Hi,

I am looking at a 2003 F250 with the 5.4L v8. Maybe I am just spoiled with the dodge cummins diesiel I have now but it seems like this ford is really underpowered. I am looking for a cheaper gasser truck and it is in fantastic condition with 55K miles. I am wondering if there are any performance upgrades that can be done to improve towing capabilities?

 

Aside from a gearing change, not really.

I easily tow 8-9000 pounds with my 3V 5.4L engine with 3.73 gears. With the 2V engine (2004 and older) 7-8000 pounds are no real problem. If you're towing more, don't get a 5.4L.

As for fuel mileage, I thought the Cummins was the fuel miser of the heavy duty truck world? I seriously doubt any Super Duty with any powertrain will get you a large increase in mileage. The Super Duty line is about 1000 pounds +/- heavier than the comparable Dodge truck.

 

I wouldn't be selling the truck but my wife is pregnant with twins and we are building a new house so I need to downgrade to a lesser expensive truck. I am just worried that the 5.4L is not enough for that truck

 

if youre used to a newer hotrod diesel you probably wont like it. but it does everything you will ask it to just not as fast or efficiently

 

go find a v10 you be more at ease

 

A Super Duty, even with a 5.4L, won't be cheaper to operate. Expect 14-15 MPG out of it on a good day, 10-12 around town.

 

I havent found a body lift for an 03 yet. Nor a haynes manual for that year. My truck gets 9.5 mpg Single cab long bed see sig.

 

I'm with Redford. Unless you have a brand new Dodge with a brand new extra large payment, going from what you have now to that '03 5.4 SD won't save you any measurable cash. You'll just have less of a truck.


Can anybody say....minivan??

Sorry, couldn't help it.

 

Hockey pucks

 

I can see why you would want a "cheaper" truck... especially if you have big truck payments right now. A good deal is hard to pass up.

Redford is right, gearing is the best thing you can do with any Super Duty gasser.

If a lack of power is truly your concern, you probably would be happier with a V-10. It ain't no cummins, but it will pull a little better.

IMO, if you can get rid of a big truck payment and can live with that "underpowered" feeling, then go for it and regear later. That would wake it up. But if you're looking for fuel mileage savings then stick with what ya got.

 

The 5.4 in my 99 does everything I ask it to do. Honestly, I don't feel it's under powered at all. If I was towing big loads I would want the V-10 or PSD, but for my 5K TT, it chugs it along just fine WITH a load of wood in the bed and various other camping supplies. My truck is a supercab with a long bed so it is heavy.

No, it doesn't run like my 69' GTO does, but it's not supposed to either. I am very happy with the performance.

 

the 5.4 can definitely get the job done.....just alot slower. Comparing it to any Diesel it will seem underpowered, but that doesn't mean it can't handle the job. If it's just a payment you're trying to get out of, a good used V10 might be your route if performance is what you're looking for. The trucks are alot cheaper then a PSD.....mileage isn't so hot, but it all just depends what you are wanting out of the truck!

 

i dont think mine is underpowered... but if your looking for a daily driver .... get a car... even with all the performance upgrades ive done i still only avg 12-13 mpg around town..... even tho it is peppier now.... the #1 upgrade i'd say would be a tuner... more for shift points then anything... exhaust and intake always help....

my first tank of gas with same driving routine with no upgrades i got 11mpg so i'd say i did GAIN 1-2 mpg but when im filling up 4-5 times a month at 26+ gals each time with $3.33 premium gas ($85 fill up avg) thats about $425 amonth i spend on gas ......so ye im just thinkin about getting the wife somethin else (SUV/MiniVan) and driving her little saturn 4 banger manual trans that gets 30-40 mpg avg

trucks have they're purpose...

BTW i tow a 6k lbs camper trailer with a 1500lb boat behind that loaded bed and the family ...(can still do 70mph down the hwy no prob).. i never woulda asked that of my ol' 1992 F150 w/ the 302...

 

If you're looking to get out from under a truck payment, you'd probably be happier with a V-10. Don't get me wrong, I love my truck. My 5.4L does all I ask and more. The V-10 and Power Stroke owners think I am nuts, but I seriously do what they always say you can't do with a 5.4L.

If you're looking for better fuel mileage, get a 4-5 year old Crown Victoria for the family. I just traded in a 2004 model (wife wanted AWD), it got 26 MPG highway, 18 or so in town, seats 6 adults, huge trunk, great ride, a big safe family car and the 4.6L V-8 in it is surpringly peppy.

Down the road, you can add some of the Mustang mods, like a blower, and have a blast.

 

You will not see any better than 13 MPG with the 2v 5.4L

Keep your truck. Plus if you are pulling 7,000 lbs you will never see double digit fuel milage with a 2v 5.4L