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Here's my situation: I won't be doing much towing, maybe 8 foot trailer w/ a utitlity quad on it here and there. MPG is not a big issue but, the better I can do on it the happier I'll be. Should I opt for the V8 or V10? I've done search after search but can't really find what I'm looking for. I've read some with the reg. cab opted for the V8, but the CrewCab is much heavier so would a V8 only hurt the mpg in something that heavy? Would the V10 be a better choice? What would the difference in mpg would there be between the V8 and V10 empty doing average driving both hwy and city? I want a standard tranny, but the automatic would do me just fine too. If I was going to be hauling I'd opt for the PSD, but I will not tow much at all so that would be a waste of money in my situation. Thanks for any help you all can give me.
There was just another post almost identical to this. I said it there and I'll say it here, many others wont agree, but I have the 5.4 and 4.10s and it's all the truck I need. The V10 gets 1 to 2 mpg worse, costs more to maintain etc etc. For the amount you'll be towing, I'd say the 5.4 with 4.10 rear end will do you just fine. If you don't mind spending the money (added option, added gas and maintenance) go for the v10.
Fly,
I have a 2002 CC 4x4 longbed 5.4l w/ 3:73gears, auto, i get an avg of 12-13 mpg just driving to and from work with no load...i have a heavy right foot
While it will make a difference between reg and crew cabs with 4.10s, there will be a much more noticable difference between crew cabs with 3.73 and 4.10... Definately opt for the 4.10s
if your worried about mileage, make sure you keep stock tires on it. i went from 13.5 with 265's to about 10.2 after putting on some 285 75 16 BFG all terrains on it.. they are D load range, so they're only inflated to 65, but maybe with some thinner ones, maybe the 245's in an E load range might roll good at 85 psi. tires will kill ya on gas, but pizza cutters look like ****
My 2002 crew cab V10 4x4 with 6 speed tranny 3.73 gears and 305/70/16 tires gets 11 around town and 12 mpg on the highway. I do push it pretty hard but babied it one tank full and it didnt make a diffrence.
The V10 gets 1 to 2 mpg worse, costs more to maintain etc etc. For the amount you'll be towing, I'd say the 5.4 with 4.10 rear end will do you just fine. If you don't mind spending the money (added option, added gas and maintenance) go for the v10.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I have to somewhat disagree with Cuda444 regarding the added maintenance issue. The 5.4L and the V10 are the same engine with only the two added cylinders in the middle of the block. Maintenance costs differ only with 2 added spark plugs...at $5.00ea. The oil, tranny, axles, transfer case, radiator coolant, etc. all require the same change intervals. The oil needed is the same, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, COP, etc...all the same.
My experience with both the 5.4L and V10: Fuel mileage between both has been between 1 mpg better for the 5.4L on the highway. I do not calculate city...since my driving is more highway. Both very reliable (as stated above...they are virtually the same engine). Gearing and tires make a big factor as others have said. My V10 has the 3.73s and the 5.4L has 4.10s. Both with factory 265's.
V10 = 310hp with 425 torque
5.4L = 260hp with 350 torque
You cannot go wrong either way. If possible, try to get a 2001 (late build date) at the oldest...because of several improvements over the 1999-2001.5 SD's. ie: D50 to D60, redesigned heads due to spark plug blow out, etc.
wow, good info biz4two. This is all good stuff for me to soak into my head before I get down and dirty with the dealerships. I appreciate all of it.
Sure thing flybub! One other consideration: The V10 might be a better deal right now with fuel prices on most people minds. So many folks have the wrong impression on the V10...and will shy away...making them harder for the dealerships to sell. That is..."IF" the dealerships even have them on the lot.
Anytime buying "Used"...make sure to get two reports. The CarFax and Oasis reports are very valuable. The Oasis can be had by Ford Dealerships. Shows the history of repairs.
Nothing really to add, I used to have a 5.4 with 3.73 in a 1/2 ton, it did pretty good. As stated go with 4.10s if you are going with the 5.4L, in all reality, difference in mpg between the V8 and V10 is going to depend on your specific driving style. If it were me making the decision I'd go V10 mainly so I would have more options down the road. Originally I had a 1/2 ton, worked great, then we started talking about travel trailers and such, now I have 1 ton that I am still paying for, if I had originally got the larger truck to begin with when i was debating the subject, would have saved me in the long run.
If you want good mpg then the solution is simple with both engines. Just slow down. On a recent trip (300 miles) I kept the V10 at a constant 65 mph and got 15.5 mpg hand measured. This included climbing a 4000' mountain pass. This truck is an automatic, 4x4, SuperCab. Not exactly a mpg king type configuration. At 70 mph on the return trip it dropped to 13.2 mpg.
Now, I'd be happy with 15.5 mpg anyday in a truck this size and STILL have the power when I need it. Get the V10.
Having opinions from people with different configurations is excellent. I know I'm buying a 4x4 truck, so I know I'm not going to get 20 mpg. But if the difference between the V8 and v10 is only 2-3 mpg, it will be worth my while and money to get the V10.
Very good feedback from all of you, it is very helpful. If anyone else has a different configuration, post away.