4.6 In 1998 Van
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
4.6 In 1998 Van
I am looking at a 1998 E-150 with the 4.6. I want to tow my travel trailer that weighs in at 5500#. THe van is rated at 6100# but seems like a lot for this "little" V8. How good is the 4.6? Will it be a dog when towing? I am not planniing on towing across the country, just locally within Michigan. less than 200 miles per trip.
Thanks.
Nate
Thanks.
Nate
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 223
Likes: 1
From: Long Island
nd48463,
I have a '98 E-150 with the 4.6L. I have not done any towing with it. I did find it lacking in mid-range power. Say accelerating from 50 to 70 MPH and it lost speed while climbing hills. I have added Superchips tuning and now the truck seems to have plenty of power! The truck is a pleasure to drive and the 4.6 has never needed anything but routine maintenence.
As for towing, most would reccommend the 5.4L. I think you'll be OK with the 4.6L if you lock out overdrive and don't do most of your towing through "the mountains". Consider the Superchips tuning. And if you still need more pulling power you can throw some 4:10's in the rear.
Good Luck,
Bill
I have a '98 E-150 with the 4.6L. I have not done any towing with it. I did find it lacking in mid-range power. Say accelerating from 50 to 70 MPH and it lost speed while climbing hills. I have added Superchips tuning and now the truck seems to have plenty of power! The truck is a pleasure to drive and the 4.6 has never needed anything but routine maintenence.
As for towing, most would reccommend the 5.4L. I think you'll be OK with the 4.6L if you lock out overdrive and don't do most of your towing through "the mountains". Consider the Superchips tuning. And if you still need more pulling power you can throw some 4:10's in the rear.
Good Luck,
Bill
Last edited by wmcnally; Aug 6, 2004 at 01:40 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
Towing with that van will not be a problem, assuming you have a proper hitch on it.
The problem you are going to run into is stopping. Climbing hills won't be too bad with a 4.6.
Just flush the transmission fluid before you do any serious towing and install a large transmission cooler.
Its ok to tow in overdrive, you only get into trouble when the truck is shifting up and down over and over again between 3rd and od.
JH
JH
The problem you are going to run into is stopping. Climbing hills won't be too bad with a 4.6.
Just flush the transmission fluid before you do any serious towing and install a large transmission cooler.
Its ok to tow in overdrive, you only get into trouble when the truck is shifting up and down over and over again between 3rd and od.
JH
JH
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
scooter_nate
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
10
May 9, 2013 08:24 AM
jdaugela
Slide-in / Truck Campers / Toppers
7
Dec 28, 2001 02:27 PM
