4.6 or 5.4
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Junior User
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From: GrandRapids MI
4.6 or 5.4
i am looking to buy and expidition soon just wondering wich one to get . it wont be used to haul anything besides the kids. so i am thinking about getting the 4.6 . will this motor last in an expy? or should i go with the 5.4 ? when i buy one it will probably have over 100k and would like it to go another 100k. thanks for the input.
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If you're looking at an Expy with 100K already on the odometer, then prior use/maintenance will be the primary factor in determining if it will be viable for another 100K. The 4.6 uses a lighter-duty transmission and rear axle than the 5.4 models, FYI.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Not so Ken,
I recently bought a 4.6 and have driven alot of 5.4. Yes, the 5.4 has a different tranny and rear end, but if your on a budget you get what you can find.
The 4.6 is ok for a vehicle which will not do alot of heavy towing. Mine hauls two adults, and five teenagers and all there stuff to the beach or mountains with no problems! The 4.6 has a bad rap with alot of people, but remember the Tbird and mustang both have used them.
downdeephuskyjerk,
You realize this is an issue which you'll get alot of response and each answer will be different.
I recently bought a 4.6 and have driven alot of 5.4. Yes, the 5.4 has a different tranny and rear end, but if your on a budget you get what you can find.
The 4.6 is ok for a vehicle which will not do alot of heavy towing. Mine hauls two adults, and five teenagers and all there stuff to the beach or mountains with no problems! The 4.6 has a bad rap with alot of people, but remember the Tbird and mustang both have used them.
downdeephuskyjerk,
You realize this is an issue which you'll get alot of response and each answer will be different.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: MA
Having had a '97 4.6 and a '00 5.4, I would hands-down recommend the 5.4. I don't do a lot of towing, but going up long grades, etc. I noticed that the 4.6 was more underpowered than I would have liked. Not once has that been an issue with the 5.4. And, FWIW, gas mileage has been about the same.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: NE JERSEY
The 5.4L is a slug from 0-60.
The 4.6L has got to be worse.
I was always surprised on the 5.4L lack of spunk.
Even at passing gear.
Easy decision!
Go 5.4 and get the a bit more power,better trans and rear.
The 4.6L has got to be worse.
I was always surprised on the 5.4L lack of spunk.
Even at passing gear.
Easy decision!
Go 5.4 and get the a bit more power,better trans and rear.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Chesapeake, VA
Originally posted by redvet
The 5.4L is a slug from 0-60.
The 4.6L has got to be worse.
I was always surprised on the 5.4L lack of spunk.
Even at passing gear.
Easy decision!
Go 5.4 and get the a bit more power,better trans and rear.
The 5.4L is a slug from 0-60.
The 4.6L has got to be worse.
I was always surprised on the 5.4L lack of spunk.
Even at passing gear.
Easy decision!
Go 5.4 and get the a bit more power,better trans and rear.
But, that's not what he asked. My OPINION is still the 5.4L. I drove them both, the 4.6L was a dog. Fortunately, I did not give in and get the 4.6L. Although we did not intend to tow anything more than my utility trailer, the following spring we decided to buy a camper. For the little difference in price used and no difference in reportably MPG, get the bigger engine. When it came time to tow, I was glad I did. Do yourself a favor and go drive both the 4.6L and 5.4L. There are plenty on used car lots, so drive them there, even if you're not going to buy there.
Last edited by khmorse; Feb 16, 2004 at 07:38 AM.
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Elder User
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From: Oklahoma
My hands-down vote would have to be for the 5.4.
I have driven both as well as having 2 friends with 4.6 F-150's. They have both driven my 5.4 Expy and are now looking for different trucks with the 5.4.
From what the friends say, they get nearly the exact milage I do....so, go for the extra cubes!
I have driven both as well as having 2 friends with 4.6 F-150's. They have both driven my 5.4 Expy and are now looking for different trucks with the 5.4.
From what the friends say, they get nearly the exact milage I do....so, go for the extra cubes!
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From: Chicago Area
A desenting vote! I have a 2001 4.6 and it's just fine. I think the older 4.6's may not have been as good. My daughter has a 5.4 and I guess it's somewhat faster, but I never feel underpowered in mine. I might not feel the same without a 3.55 or lower (numerically higher) differential. And I do get about 10% better mpg, if that is of concern.
For the mileage you're considering, the maintenance history is far more important than anything else. If the previous owner followed the book religiously, or even better, claimed use of synthetic oils and/or "severe service" maintenance (frequent trans fluid changes, etc.), you'll probably get your 200,000 miles. If not, you probably won't!
You should be able to get a terrific price on a vehicle with 100,000 miles, because most people think that is as long as it will last. The reality is, with reasonable maintenance, you can easily get 200,000 or more. So hold out for one that you can talk to the previous owner about, or otherwise verify the history.
For the mileage you're considering, the maintenance history is far more important than anything else. If the previous owner followed the book religiously, or even better, claimed use of synthetic oils and/or "severe service" maintenance (frequent trans fluid changes, etc.), you'll probably get your 200,000 miles. If not, you probably won't!
You should be able to get a terrific price on a vehicle with 100,000 miles, because most people think that is as long as it will last. The reality is, with reasonable maintenance, you can easily get 200,000 or more. So hold out for one that you can talk to the previous owner about, or otherwise verify the history.
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My 4x4 4.6 has 17" wheels and 3.55 gears, all power accessories, third seat, and rear A/C. From a gearing/weight standpoint, it has to be worst case scenario in terms of acceleration. Compounding matters, the area I live in is extremely hilly.
Is it a rocket? No. Have I become accustomed to the relatively slow acceleration? Sure. To me it's not a big deal, and I'm not a timid driver by any means. I can still buzz the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 85 without feeling that I'm straining the truck. My truck has 71,000 miles and I've had zero engine repairs, BTW.
If you don't tow, and don't often need to rocket up to 65 to be able to merge onto busy highways very often, the 4.6 will do the job. Can't be that bad a motor; it's used in many a Crown Vic police car and taxi.
Is it a rocket? No. Have I become accustomed to the relatively slow acceleration? Sure. To me it's not a big deal, and I'm not a timid driver by any means. I can still buzz the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 85 without feeling that I'm straining the truck. My truck has 71,000 miles and I've had zero engine repairs, BTW.
If you don't tow, and don't often need to rocket up to 65 to be able to merge onto busy highways very often, the 4.6 will do the job. Can't be that bad a motor; it's used in many a Crown Vic police car and taxi.
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