My first post, so hi FTEs.

I am looking at replacing my 2001 (4x2, SC, 4.6L, XLT, 3.55LS) with a 2007.

After many hours of "build & price" on ford.ca it seems that the best configuration for me (daily driver, limited hauling, very limited towing) is another SC, 4.6L, XLT, but this time I would like to try 4x4 instead of 4x2, and maybe 3.55 regular instead of LS.

Checking dealer inventories in Southern & Eastern Ontario there are many 4x4 5.4Ls and some 4x4 4.6Ls, but almost all the SC and CC models are 3.73, with the 3.55s mostly in the RC trucks.

The 3.73 gives more pulling power but most of the F150s I see are not used for towing or heavy loads, so I am wondering if there is something wrong with the 4x4 4.6L 3.55 configuration that makes it hard to find.

All suggestions welcome.

Snapshot

 

LOL , we have that truck in stock and it's on sale as featured on our website. Supercab 4x4 XLT 4.6 with 3.55. Contact FTE member Phantom Wolf for more info. The reason you cant find one is that the axle is upgraded to 3.73 automatically when you add the 18" rims from the XTR package. We stock that truck ands use it as our feature to add the Mojave Package, check out our site and you'll find the inventory and more info. Thanks

 

PS we have a grey one that just landed not on the site until Friday. $29,880 plus $380 for captains chairs and $1,250 freight.

 

Blackstock: Thanks for the quick response, it makes sense too because almost all the trucks I saw or checked online had the XTR package - why is it so common?

I don't care for the extra chrome or the 18" wheels and didn't realize the wheels put the 3.73 in the package.

My browsing didn't include Orangeville but I'm on your site now...

Snapshot

 

IVe got a question. If your upgrading to a 4x4, why are you then downgrading to a non-LS?

 

It seemed that with the 4x2 the LS gave me a better chance for traction in snow, so it was a good choice compared to a regular (open) differential.

I am thinking that a 4x4 would be capable in snow without requiring the complexity, expense and potential problems of the LS, hence the open.

But I would appreciate any comments or suggestions to the contrary, particularly from people who have tried either or both combinations.

Snapshot

 

The LS vs. Open is a tough call. I liked my Open because my back end would stay… well in back. With the LS you get more traction, but if you break loose you’re almost guaranteed to start sliding one way or another I do however feel an LS is important in a pickup… especially since ford has yet to include an ‘auto 4x4’ option in their pickups. So on those days just after it’s snowed when the roads are a combination of pavement and snow, you either risk hurting your 4x4, or slide around in 2hi, which sucks even with a LS. I find myself switching back and forth a lot, mostly on hills.

Welcome to FTE.

 

LS is not complicated at all. just a bunch of discs that are sandwhiched together and a viscious fluid in the diff. they typically last a very long time, and if they do wear out, your down to a open diff

I'd recommend getting the LS no matter if you get 4x2 or 4x4. in 4x4, the LS gives you 3 wheel drive, vs 2 wheel drive (open diffs front and rear)

as for the gears, the 3.55 are decent all around gears for a truck in general.

the 3.73 gears will give you better towing capability, better acceleration. you won't really see any affect in your MPG vs the 3.55

 

I would agree with everyone's comments. In my opinion there is pros and cons but I wouldn't call it a must. The mileage is about the same either way because the tire circum. and axle ratio nets out to a simular RPM. You could improve highway mileage by putting bigger tires (i have some take offs ) on the 3.55 but you would be sacrificing trailer towing ability and city mileage a little.
The XTR package is chrome grille, crome clad 18" tires, polished stainless steps, chrome tip and leather wrapped steering wheel. They put a retail value of the package at $2,250 less $600 discount. But right now you can buy the truck without XTR and get the steps and the tip for free and still pick some other small stuff for free. We stock that truck to have the lowest price around (everybody else stock only XTR) and you can a customer can add our Mojave and still be the same price as an XTR.

 

The XTR package appears to be pure bling, while the Blackstock / Mojave package includes some function especially for off-road driving (lift, rims) along with some bling of it's own, as shown on a very attractive web page.

Both are nice but my driving is mostly pavement with a few logging roads and I would rather spend the $ on other things (power seats, CD changer, LineX, tonneau, etc.) so I will likely stay with the XLT.

I'm still pondering the differential but tylus makes some good points. Most of the time I am 50/50 highyway/city, so maybe the 3.73 LS would be the best choice after all - a little extra juice for acceleration & (rare) towing, plus 3WD in the snow.

Thanks for all the suggestions & comments.

Snapshot

 

FYI if you order 5.4 and LTD Slip you get the factory trailer tow package at N/C (Tow and Go Credit)

 

Check, thanks for the tip. I noticed this during the build & price frenzy and it is a very attractive bundle, but I am trying to stay with the 4.6L for (slightly) less fuel usage during most trips which are not heavily loaded or towing.

Snapshot

 

IMO the 4.6 is no more fuel efficient than the 5.4, especially when you have some weight in your truck, or if you're towing. I drive a few new F150's Screws with the 4.6 at work. The 5.4 doesn't need to work as hard.

 

The rating difference is minimal. Halfway through 06 model the 4.6 recieved an updated stratedgy to improve mileage. The mileage is difference is 10% at best, unless towing as last5oh said

 

If you are going with the 4.6 get the 3.73's not a lot of difference if any in gas and truck will have at least a little pep. I got the 4.6 SC 4X4 thought I had 3.55's. After putting 24's on I called the dealer about a gear swap, only to find out I already had 3.73's. Now I really wish I had opted for the 5.4. But even with the factory 17's truck was still no Speedy Gonzales. But I didn't buy it to race. Get the 73's.