Engine Options.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 230
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Engine Options.
I'm looking to upgrade my 03 F150 5.4L.
I'm looking at getting a 09-12 F150 4x4 crew cab.
What are my engine choices? I'm a little out of the loop. Which engines/years should I stay away from?
Most of the ones I see are the 5.4L.
I'm looking at getting a 09-12 F150 4x4 crew cab.
What are my engine choices? I'm a little out of the loop. Which engines/years should I stay away from?
Most of the ones I see are the 5.4L.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,878
Likes: 2,485
From: Louisiana
My advice would be to get a 2011 or 2012 because they have the newest engines Ford offers. There are a few engines you can choose from for the 4X4.
-5.0L V8
-3.5L V6 Ecoboost
-6.2L V8 (I think you would have to get the Lariat package to have this engine in the 2011-2012 models)
I have the 5.0 V8, but the Ecoboost is very popular these days. I don't think you could go wrong with either the 5.0 or Ecoboost. I wouldn't get the 6.2 unless you do a lot of heavy towing.
-5.0L V8
-3.5L V6 Ecoboost
-6.2L V8 (I think you would have to get the Lariat package to have this engine in the 2011-2012 models)
I have the 5.0 V8, but the Ecoboost is very popular these days. I don't think you could go wrong with either the 5.0 or Ecoboost. I wouldn't get the 6.2 unless you do a lot of heavy towing.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
My advice would be to get a 2011 or 2012 because they have the newest engines Ford offers. There are a few engines you can choose from for the 4X4.
-5.0L V8
-3.5L V6 Ecoboost
-6.2L V8 (I think you would have to get the Lariat package to have this engine in the 2011-2012 models)
-5.0L V8
-3.5L V6 Ecoboost
-6.2L V8 (I think you would have to get the Lariat package to have this engine in the 2011-2012 models)
3 valve 5.4L still available in Expeditions.
2011 Lariats have fugly blonde plastic wood interior trim. 2012/13's have dark walnut wood trim, looks much better...if you like plastic wood.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,878
Likes: 2,485
From: Louisiana
The 5.4L and 4.6L were replaced in 2011 with the engine lineup they have now. The new engines they offer now are great. I had two F-150's before with the 4.6L V8, and I can tell you the 5.0L is much better in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I liked my 4.6L, but this engine has much more power and the same gas mileage I was getting with my old smaller V8.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Ok, so I need to look for a 2011-2012 to get the new 5.0L
Any major problems with a 2009-2010 5.4L?
I have a budget and want a fully loaded truck so I'll have to see if I can find a 2011-2012 in my price range.
Any major problems with a 2009-2010 5.4L?
I have a budget and want a fully loaded truck so I'll have to see if I can find a 2011-2012 in my price range.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
2011 F150 Lariat 2WD 5.0L Super Crew with Lariat Plus Package, with trailer brake controller, but without DVD, Nav or Moon Roof: MSRP: $39,990.00 (SoCal).
Be prepared to step up, way up. The step in height in these trucks can be a pain. Even at 6-5, I found it waay too high, 5-3 wife needed a pogo stick!
And, there's no "boost-your-carcass" grab handle on the drivers side.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,878
Likes: 2,485
From: Louisiana
I agree. There is a big difference in how much harder it is to get into these trucks compared to the F-150's before them.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 804
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From: sunnyvale
Why would you want a 5.4L when the 5.0L is a much more powerful engine?
2011 F150 Lariat 2WD 5.0L Super Crew with Lariat Plus Package, with trailer brake controller, but without DVD, Nav or Moon Roof: MSRP: $39,990.00 (SoCal).
Be prepared to step up, way up. The step in height in these trucks can be a pain. Even at 6-5, I found it waay too high, 5-3 wife needed a pogo stick!
And, there's no "boost-your-carcass" grab handle on the drivers side.
2011 F150 Lariat 2WD 5.0L Super Crew with Lariat Plus Package, with trailer brake controller, but without DVD, Nav or Moon Roof: MSRP: $39,990.00 (SoCal).
Be prepared to step up, way up. The step in height in these trucks can be a pain. Even at 6-5, I found it waay too high, 5-3 wife needed a pogo stick!
And, there's no "boost-your-carcass" grab handle on the drivers side.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
How old are you? I'm 68 .. have arthritis in both knees and spinal stenosis. Getting out is EZ, stepping up...then getting in...is a pain, especially since there's no grab handle.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
It's funny how the 3.7L is always omitted from these conversations. The little six is more powerful than the 4.6L 2V V-8 and it achieves superior MPG's. The best part is, there is no up charge. The downside is, it's not available on trucks with a higher trim level than XLT. This engine is a real gem and it will very capable do what the majority of us need our trucks to do.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 230
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Like I said earlier I have a budget so I can't afford a brand new F150 with the 5.0L There is lots of 2009-2010 with the 5.4L I can afford. I'll have to wait and see if I can find a used 2011 with a 5.0L. I would like to get the 5.0L if it is a better engine then the 5.4L.
I mostly use my truck in the winter for going to the ice fishing shack and pulling a 4 place snowmobile trailer to the cabin on the weekends. So it's not an every day commuter and not pulling huge loads.
I'm very surprised the new trucks don't have a grab handle.
I mostly use my truck in the winter for going to the ice fishing shack and pulling a 4 place snowmobile trailer to the cabin on the weekends. So it's not an every day commuter and not pulling huge loads.
I'm very surprised the new trucks don't have a grab handle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
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From: Northern California
You know I have seen people completely ignore that handle and always use the steering wheel to pull themselves in the vehicle...which is how a lot of people bend the steering wheel a bit after awhile. (I fund myself doing it at times as well) My Sequoia has the handle and I really can't understand why Ford would remove it from their trucks! It's a truck for crying out loud and people need to get in the thing! I ALWAYS use the running board for getting in the truck otherwise it would be a chore everyday.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 804
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From: sunnyvale
have a good day
New User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13
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From: Fairbanks, Alaska
I have the 2009 with the 4.6 3V. I'm very happy with it - lot's more power than my old 4.6 2V. If I had the $ I would go for a newer truck with the 5.0 but I can recommend the 4.6 3V for sure.