E-150 tranny differences 5.4 vs. 4.6
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
E-150 tranny differences 5.4 vs. 4.6
I don't think so. In the F-150s, the transmission is the same no matter what engine you get, with the only difference being with the 7700 lb payload group. I think the tranny and rear end is the same unless you get a special package
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 61
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From: Hanna City United States
E-150 tranny differences 5.4 vs. 4.6
The tranny and rear end are the same for both engines. What kind of van are you considerinig? Cargo,Conversion,Passenger?
Unless you are looking at a plain cargo van, I would not even consider the 4.6. I have a 2000 E150 conversion that goes across the scales w/full tank and family @ close to 6300 pounds. Thats alot of weight for the smaller engine. Also, if you plan to tow anything at all, the 5.4L is the ONLY way to go. On the used market there is probably almost no difference in price either. Good Luck. Hope this helps.
Unless you are looking at a plain cargo van, I would not even consider the 4.6. I have a 2000 E150 conversion that goes across the scales w/full tank and family @ close to 6300 pounds. Thats alot of weight for the smaller engine. Also, if you plan to tow anything at all, the 5.4L is the ONLY way to go. On the used market there is probably almost no difference in price either. Good Luck. Hope this helps.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
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From: South Kitsap County, WA
E-150 tranny differences 5.4 vs. 4.6
Actually Homer, the transmission was up to the discretion of the Ford assembly line. It had nothing to with truck options. I will be the first to admit I was puzzled by this move, but I guess it was an experiment in wear and tear.
Most 5.4's did come with a 9.75" rear end, the 4.6's had the 8.8" rear. You'll find that several 8.8's found their way into 5.4L trucks... so they probably did the same with the vans.
To answer the original question... bigger is better in most cases. In this case I can't really say. I've had good luck with the "U" code 4R70W tranny, most consider it the light duty auto. Look at the door jamb for an "E" under "trans" and you'll have what most consider to be the strongest auto- the 4R100, most likely you'll also have the 9.75" rear, but you'll have to climb under it to check the tag.
-Kerry
Most 5.4's did come with a 9.75" rear end, the 4.6's had the 8.8" rear. You'll find that several 8.8's found their way into 5.4L trucks... so they probably did the same with the vans.
To answer the original question... bigger is better in most cases. In this case I can't really say. I've had good luck with the "U" code 4R70W tranny, most consider it the light duty auto. Look at the door jamb for an "E" under "trans" and you'll have what most consider to be the strongest auto- the 4R100, most likely you'll also have the 9.75" rear, but you'll have to climb under it to check the tag.
-Kerry
