Thinking of buying a newer truck 5.4 or 4.6 that is the question
#1
Thinking of buying a newer truck 5.4 or 4.6 that is the question
I'm in the market for a truck. I should never have sold my 01 F150. I'm looking at getting a 04-07 SuperCrew 4x4 but I'm stuck on which engine to get.
My old truck had the 4.6 that got the job done for the most part. I have driven several 5.4 trucks one to drag a CJ-7 on a trailer from Lubbock to OKC.
My true question. Does the 5.4 get that much worse gas mileage than the 4.6 or is the difference negligible?
Thanks in advance
My old truck had the 4.6 that got the job done for the most part. I have driven several 5.4 trucks one to drag a CJ-7 on a trailer from Lubbock to OKC.
My true question. Does the 5.4 get that much worse gas mileage than the 4.6 or is the difference negligible?
Thanks in advance
#2
#3
Oh no you didn't ask the mileage question
Hope you are wearing hip boots cause it's liable to get deep around here
For what its worth my 5.4 gets 12 and change. It got 13 and change without any mods. I have bought smaller engines before with the hopes of better mileage. I always ended up wishing I had the HP because the mileage wasn't enought to offset the power difference.
Hope you are wearing hip boots cause it's liable to get deep around here
For what its worth my 5.4 gets 12 and change. It got 13 and change without any mods. I have bought smaller engines before with the hopes of better mileage. I always ended up wishing I had the HP because the mileage wasn't enought to offset the power difference.
#4
I figured I should have searched before I opened this box, but hey its open. I'll go dig the chest waders out just in case.
The only late model 4x4 I have driven with a trailer had the 4.6 under the hood. I drove it for roughly 30 miles on the interestate at around 70 mph. It was all I could do to keep it at a constant speed. This was an empty 10' trailer with a flip down loading ramp that acted like a parachute.
The only late model 4x4 I have driven with a trailer had the 4.6 under the hood. I drove it for roughly 30 miles on the interestate at around 70 mph. It was all I could do to keep it at a constant speed. This was an empty 10' trailer with a flip down loading ramp that acted like a parachute.
#5
They all get about the same mileage. I have 2 cousins that have 4.6 engines and my 5.4 gets better mileage than either of them (part is driving habits). YOu also get a larger rear end and with the older ones, you get a heavier transmission (I think the new ones all have the heavier transmission). There is a large difference in perofrmance.
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#8
5.4 = more HP, more TQ, bigger Transmission, bigger rear axle (9.75 vs 8.8)
I've said it before, the 4.6 is a Weak, Underpowered Pig. it belongs in cars and SUV's. sorry it it offends you 4.6 guys
besides the obvious power difference, the 5.4 can get similar MPG if you drive it reasonably. I've been able to get 20+ mpg on the highway. also, as someone mentioned (OP?), the 4.6 struggles to maintain speeds on slight inclines and especially when towing. I can set mine to 75 mph and unless it's a steep grade like Snoqualmie Pass or some of Idaho, it stays in Overdrive
I've said it before, the 4.6 is a Weak, Underpowered Pig. it belongs in cars and SUV's. sorry it it offends you 4.6 guys
besides the obvious power difference, the 5.4 can get similar MPG if you drive it reasonably. I've been able to get 20+ mpg on the highway. also, as someone mentioned (OP?), the 4.6 struggles to maintain speeds on slight inclines and especially when towing. I can set mine to 75 mph and unless it's a steep grade like Snoqualmie Pass or some of Idaho, it stays in Overdrive
#9
I have a 4.6 and I have no complaints about it. I dont think the 4.6's have the spark plug trouble but I'm not sure I havent changed plugs yet. As far as gas mileage go I only get 16.5. The best its ever seen was 18 all highway. As far as power goes, its no tire roaster but it can get the job done. If you were to ask me, I wouldnt hesitate a bit to buy another 4.6.
#10
5.4 = more HP, more TQ, bigger Transmission, bigger rear axle (9.75 vs 8.8)
I've said it before, the 4.6 is a Weak, Underpowered Pig. it belongs in cars and SUV's. sorry it it offends you 4.6 guys
besides the obvious power difference, the 5.4 can get similar MPG if you drive it reasonably. I've been able to get 20+ mpg on the highway. also, as someone mentioned (OP?), the 4.6 struggles to maintain speeds on slight inclines and especially when towing. I can set mine to 75 mph and unless it's a steep grade like Snoqualmie Pass or some of Idaho, it stays in Overdrive
I've said it before, the 4.6 is a Weak, Underpowered Pig. it belongs in cars and SUV's. sorry it it offends you 4.6 guys
besides the obvious power difference, the 5.4 can get similar MPG if you drive it reasonably. I've been able to get 20+ mpg on the highway. also, as someone mentioned (OP?), the 4.6 struggles to maintain speeds on slight inclines and especially when towing. I can set mine to 75 mph and unless it's a steep grade like Snoqualmie Pass or some of Idaho, it stays in Overdrive
Lol, you are mostly right though. The 4.6 will downshift but its a shorter stroke motor that likes to rev. I never thought of it being a slow underpowered pig. But everyone has there opinions. I think its more the overly obeise truck. Crap for all we know it could be a screamin demon in a lighter truck.
#11
I really got nothing personal against the 4.6, but it just doesn't make sense to get when a better engine exists
#12
Daniel, read up on the spark plug issues in the 5.4's. That might tip you in the direction of the 4.6. Mileage between the two is negligible so unless you need the extra towing capability the smaller engine might be more up your alley. If I were faced with your decision and know what I know about the plugs in the 5.4 I would probably go 4.6, because the plug problem scares the crap outta me!
Best of luck...
Best of luck...
#14
I always seem to be in the market for what other people are looking to get rid of. Right now I have at least a half dozen trucks to choose from that fit my price range, options and have the 5.4
After some quick reading on the spark plug issue it appears Ford has a design flaw or screwup in materials. I'm not too worried about the repair if it is needed. I have some very good connections with one of the local Ford dealerships.
I'm leaning more towards the 5.4 every minute. Its just something about more power that I can't get over.
After some quick reading on the spark plug issue it appears Ford has a design flaw or screwup in materials. I'm not too worried about the repair if it is needed. I have some very good connections with one of the local Ford dealerships.
I'm leaning more towards the 5.4 every minute. Its just something about more power that I can't get over.