what everyone thought about the 4.6 auto. It isn't going to be a daily driver and I won't be pulling much with it other than a small trailer (3-4 times a year). My original plan was to purchase the 5.4 but this truck is in perfect condition (just high miles 128K) and the original owner has taken very good care of it.

Is the 4.6 a good motor and should I expect to get 200K out of it? What are the strengths and weaknesses with this motor? Are they any more fuel effecient (which is not that big of a deal since I want drive it everyday) than the 5.4. Also, would this be an easy motor to work on (basic tune ups at home etc.)

Any advice would be great!

Thanks!!!!

 

There are three very important criteria when buying ANY used vehicle.

These criteria are: condition, Condition and CONDITION!

That said, there is nothing at all wrong with the 4.6. It is indeed a little bit easier to work on than the 5.4 and is not NEARLY as prone to blowing plugs as the 5.4. The 5.4, of course, offers a little more power, so it really is a wash between the two engines as far as I'm concerned..

You should not make your used vehicle decision based on engine choice, color choice or interior choice. Those are decision criteria that you use when you buy a NEW truck. When buying a used truck, use the three criteria that I listed.

If the truck you buy has had regular oil changes and reasonable care, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever that it won't make it to 200,000 miles and beyond EASILY as long as you continue to take care of it and keep the oil changed. That said things can happen to any vehicle, but with any luck at all 200K should be no trouble.

You should be asking the owner how often he has changed oil, changed spark plugs and what other preventive maintenance he has done.

Good luck,
Doc

 

The 4.6 is a great motor. I have it in my truck, and am pleased with the power (even 600HP aint enough for me..but...). You'll be very happy with it!

 

Yes I am happy with my 4.6 also, and havent had any major problems, yet

 

193,515 miles on my 4.6 liter and the only thing changed on the motor was the alternator, spark plugs and wires and the oil.

 

I have a 2000 4.6L V8 and I'm loving it! Mine has only 84,000 miles on it, though.

 

115K on my 98 4.6 w/auto and it's still going strong. One plug change, R&R of alternator and normal maintenance items at scheduled intervals.

 

Thanks for the info everyone! The truck is a one owner and it was a daily driver. The oil was changed every 3K and all maintenance was done as scheduled. The truck is still all original and in very good condition. The high miles are from Hwy. driving and it has never been used as a work truck. The owner is only selling it because he ordered a new supercrew F-150. He said the ONLY thing wrong with it is the Odometer will go out for a few minutes then come back on (not all the time) but it doesn't effect the mileage, other than that it has been trouble free and extremely dependable. Any suggestions on how to fix an odometer light?

It sounds like the 4.6 is a great motor (with proper maintenance) with adequate power. It also has a limited slip rear-end but I am not sure what gearing it has (any suggestions?).

Thanks again!

 

A truck that has been maintained like that will be snapped up quick.

Repairing the odometer is no problem. If you do a search on odometer in this forum you will get step by step instructions for resoldering the odometer display. In almost every case this works.

If the truck is as you describe I would say that it is opportunity time.

Good luck,

 

My F150 pulls an 18 ft, tandem axel trailer about 2 or 3 times a week with about 2000 to 4000 lbs or a loaded horse trailer. I am about to hit 100k miles on her and she still runs and feels just as tight as it did when I first bought it.

 

BillyBob,

Congrats on reaching the break in point for your 4.6.

Have a great day,
Doc

 

Thanks everyone!

 

I have a 4.6 in my 97 F150 and it has 178600 miles on it and still runs strong. Oil change every 3000 miles and no major problems yet.

 

178K miles, 3000 mile oil changes, still running strong. No surprise to me.

Good job!

FarmF150,

Let us know when you get your truck and give us a review. Take care of it like some of these guys do and it will be taking care of you for a very long time.

Good luck,
Doc

 

WOO HOO!!!