I have been shopping for my next truck, which will be a daily driver. Considering price, I think it will be something with very basic equipment, in the range of 2005-2007. I do not like automatic transmissions, so I am looking for a 5-Speed. I have only seen two for sale locally, and both were sold before I could get to see them. There are a couple on ebay, which I am presently following. All the 5-Speed equipped trucks I have found have been matched with the 4.2 Liter V6. At 202 HP, it would seem to be adequate power. Were any built with a 5-Speed and V8? Is that V6 a good engine? A couple people have mentioned head gasket issues. Is that true, and does it apply to all years?

 

The Man. trannys were only available in the V6s in our MY ('04-'08).

 

the old 4.2 V-6 is a decent engine. it'll get the job done...sorta


if you intend to use the truck as a tow/haul vehicle and actually work it...you will be way better off getting a 4.6 XL or STX.


the 4.2 doesn't have quite enough grunt when loaded down. I had a 1998 version with 5-speed and frequently spent alot of time in 3rd speed to compensate for the heavy crap I was hauling doing construction work. We should have bought a V-8...but the price couldn't be beaten at the time in 1997.

 

Listen to Tylus...Ive owned two 4.2 Fords,Both were Automatics. The ole 97 was a workhorse as far as im concerned....It was NOT a powerhouse,but out performed anything that GM/Chrysler could have churned out,and never gave me a problem. I now have an 07,and while ive only had it a couple of weeks,I figure she,ll be around for a LONG time.The original 4.2,s had some issues that were evidently quickly addressed.I personally think the 4.2 is bullett proof.I never considered a Standard tranny on my truck..Im an old fart,and dont care for the shifting.
My call on this is that a standard tranny behind the 4.2 will perform almost as well as the 4.6 V-8...The ONLY observation ive made over the years(downside) is that while the 4.2 automatic is relatively economical,turn on the A/C,and the mileage drops like a rock.
Considering the HP/Weight ratio here its not un-expected....THIS is where the V-8
comes into play.My thinking here is that perhaps the additional HP will compensate for the load created by the A/C system.....

 

I won't be towing or hauling. Camping gear and bikes make a pretty light load in comparison to construction materials. I am surprised that no V8s were built with manual transmissions (2004-2008). I am also surprised that Ford no longer offers a manual transmission in a 1/2-ton pickup. Are there so few people who are willing to shift their transmission?

 

Another thing you might not know(I didnt) in the year 09 Ford no longer offered the 4.2 in a pickup.I figure they either dropped it in 08,or 09. Dont know...just know its a shame.....

 

I bought a 2008 V6 partly because I'd heard they were not available in the '09s. I suspect emissions were a factor.

I personally have an automatic as that was what the dealer had in stock in my preferred color.

The 04-08 frame is pretty stout, and I think weight prevents the V6 from having a big mileage advantage over the V8. The 5.4 V8 is clearly better if you tow much over a ton.

There is a separate V6 engine forum, and you can get most of your engine questions answered in it. There are not many performance mods available for the V6, although I plan on staying stock. The main issue was the head gasket in the earlier model.

If you can find a used one you like, and can arrange for an extended warranty, it's a pretty safe bet.

Good luck,

 

Gentlemen: Thanks for the input. I too heard that the 4.2 L V6 was dropped from the 2009 F-150, and the manual transmission with it. 2009 is the first year that Ford has not offered a manual transmission in a 1/2-ton pickup.

Why has the manual transmission fallen from favor? I rent a car in Europe a couple of times each year, and most of the rentals have manual transmissions. If you were to require an automatic, it about doubles the price.

 

With the exception of the Borg Warner 6 speed that goes in the Dodge Viper I don't think anyone makes a manual transmission that is strong enough for grunt work anymore. I'm sure you remember the old 4 speed truck transmissions with the granny low. Now they were made for grunt work but weighed a ton.

 

i have a 2007 f150 reg cab xl 4.2 liter 5 speed with 28000 miles. put factory chrome rims and had the bumpers painted black to match the truck. very nice truck and pull my bass boat monthly with it. and yes definately run 3rd up the hills but pulls decent. on average i get about 20 mpg. keep it below 65 on the highway and i have gotten as good as 23. if anyones interested its for sell for 15,000. has factory warranty to 60,000 miles. need a bigger truck. you can also reply to azerjeff82@yahoo.com

 

I am a F1, F2, F3 guy, so please excuse my ignorance regarding the newer equipment. Manual transmission are available on newer F-250 trucks with V8 and V10. That must be a tough transmission.