Gentleman
Well my search for a used 97 and up 150 continues. In the mean time I have had plenty of opportunity to read this forum. I’m purchasing a used <obviously> 150 4x4 in a 3 door model. This time of year pickings are slim or so it seems. I had previously decided that I would stand firm on my 5.4 or bust stance. However it looks like 90% of the 4x4’s in my area up for sale are 4.6L equipped. This forum leads me to believe I will be disappointed in the performance of the 4.6l. If I do decide to add larger tires Ill have to re-gear to help the little 4.6 along. That’s an expense I might not have to perform with the same truck and the 5.4.
If the 4.6L in the 150 is basically the same as the Mustang I will assume the aftermarket has speed parts up the wazoo. Honestly though, I’m looking for something to drive daily, no wrench on daily.
I do not at this time own a trailer/boat or otherwise to pull. However a car trailer or a small boat could always be in my future. My former 86 150 was great, till I put something behind it. The 300 just could NEVER get the job done.
So I ask you, what’s a guy to do with 14K burning a hole in his pocket? Hold out for the 5.4 or “settle” for the 4.6?

Opinions always welcomed. I’m sure a lot of you faced the same question.

Regards

Tommy in NY

 

tommytorino:
I personally would hold out for the 5.4 otherwise you will be settleling for less in what you want and expect from an engine.

My 96 cougar has a 4.6 and it is fast, but then we're talking about a car that isn't pulling a load. It is still a respectable engine.

My '02 F150 4X4 has the 5.4 in it and I'm very, very pleased with it. Gas mileage could be better but 15-17 MPG's are fine with me.

Well, that was my 2¢ worth of opinion. Good luck on whatever you decide on. And if your pocket gets too hot with $14K in it, I will be glad to hold on to it for you!

-hooD

 

The 4.6 is just too small for a truck in my opinion. It's probably adequate in a 2wd standard cab, but you are talking about a 4x4 extended cab, which adds alot of extra weight. I've driven both, there is a difference! In a Mustang, however, the 4.6 is just fine!

 

i had a friend once who almost settled for a 4.6 in his search for a pickup. good thing he didnt, hes got the 5.4 in a 2001 f 150 ext. cab, whoa buddy, big difference between the 2 engines. hold out for it, you wont be let down.

 

MY COMPANY TRUCK-02 2WD LONGBED reg cab 4.6 doesn't even compare to my 03 5.4 ext cab 4x4-& that was stock to stock-hold out-phil

 

I'm w/ everybody.... I drove a loaner 03 S'Crew for w/ a 4.6 when my truck was in for service and could tell the difference.I'm in no way saying that the 4.6 is not a good motor I just like the 5.4 better.. I would hold out for as long as it takes and get the truck that I want... My $ .02 on the matter.. Good Luck!

 

Yeah I'd get the 5.4. One thing if you had the 300 how could that engine not be enough for towing. It is slow on the horsepower but you should of been able to tow fine with a strong 300.

 

Just don't drive a 5.4 and buy a 4.6!! I have no complaints about my 4.6 equipped '98, although I haven't pulled anything yet. Out on the highway, you'll find that the 4.6 will hit the top speed limiter real quick! I only did it once, and it was enough to cure me. For anyone who knows the area, I made it from springboro to middletown on I-75 in 5 minutes one night. And I had to slow down to go around one of those daggon' white state patrol cars! You can't see the things!!
Back to subject: A 4.6 in a 4X4 extended cab Short box truck DOES have enough power for what the average person will do with a light duty F150. Now if you're looking at the 7700 pkg, it might be a different story. The 4.6 is a very torqey motor. for crying out loud, it make 1 foot pound of torque per cubic inch of displacement at low RPM's. If that doesn't scream truck motor, I don't know what does!!!
In Recap: You won't be dissappointed with a stock 4.6. If you do find you need more power down the road, for towing or whatnot, there's plenty of aftermarket support.

 

what area do you live in? I was actually looking for a 4.6 and all I could find was a 5.4 (within my price range). I'm sure glad I got the 5.4! A friend of mine got a 4.6 a while latter and we traded for a day, he wanted to keep mine and I couldn't wait to get mine back!! A 4.6 is fine, if you're not planning on towing and don't mind a few less horses.
Keep on looking!!

 

Thanks guys. In in NY BTW

Every time I drove through the hills of PA back in the day with my 86 4.9 I used to loose my mind.No offence but going up steep hills with a drag car behind my 86 was scarey! I used to wonder if I would ever crest some of those hills! Same things for any 4x4 action on the beach. If she started to dig in, you were DONE. The truck never had the power to do what I wanted it to do. Worst of all the 4.9 with the carb got AWFUL MPG. So it was like I had a 351 fuel economy with out the power!

Regarding the 5.4 and model changes for 99 and Up. Can I ask aside from the better heads was there many other changes? Also what was the 98 5.4 rated at?

I have located 2 trucks in my area. One a 99 <silver> with 100K+ on it. XLT "4 door" extended cab 4x4. It has the options and features Im looking for. The price is 8300$. Located at a used car lot.

The 2nd truck is a private seller. 98 red <YUMMY!> XLT 3 door 4x4 with all the bells and wistles. 83K miles. The asking price is 11,500.
Can I expect any paint problems on specific colors? For example you all know what I experienced on my 86!

Ok with that said I'm to understand the 5.4 <knock wood> is good for at least 150K. But what about the rest of the truck? My 86 <apples and oranges> needed about everything in the front end at 100K.
I'm just looking for a little input as far as what I can expect to fail.

Thanks again for the info.
Tommy

 

Hey Tommy,
I used to have a 71 Torino GT. It had a 351CJ/C6, bucket seats, console, rim blow steering wheel, and factory rear window louvers. The driveshaft in that thing was bigger around than the ones in my trucks!!!
I really like my 5.4L. It doesn't pull like my old 460, but it does pretty well for only 330ci. I just can't see 281ci being enough.
Jimmy

 

My friend has a 98 F150 4x4 with 5.4 and I have a 99 f150 4x4 with a 4.6. His is stock and mine has an after market exhaust and a chip. The 97-98 5.4 puts out 235 hp and the 99 up 4.6 has 220 hp. My truck has more power and is quicker than my neighbor's truck. If I would do it again, I would buy a truck with the 5.4 but a slightly modified 4.6 will perform nicely.

 

I'm with you on the Torino's Driveshaft. Here's mine, if your interested. Got to love the Louvers!

http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...037_1_full.jpg

 

Nice ride. Mine had the same laser stripe, but the car was Grabber Blue with Black interior.
I sure do miss that thing!!
Jimmy

 

Dont settle for the 4.6

go for the biggest, you wont regret it