4.6 vs 5.4
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4.6 vs 5.4
Would I be better off buying a used 2004 to 2008 F-150 with a 4.6 since the 5.4 is having spark plug problems. I am normally one that keeps a vehicle for a long time so I know I would have to change plugs. The other thing that would be nice to know is, what percentage of 5.4's have had to have the heads pulled because of the spark plug issue. I have to say that I was looking forward to having the 5.4 because of the extra power when pulling a 4600 pound boat/trailer through the Ozarks.
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I had the 4.6 in my '04 Screw and it pulled a boat and trailer (not at the same time) ok. I have the 5.4 in my '06 Screw and it pulls both much, much better. Im not too worried about the spark plug issue. I do plan on keeping this truck until i run it into the ground. The risk is worth the extra power to me. IMHO.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 808
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From: P.G. VA
I would by the 5.4 regardless. Worst case scenerio is it cost you $1500 to replace the plugs(and this seems to be an extreme case) and it's done. Yes that's a big chuck of change that alot of us don't have just laying around but to me this is better than wishing you had the extra power of the 5.4 for "a long time" as you stated.
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From: Kzoo
I got the 4.6l and i "can" get like 16-18mpg but i have to stay off of it, which i normally don't and usually get more like 14-15mpg I also think the 4.6l has enough power for towing but then again i only pull a little 8ft trailer with a lawn tractor in the summer so it depends on what your gonna do with it.
I think it would be nice to have the 5.4 but only for racing my buddies, other then that the 4.6l is fine...
I think it would be nice to have the 5.4 but only for racing my buddies, other then that the 4.6l is fine...
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Joined: Nov 2007
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When I bought my '06 at first I wanted the 5.4 . After reading the horror stories about the plugs and having doubts about the reliability of a complex 3 valve engine, I decided to go with the more conventional 2 valve 4.6. Not a real powerhouse, but neither is the 5.4 when you factor in the weight of these trucks. I suppose if you're towing a real hefty trailer the 5.4 would get the nod, but my 4.6 does everything I ask of it, and I don't lose sleep worrying about friggin' plugs! My 2 cents.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 258
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From: Corpus Christi, TX
Like gpeade said, 1500 over the course of 100k miles really isn't a bit deal. That's assuming that the particular plug problem arises with the truck you own. I pull a 24' RoadMaster Predator with my 5.4. (8K lbs wet) With the exception of pulling up mountains or on windy days, it works pretty well. I don't even think the 4.6 would do that. Having said that, more power is what every guy wants. Isn't it? Thats why I've opted for the up grade to the 6.4 SD. Don't think I'll be too concerned about the hills then.LOL
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 220
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From: Texas
Definitly get the 5.4L 3V.
1. The spark plug issue is way blown out of perspective. I changed mine out at 41k with no issues. Change the plugs ~50k mile intervals and follow the TSB and you'll be fine. After the first spark plug change, the TSB says to add anti seize on the electrode body....this will help prevent any issues with second spark plug change.
2. The 5.4L gets the same gas mileage as the 4.6L....The 5.4L has 3V heads and variable valve timing to help its efficiency. Check out www.fueleconomy.gov if you don't believe the 5.4L and 4.6L get the same mileage. So you can get a 4.6L with 248 hp/294ft-lb or a 5.4L with 300hp/365ft-lb for the same price at the pump
3. Plus with the 5.4L you get stronger 9.75" gears instead of the 8.8".
Ford 4.6L = 248 hp/ 294 ft-lb
Chevy 4.8L = 295 hp/ 305 ft-lb
Dodge 4.7L = 235 hp/ 300 ft-lb
Toyota 4.7L = 276 hp/ 313 ft-lb
Ford 5.4L = 300 hp/ 365 ft-lb
Chevy 5.3L = 315 hp/ 338 ft-lb
Dodge 5.7L = 345 hp/ 375 ft-lb
Toyota 5.7L = 381 hp/ 401 ft-lb
1. The spark plug issue is way blown out of perspective. I changed mine out at 41k with no issues. Change the plugs ~50k mile intervals and follow the TSB and you'll be fine. After the first spark plug change, the TSB says to add anti seize on the electrode body....this will help prevent any issues with second spark plug change.
2. The 5.4L gets the same gas mileage as the 4.6L....The 5.4L has 3V heads and variable valve timing to help its efficiency. Check out www.fueleconomy.gov if you don't believe the 5.4L and 4.6L get the same mileage. So you can get a 4.6L with 248 hp/294ft-lb or a 5.4L with 300hp/365ft-lb for the same price at the pump
3. Plus with the 5.4L you get stronger 9.75" gears instead of the 8.8".
Ford 4.6L = 248 hp/ 294 ft-lb
Chevy 4.8L = 295 hp/ 305 ft-lb
Dodge 4.7L = 235 hp/ 300 ft-lb
Toyota 4.7L = 276 hp/ 313 ft-lb
Ford 5.4L = 300 hp/ 365 ft-lb
Chevy 5.3L = 315 hp/ 338 ft-lb
Dodge 5.7L = 345 hp/ 375 ft-lb
Toyota 5.7L = 381 hp/ 401 ft-lb
Postmaster
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From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by ford9c
The 5.4l doesn't provide that much more grunt and you pay more at the pump. Adding in the spark plug issue, the cam phaser issue, etc etc - If I had to do it over, I'd get the 4.6l.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 616
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From: Florida Parishes, LA
I would go with the 5.4. I had the 4.6 in my old f-150 and hated it. This is my 3 5.4 and like it alot better. My last 2 5.4 were the older 2v model and this one feels better. I would not worry about the spark plug issues. You say that you tow in the Ozarks, so the 5.4 would serve you much better.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: IOWA
I owned a F-150 reg cab with 4.6L it was 1997 and did bo bad just driving around didn't pull much with it. Then I bought my 02 F-150 SC with 5.4L and loved more and turned 300rpm less at 70mph that the 4.6L did. the power was so much more that would go back to 4.6L ever. Then I bought F-250 SD SC with 6.0L PSD to pull my 33ft trailer I had at the time. Loved all my Fords would own anything else!!!!
Last edited by NORTHLAND06; Dec 5, 2007 at 10:09 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 585
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From: Willis, Texas
Originally Posted by tylus
an F-150 with a 4.6 is an underpowered pig that can't get out of it's own way
the 5.4 makes more power, gets comparable MPG and adds more value to the truck
the 5.4 makes more power, gets comparable MPG and adds more value to the truck
Well, with posters who bust out with stuff like this...its a wonder that there is even a MARKET for a 4.6....
BTW, my 4.6 can get out of its own way actually quite nicely...for "an underpowered pig".
And um...why is it that everyone on here talks about how good the mileage is on their 5.4 but when I actually use the work truck up here and drive it the same way, or compare notes with people FACE TO FACE around work they say they don't get comparable mileage? They all get from 12-14 average, but mine, average using the amount of gas vs amount of miles driven and divide and not the Edge reading I get from 14-17? But of course, I don't want to start a huge argument by saying mean stuff to hurt anyones feelings!
to the OP, it would all depend on what it is you wish to do and what your preferences are. I picked the 4.6 and don't regret it one bit, even though I had the choice of 2 4.6 and 6 5.4 powered vehicles.
Get what you can comfortably afford and put to the best use and enjoy your Ford.
D