I was thinking lately: Why didn't Ford build a 4x4 4.2 Supercab? I was looking all over the place for one before I bought my current truck. A guy in North Dakota said he had one and I was excited, but I was extremely disappointed to discover it was a 4.6. But that truck was so immaculate that you thought it was brand new. It had 83k on it and it drove like a dream. It was a beautiful teal. But the deal went real sour when the guy wanted 13 grand for it. That was WAY over book value. I had to walk, but I was in love with that truck. Last time I saw it, it was gone. Guess he must have sold it or something.

So why can't we get a 4x4 4.2 Supercab? Was the 4.2 too weak to power that much weight around or something?

My old shop teacher has one, a '97 Supercab long box but it's 2WD. It has the 4.2, 5 speed and I'm not sure on the gears, as I didn't ask him. The motor in it is not original as the old one blew up on him. He said the 4.2 just up and locked on him without warning one morning. He was really hurting in his wallet as the new replacement engine cost him almost 5 grand!! When I heard his story, it made me thoroughly check out my 4.2 for anything out of the ordinary. Looks like I'm in the clear. For now. I have had the truck for almost 1 and a half years and haven't had anything major happen yet.

Sorry for the long rant, but I just had to share this with y'all!

Thanks and spread my consolences to any of you guys that had to endure the fury of Hurricane Katherine (I think that's the name. Don't remember, sorry)!

 

Actually I thought the 4X4 in the work truck series had the 4.2 in it. I would then assume that if it were not offered it is because of the torque. I would think that the engine could pull well because it is the gear that decides power to weight ratio? Maybe under extreme conditions it has been proven that the 4.2 is a non hacker? That was a pretty neat question. Actually for me if I needed a 4X4, I believe the extra torque would be pretty much a give me since this truck is full size. Hey I really doen't have an extensive knowledge of 4X4 anyway. But my 4.2 pulls well everytime I've loaded it up to 2800lbs. Pretty level roads and i can cruise @60 no problems.

 

Could be because my 4.2 is pretty torquey for such a heavy 4x4. I slowed down to 10 MPH in third and it didn't have any trouble pulling up to speed. Not bad for a V-6, but I sure would appreciate some more power for some situations like towing or just having fun. I know all of us would really love some more power.

 

Funny how that works. When the new 04 F-150 came out it was stock w/ 4.6. But now the lagacy F-150 has been discontinued the newer F-150 has an optional 4.2 now.
BTW I have 3.55 rear gears so for low end I really suck, but once I'm at speed i do pretty well.

 

Hey, I also have 3.55's in both diffs! Is the ideal gears like 4.10's or 4.30's to make the best of the 4.2? I will probably do a gear swap in the near future. My truck does just well at speed.

Your right, the '04 F150 only had the 4.6. But why would they put the 4.2 into a heavier platform if the horsepower and torque is the same as the old one? They should have beefed up the output of the 4.2 to better motivate the new F150. Don't you agree?

 

Yeah I agree it would have been nicer to have about 50 plus horses in that V-6, I mean I do all right but 202 really is lame IMO. But if I were to replace that motor I'd look for a higher H/P 4.2 if that ever comes about. I'm happy for the most part. You know I've stomped mine from a dead stop to 95 MPH. At about 30 it just takes off. I broke it in to run at higher hi-way speeds, like 80-85 mph. I rarely drive like that anymore but if need be she'll roll out.

 

I guess the reason for keeping the hp and torque numbers was because Ford didn't want the 4.2 to overshadow the 4.6 or something.

Yeah, my 4.2 likes high speed, but at the cost of gas mileage. The faster you go, the more fuel it takes. That's why I keep her at 70. No faster than that. That's how I get 22-23 mpg on the highway. Not bad for a 4x4, eh? What do you get at 70-75? I was surprised when my 4.2 got those numbers. I mean, only a 2WD would get those numbers but a 4x4? Forget it! And I get 19-20 mpg city! How weird is that?
My dealer who got the truck for me confirmed it. He put 2 gallons of gas in it and it got nearly 20 in the city. No B.S.!

I have smoked 3 Chebbies with the 4.2. The last one I beat was lifted with big tires and all and I ran it to 30-35 in first gear. My parents were scared and let me have it. They said it was very dangerous and how I was stupid for pulling that stunt. They're right but I couldn't help it. You know what I mean? I had the Chebby owner by 1 to 2 lengths.

So the 4.2 is pretty quick, but if it had a lot more power, it would be unbeatable!

Enough of my ranting!

 

I did a little stuff to get my truck to see the 19-20 mpg in town, I have an automatic. And on the road I did see 23-24 once but I didn't fully run the tank down. If I kept it at 70-75 I'm sure i could see good numbers all things considering. I wouldn't trade it for a new F-150! Not because I have it almost paid off, but because I like the interior options better, And I have a XL Sport! Now maybe a 250 I'd consider??? I'd like to see Ford market better fuel effecient vehicles all around. They have computers and they have the technology. So I'd hope they'd use it.