I'm looking at getting an '04 heritage and wanted to see what you think of the 4.2. Specifically, I plan on getting Supercab 2 wheel drive. Is the power enough? I won't be towing anything, but I don't want to put-put along while getting on the freeway either. So, anything goes here...just want your opinions. Thanks.

 

I think I would have liked the 5.6. My wife has an Explorere with the V6 SOHC motor, it has all kinds of wasted acceleration... whereas my truck has to work a bit more.....

 

I think the 6 is a great engine for the standard cab with short bed and even better if fitted with a manaul trans but for an extended or supercab it will be a dog (and not a grey hound either). The bigger trucks are a lot more heavier and I wonder how much better the gas mileage would be (as a compensation).
Better test drive one first.

 

I agree, regular cab short bed with a 4.2 (2 WD) and a 5 speed is great and fun to drive, but anything bigger and I would have to say V8. There wouldn't be too much of a MPG difference, unless you got a heavy foot.

 

The difference in "base curb weight" between a supercab and a regular cab is less than 250 lbs. from what I've read.

4.2L EFI V6 Engine with electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (NA on SuperCab 4x4 or SuperCab 4x2 with 157” wheelbase) Hp and Torque specs are here:
https://www.fordvehicles.com/Trucks/...res/specs/#dim

Base Curb Weight is here:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2004/bb_pdf/109.pdf

I got on the interstate today with my 4.2L regular cab/auto trans. and gave it quite a bit of gas. I wasn't disappointed in the least with the performance.

It accelerates better than my heavy 4wd bronco with the 5.0.

Kevin

 

Eric,
I have a 4.2 in my 2000 F150 Supercab (the small back doors. not the full size 4 door), 2WD w/ 5 speed. I bought it new in Feb 2000.
I have 135,500 miles on it.
It has been a completely reliable, fully satisfactory vehicle. In fact, I'd say it is the best all around vehicle I have ever owned. I just did a quick Birmingham - Little Rock - Birmingham trip and thought while driving down the Interstate; this is one of the very few vehicles that I would sit down it, start, and head for Alaska with NO concerns or doubts.
While the 4.2 does not have the HP and torque of the 5.4, it is sufficient for all I have asked of it.
The 4.2 doesn't make great low-end power. Good but not great. Get it above 2500 RPM and that is where it does much better. (It has a dual intake runner setup that is controled by an actuator assembly (2 solenoids).)
I have hauled 2 motorcycles and a bunch of junk (approx 1000 lbs total) from Pennsylvania to Alabama and it had no problem with that. I have towed a boat a few times (approx 3500 lbs) and it did fine there too. Keep it within its design parameters and it will do fine. It is not a truck/engine combination for everyone. If you demand big power, look elsewhere.
I'll close with this comment: If I were to go buy a new truck tomorrow, I'd buy a Heritage just like what I have.
Now you got me thinking.........

 

Wow, great. Thanks for the input! I hope to catch one before they're all gone...

 

Go for it!! I've got the 4.2 in my '02 regular cab/shortbed with the 5-speed and I havn't seen the service dept once, save for oil & filter changes in 58K miles.
I had heard about head gasket problems with the 4.2s in the 97-98 trucks, but knew they'd been worked out and bought it with no hesitation.

I get 18-21 MPG depending on how I drive, and always have power to use in any driving situation. Let us know what you choose!! Good luck!

 

Go for it , but I would recomend the 5 speed man. trans. I have a 99 Supercab with the V6 5speed, plenty of power and good mpg. I pull a 3000 pound tent camper and it does great.
Dan