4.6 Adequate power?
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
I have an 04 4.6 supercab 2wd. Has plenty of power for me.
I helped soemone move the other day, fully loaded bed and fully loaded 10' UHaul trailer and it was nothing at all. It did a fantastic job.
Im really happy with my 4.6 and really like my F150.. amazing truck.
I helped soemone move the other day, fully loaded bed and fully loaded 10' UHaul trailer and it was nothing at all. It did a fantastic job.
Im really happy with my 4.6 and really like my F150.. amazing truck.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix USA
Something that may help make up your mind is Ford has brought the "Tow & Go" discount back. What that is, if you buy a F-150 XLT and get the $895 5.4L engine option and the $350 towing package option there is a $1245 discount. So they are a free upgrade and well worth it at that price. I would also recommend the 3.73 rear end based on what I am hearing. I just had the dealer price out a new 06 SC with those options and more on an X plan. Now I hope I can sell my 98 before the new one gets here!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 471
Likes: 0
From: eastern nc
When we were looking at the trucks the first one we drove was a 4.6 screw 4x4, it shifted in and out of overdrive more than I liked. Then we drove the 5.4 and bought it. There may be a number of differences or choices in gearing etc. I would drive them both and buy the one that best suits you. Mileage wise they told me they get the same. Good Luck and enjoy.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
I have an 06 F150 screw with the 5.4 and 3:73 gears, it's strong off the line but does have a flat spot in the mid range. I tow a 5000lb boat without any problems at all but I do wish it had a little more in the middle. I think the 4.6 is just not enough for a truck that weighs almost 6000lbs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 22
From: Murphysboro, IL
I towed my tractor and trailer and other stuff totaling near 6500 lbs. often with my 04 reg. cab 4x4 with a 4.6 and it did fine. I traded it for a Supercab 4wd with a 5.4 and yes this truck does tow the load better but like I said the other did it just fine.
Often I haul 1100 lbs. of dog food in the bed of my truck. The former 04 did a great job with it, the current 06 does a great job. Neither truck really noticed or lacked the cajones to haul 1100 lbs. at 70 mph or stop and go through town uncomfortably.
Probably for what you're gonna do the 4.6 will be fine and you'll save $800.
Often I haul 1100 lbs. of dog food in the bed of my truck. The former 04 did a great job with it, the current 06 does a great job. Neither truck really noticed or lacked the cajones to haul 1100 lbs. at 70 mph or stop and go through town uncomfortably.
Probably for what you're gonna do the 4.6 will be fine and you'll save $800.
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
FWIW, I have the 4.6 in my '04 xcab 4x4, and I would definitely upgrade to the 5.4 if I had the choice again. The 4.6 is just sluggish, especially off the line. Gas mileage is pretty good at 17-18 mpg now that its well broken in. I do tow with it quite freqently, and it will pull a load with no problem and has great torque, but I just think the 5.4 would do much better. It is a much more sophisticated motor and probably breathes a lot better. 2 valves per cylendar is just old-school. Sadly, my 2002 FX4 with the 4.6 was a lot quicker, probably because of the weight, but then again I was lucky to get 16 MPG.
I wouldn't doubt that Ford might make the 5.4 standard in the XLT and higher in 2007 to set a new standard and fight back some of the competition. Just a hunch...
I wouldn't doubt that Ford might make the 5.4 standard in the XLT and higher in 2007 to set a new standard and fight back some of the competition. Just a hunch...
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Texas
The 5.4L gets the same gas mileage as the 4.6L, plus the added benefit of more torque and horse power you would be crazy not to get the 5.4L! Sure the 4.6L might be adequate and able to pull just fine. But put a 5.4L in anybodies 4.6L truck and I beat they would very much appreatiate the extra power and torque when needed....again they get the same gas mileage so what advantage does the 4.6 have? Price? For $895 or with the tow and go deal...the 5.4L option is a no brainer!