the 5.4 is the only engine option in the 2004-present supercrew right???? I'm kinda looking to upgrade soon and some of the dumb *** dealerships around her list 4.6's in there supercrews on there web sites is this just an oversite- typo or was this an option?? thanks

 

The 4.6L v8 comes standard in the SuperCrews. The 5.4 is a very common upgrade.

 

The 4.6 is standard on the XL,XLT and STX. The 5.4 is standard on the other trim levels.

 

bronco, from what I've heard, do not go with the 4.6L in the Screw unless performance is not an issue. You may have to make a trip to the dealer, but it's easy enough to tell on the lot by looking at the Triton emblem on the front fenders. either it says Triton or Triton 5.4L. They may have a lot of the 4.6 Screw units lying around, as no one seems really big on buying those at this point.

 

When I bought mine, the first one I drove was a 4.6. It was weak by comparison to the 5.4 (what I got).

 

Same here!

 

The 4.6L is an older motor, 230 hp I believe. Go with the 5.4L, with proper driving the difference in fuel would be minimal

 

A friend of mine has a 4.6 like mine and I get better fuel mileage than he does. His foot is slightly larger than mine.

 

When I was shopping for my '06 SuperCrew I was looking for the 5.4 but the issues with plugs kept popping up. Then I was talking to a neighbor and he told me he had two plugs pop out while driving (one out of each head, had to replace them both). It seemed the more people I asked the more I heard of this happening along with the plugs breaking when removed... Nobody with a 4.6 ever mentioned this??

So I decided on the 4.6 which is filling my needs just fine, thank you.

 

That's no reason not to go with the 5.4L. The plug issue is avoidable if you follow the TSB and perform the replacement when the truck still has lower mileage on it (under 80K or so). As for plugs popping out, bad install. That's better than not being able to get them out. And I've been on these boards for coming on 2 years now, and have yet to come across someone who had a plug pop out. Who are these people you talk to?

Now, if the 4.6L is what you need, then more power to you. I just know that I would have regretted getting that engine when the dealer had 5.4's on the lot as well. IMO.

 

In the late 90's Ford was having a problem with their 5.4 Heads that were coming out of the Windsor Plant. There were not enought threads cut into some of the heads for the spark plugs causing them to shoot out of the head. This was a problem primary with Expeditions if I recall correctly.

 

Well Reforder, If the plugs on my neighbors '03 Lariat where a bad installation then it came from the factory like that because he claims they were never changed. And the dealer replaced both heads under warrenty.

So yes I consider this a reason not to get the 5.4 plus the plug breakage problem. These plugs are rated for 100K miles, many people are not going to be aware of the problem(s) until it is too late.

I respect your opinion to opt for the 5.4 and it's problems, I'm not and I don't think others would be either if they were aware of them.

I don't want to be stuck on the side of the road like my cousin was with a high dollar race car on the trailer because a spark plug decided to exit the head...

As for a plug popping out being better than not being able to get it out?? What's the difference Dude?? You still pulling the head if your going to repair it correctly!!!

 

Blockhead dude, there is a difference. If the plug "popped out" because it wasn't threaded all the way, then there is no head repair to be done. If the plug popped out and took the thread with it, then you are right, head repair is imminent.

As far as the plug problem on the 5.4L, it has to do with seizing threads and the top part of the plug breaking off during removal. Yes it's ugly. But people are aware of this issue and still opt for the 5.4. Matter of fact, it's only found on the '04-05 model years, not after that. Plus the plugs are a totally different design than the ones in your neighbors '03 Lariat. The threads are in the middle of the plug, and the lower componenet being stuck in the block is where the problems arise. So if you based your opinion on someone you trusted fine, no one can ever fault you for that.

FYI, I WAS blaming the factory for the bad install, not your buddy. Take it easy.

 

I had 1900 reasons not to get the 5.4 this go around in addition to the cam phaser and spark plug issues.

Here in Tx you get an extra $1k sticker discount on the 4.6, plus the 5.4 is a $900 option. So the bottom line difference is more like $1900.

The only time I know I'm not driving my 2004 5.4L is at 3/4 throttle or more. The `07 4.6L electronic throttle calibration is WAAAY better than the pathetic calibration of my `04 5.4. It was the first thing I noticed on the test drive.

That said, if I was going to be towing more than a couple thousand pounds, I'd have gone with the 5.4 again.

Both are fine engines depending on your intended use.

Doug

 

ReForder Dude,
I'm liking you, we could probably spar forever... Let's have a Tall Frosty Malted Beverage instead.

And I'm assuming that the "lower componenet being stuck in the block" you ment head.

"Blockhead dude, there is a difference" By the way it's Y-Blockhead Dude.
(Y-Blocks were the first OHV V-8 Ford made if you didn't know?? They even supercharged them in '57).