2003 how are they?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 5
From: middle of AZ
2003 how are they?
The dealer here has a 2003 XLT Regular Cab Lb 4.6 v8 4x4. It only has 4200 miles on it, looks like new.
What are the opinions for this year of truck and engine from the list?
Craig
71 f100 4x4
What are the opinions for this year of truck and engine from the list?
Craig
71 f100 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Craig
What are you planning to do with the truck? Off-Road---tow things ? As for the 4.6 V8, I'm not sure I would like that in a 4x4. I have the 5.4 in my 4x4 and I still wish I had more power. Once the tires dig into the mud or dirt, you need HP to turn-em.
If it was a 2 wheel drive, I think you'd like it. 2003 is a nice year for the f-150 truck. I'd get that before the 2004 style.
That just my thoughts. I'm just another F-150 guy, see what others tell you
What are you planning to do with the truck? Off-Road---tow things ? As for the 4.6 V8, I'm not sure I would like that in a 4x4. I have the 5.4 in my 4x4 and I still wish I had more power. Once the tires dig into the mud or dirt, you need HP to turn-em.
If it was a 2 wheel drive, I think you'd like it. 2003 is a nice year for the f-150 truck. I'd get that before the 2004 style.
That just my thoughts. I'm just another F-150 guy, see what others tell you
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: joliet, IL
I had the 4.6L in my '97, and I put 140k miles on that motor. Not one complaint. I also did a lot of towing, a 3k lb boat, and it did just fine. So I think you'll be fine with that.
Now I have the 5.4L, and it definitely tows much easier throughout the whole RPM range, but when unloaded, my 4.6L sure felt a lot quicker from 0-20. I could light up the tires w/ my 4.6L, but I cannot do that with the 5.4L. I don't understand that, seeing that both trucks were 3:55 LS.
All in all, that truck will do just fine for you. Good luck!
Now I have the 5.4L, and it definitely tows much easier throughout the whole RPM range, but when unloaded, my 4.6L sure felt a lot quicker from 0-20. I could light up the tires w/ my 4.6L, but I cannot do that with the 5.4L. I don't understand that, seeing that both trucks were 3:55 LS.
All in all, that truck will do just fine for you. Good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Loveland
I bought a 2003 F-150 4X4 Sport with a 4.6 and I love the truck. The only thing I don't like is the 12-13 MPG it gets. I figure low range will give me all the off-road power I will ever need should I decide to take this one through the deep stuff, it does great in high range with 6 inches of mud or less, typical jobsite mud. I will keep this one forever or until the dune boonies in the middle east raise the price of oil through the roof again.
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
I bought a 2003 F150 XL long bed back in September. It has the 4.6, auto, towing package, and yeah it could have more power. But then again, I don't know of any truck that couldn't use some more power. There is always room for improvement. But I love the truck and the way it runs and drives. I just had a good snowfall last week (mountains of East TN) and that's when I like to go out on the old logging trails. In the majority of the place we were at, we were going through 10-13 inches of snow up the mountains. Didn't have a bit of problems. I don't like factory BFG Long Taril TA's that
New User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Southeast
I bought a 2003 F150 XL long bed back in September. It has the 4.6, auto, towing package, and yeah it could have more power. But then again, I don't know of any truck that couldn't use some more power. There is always room for improvement. But I love the truck and the way it runs and drives. I just had a good snowfall last week (mountains of East TN) and that's when I like to go out on the old logging trails. In the majority of the places we were at, we were going through 10-13 inches of snow up the mountains. Didn't have a bit of problems. I don't like factory BFG Long Trail TA's that are on it (i'm partial to mudders), but the truck went absolutely fine. I never would have guessed it in that much snow. I, too, hate the mileage, but I knew it wouldn't be great when I bought it, but I still don't get the advertised 15 mpg.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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papabearxl,
Is your truck a 4X4? Or did a 2X4 handle that much snow?
I think my 4.6L has enough power, and I got 17.8 MPG on my third tank. I hope to push it to 19, or even 20, in the next several thousand miles. But then, I'm light with the right foot.
Is your truck a 4X4? Or did a 2X4 handle that much snow?
I think my 4.6L has enough power, and I got 17.8 MPG on my third tank. I hope to push it to 19, or even 20, in the next several thousand miles. But then, I'm light with the right foot.
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Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 5
From: middle of AZ
Well I bought the truck today. $19k + trade in.
Now I have to find accessories for it.
Has anyone got the ToolTop, combination tool box /retractable Tonneau, from pace-edwards? I want both a tool bax & tonneau and it looks promising.
Craig
71 F100 4x4
03 F150 XLT 4x4
Now I have to find accessories for it.
Has anyone got the ToolTop, combination tool box /retractable Tonneau, from pace-edwards? I want both a tool bax & tonneau and it looks promising.
Craig
71 F100 4x4
03 F150 XLT 4x4
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
I bought my 03 F150 XLT SC 4x4 (7700 pkg) in July, and besides the brake squeal I am experiencing I love the truck. It has plenty of power and is a pretty comfortable ride, for a truck. I'm just starting to customize it (besides the plow I put on - the reason I got the 7700 pkg): I added westin chrome step bars and rhino liner. I am looking into a Pace Edwards roll-top cover also, but don't know anything about the truck box option you mentioned. I would be interested in that as well. From reading the posts here I am looking into changing some things like exhaust and intake to try and get even more umph.
Nothing like a little get-up-and-go!!
Enjoy the truck!
Nothing like a little get-up-and-go!!
Enjoy the truck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ohio
put a air intake and exhaust kit on the truck then think about getting a diablo chip or a programer and you will have alot of power. i have a 4.6L in my 2002 and i also have a 97 with a 5.4L. my 2002 has exhaust and air intake and the 97 has flowmaster exhaust. my 4.6L feels faster then the 5.4L and the 4.6L pulls my ranger bass boat just as good if not better.