How does the 5.4 hold up for towing? Which trans works the best with this motor? I have a 5th wheel car trailer that I pull with a 36 hp tractor and loader on it sometimes. Would the 5.4 be to small or should I just stick with my powerstroke?
I was think of updating my old pickup with a 99 f250 cc 4x4 with either a 5.4 or powerstroke and either a auto trans or 6 spd manual.
What are your thoughts?
thanks
wendal

 

if you tow with a powerstroke now and went to the 5.4 you would think you were using a 4 banger. i don't have much experience towing with the 5.4 but plowing with a powerstroke is much better than a 5.4. it not the same but the power difference is amazing. plus you mileage with a 5.4 empty could be about the same as your powerstroke loaded.

 

I read in another post that you currently have a 97. I personally don't think it would be worth it to upgrade 2 years if your current truck is in good running condition and everything is ok with it. If your current truck does everything you ask it to do, nothing is wrong with it, and you don't need to upgrade for any reason, stick with your current truck.

Gary

 

I guess it depends on the terrain you will travel, and how long of a tow. I have a 16ft car trailer I use to haul a race car (or usually someone elses car) and with a trailer of 1500lb and a 3500lb car we're talking only 5,000lb, which I feel my truck tows with no problem anywhere. I moved a "small" bobcat once, that thing still had to weigh at least 6 or 7 thousand itself. I knew I had a load then. My truck worked a little for sure moving that, but the thing I wanted more than anything then were trailer brakes, not more power. Mostly flat ground, no major hill climbs while pulling. Conclusion, I like my litte 5.4. And as long as Im going to keep this truck, I dont want to have to give up my next of kin and win the lottery to replace something on the motor when it does fail.

 

It depends on how muchweight you are towing, and the conditions and fequency of towing. I an on my 2nd 5.4 and it is fine towing within its limits. I wouldn't tow 10K lbs up a 10 percent grade every day but for lesser towing tasks it is fine. Exactly what model and year are you considering?

 

Keep in mind that the 5.4 does have 350 pounds of torque so it is definetly capable

 

Whell I realy donot need to upgrade. I just liked the looks of the superdutys. The only problem with my truck is my tranny grindes going into 2nd gear. I did not know if the 5.4 did any better on fuel. My powerstroke does better on fuel than my 351 I had. On a good day of interstate driving I can get 17 mpg nontowing. My 351 only got about 15.5 on a good day. I will probably stick with my old truck. I was think when my tranny goes out about putting a 6spd in it. I was told it can be done. new clutch, presure plate and the tranny. Just a thought. It probably would cost a small forturn and I probably put a 5spd back in it. While I was dreaming about the 6spd I think 3.73 would be a good tuch. Whell back to reality.
thanks for your input
wendelin

 

If you switch to the 99 powerstroke make sure it's a late 99 and not the early ones. Less issues. The 99's had transfercase problems also with the shift forks, might want to inquire to previous service history. It's also cheaper to replace a clutch than the $3000+ 4r100 auto transmission. I love my Powerstroke in my 99SD but the cost of the problem parts is killing my wallet. My transfercase will be here tomorrow as a matter of fact, lol. Check the oilpan for rust leaks if your in a salt area, get it fixed before the 100,000 mile engine warranty is up. My brothers 5.4 2004 f150 pulled my superduty to the stealership just fine at 10000lbs including the trailer, the 5.4 is more than capable.

 

Why the '99? I would recommend going with a new SD...maybe the 2002 and newer models. Reason(s): Dana 50 front to the Dana 60 upgrade; spark plug blow-out on the modular engines has been solved; '99 5.4L have less hp/torque .vs the new models upto 2004. Then of course the 3v now in the '05+ models. Age of the SD of course...

If you are going to go from your '97...might as well make a good leap...rather than a few steps.

Back to it...the 5.4L will do what you need it to do. The engine is not the issue...more the gearing. Make sure it at least has the 4.10s.

biz

 

4.10 is best so are 4.30's but you can't factory order them with 4.30 i wish you could.

 

In my 05 I have the 5.4, what a disappointment. I should of spent the money on the power stroke. I tow a bobcat or a dump trailer with about 3 yards of dirt. It struggles to get up hills and also slows down on hills on the highway.

I absolutely love this truck, she is a beauty. (black xlt) But no power for towing and the gas mileage towing or not towing is terrible. So my next truck will have the Power stroke.

 

i towed my car on a dolly no problems. couldn't hardly tell it was there except for smoother bumps. 2 days ago i had a pallet with slightly over a ton of tile/thinset in the bed. didn't hardly sag and didn't struggle with the load one bit. oh by the way i've got the 5.4 not the PS. i wouldn't go around hauling heavy machinery with it but for occasional loads it's great. doesn't sound as sweet as a PS though...

 

My 04 has the 5.4l/4.10 gears , great combo , pulls my Kubota /trailer -4000+lbs with no problem , 7000 + would be a load for limited runs, Craig

 

I have a 99 F250 Supercab SD Longbed with the 5.4l and 4.10's and I pulled travel trailers for a transport company all over the US and have never had any problem. I currently have 187,000 miles on the truck.

I have never really had any problems climbing any hills except the gas mileages droped to 4 to 6 mpg. Otherwise towing I average about 9 to 11mpg.

The only mechanical problems I have ever had so far (knock on wood) is a engine oil cooler failure but it was easy to place and it occurred around 180,000 mile.

 

I had an '04 F250 SC Longbed and was pulling an 8,500 lb. toyhauler, even added a programmer, headers, FIPK and hi-flow exhaust. Not worth the investment in my opinion, good improvement in mileage but still mushy in the performance arena. I bit the bullet and traded in for an '05 F250 SC Longbed PSD, same exact truck only now 4X4 and diesel powerplant. Towing is now a joy and I've lost that strained expression on my face going up hills. It's been replaced by that PSD grin. Good luck in your decision.
-Kevin-