I'm looking to buy 06 250 or 350, the truck will be my toy puller and hunting truck. must be auto trans ext cab long box. it is replacing 1990 same with 351 and 3;55 gears{over geared and has tro. getting out of its own way} I don't pull anything much over 3000lbs and will only put about 8-10Km a year on truck. I'm a little worried that I will be wanting for power with 5.4??? what gear ratio is most common on these trucks, I'm a little leary of hp ratings for these new engines as they make power at much higher rpm than the old 351, hows the torque compare?? I'm not to concerned about fuel economy as I don't put enough miles on to care, how much heavier is the v10 than 5.4? that would be the only draw back off road {burried to floor boards in mud} Leaning towards V10 but they are harder to find and need to hear about 5.4 with different gear ratio's

 

I'd have to say that the 5.4l will haul 3000lbs on a trailer just fine, if the trailer has surge brakes, even better. The only place you might feel like you need more power is up a long grade.

My buddy hauled our boat with his F150 and I have driven it and it was fine out on the flats and up small grades. It would lose speed on the long steep grades and that was that, it would stay at one speed. That's about 5000lbs total. Never overheated in 100+ air temps etc.

I will say that it is much more enjoyable having more power when hauling.

 

Make yourself happy with a V10 along with 4.30 gears.
Gene

 

3000lbs isnt anything for a 5.4 guy...im more than comfortable haulin around 4800lbs with my 5.4 cc 2v! just took 4000lbs of scrap steel 48 miles today.. did great and loved every minute of it!

 

IMO, the 5.4 will do what your asking it to, no problem. The V10 will just do it quicker!! And be more fun to boot. Whatever you decide, get at least 4.10's, 4.30's if you can find one equipped as such. Especially if their's any chance your going to run a larger than stock tire.

I'm biased toward the V10 but there are plenty of guys on here that have 5.4's and swear by them. If you can, drive one of each and decide for yourself. Just be sure to compare apples to apples,( i.e. similiarly equipped ).

 

V10 all the way

 

I tow an 8000 pound fifth wheel with a 2004 4.6 F150....not because I want to, but because I have to. I will have a V10 in the driveway later this year.

 

I had a 01 5.4. I would get the V10. You like have more torque and be able to pass someone. 5.4 just doesn't get it. Might not a problem towing the trailer you have but you are going to be a turtle. You will get about the same gas mileage. I now have a diesel and will never own another gaser.

 

For 3000lbs the 5.4l will be more than enough...
With the mods I have it has more than enough power.

BUT if you can find a V10 I would jump on it in a heartbeat...

 

i agree the 5.4 i perfectly adequate but, if you can find a good v-10 id go for it

 

would anybody know what 1990 351 has for hp and torque so I can have some comparison??

 

According to everything I found online, the HP was 210, but I can't find accurate torque numbers. I want to say it was like 250 or 260 ft/lbs but don't hold me to that.

 

From your original description of what your needs are, I'd strongly recommend the 250 with the V10. The 350 is just too much truck for your intended purpose, the 5.4 will be fine for everyday use but we both know if you're going hunting, you're not on paved roads anymore Dorothy. I'd be concerned with the 5.4...higher rpm to get the same job done.

Just my 2 cents worth. Good Luck!

 

It all started when we bought the 5th wheel...then we needed something bigger than the F150. Unfortunately, I was talked into a Cummins 3/4...drove it a year and sid enough is enough...disliked the diesel and the Dodge.

I special ordered the Superduty and for $600 I got the V10...super deal from Ford, actually.

I find that in talking to other F250 and F350 owners at campsites that the 5.4 will pull the same rv that I have, just not as well, especially up hills.

The other interesting thing I found is that the V10 mpg is about the same as the 5.4....today I got 14.54 back and forth to work....seems like it is better in the warmer weather...I have been getting 13.6 or so...I do check every tank.

THe point is, I believe I could have got by with the 5.4, but the V10 gives me a lot more flexibility....a good friend had a 5.4 and a small 5er....bought a bigger trailer and wound up with a V10....the V8 just did not have enough fro a 15000 pound trailer...the V10 does the job fine. SO, planning for the future is good, too....

 

You can want for more power, but I doubt you'd ever want for less. That being said, the 5.4L will do the job you're asking. If you can find comparable trucks and one has the 5.4 and the other the 6.8, I'd buy the 6.8. If you can find what you want and it has the 5.4 I think you'll still get done what you want to get done.