Hi, I'm looking at both engine/transmission options in the 2009 F150 Supercab 4.6L and wonder what the actual, real world mileage differences are between the 3V 6spd and 2V 4 spd?

 

I have an '09 4.6 3v 6 speed 4x2 scab with 3.31 gears. My mpg computer usually reads 21.5 depending how much in-town driving I do (usually about 70% highway). I've found that when I calculate by hand the computer is .8 high. I recently completed a 200 mile trip on secondary highways (55-60 mph) and squeezed 23.5 (by hand) out of it. If I'm towing I get 15ish (depending on hills).

I can't comment on the mileage difference, but I can say there is night and day power differences over the 2v/4speed. After driving both, I can't imagine getting the 4.6 2v...it's a dog.

A lot of people will tell you to get the 5.4 because the mileage difference is negligible and the extra power is worth it, but this truck pulls strong and doesn't feel a bit underpowered. If I was pulling 8K plus on a regular basis or over long distances I would have gotten it...but I only pull 5-6k over short distances and 3-4K over long...this truck suites my needs perfectly. I'll keep my 2mpg advantage.

 

Thanks for the reply, that's the exact information I am looking for. I have found a great deal on a 09 STX but it has the 2V 4SPD.

 

Just noticed that you have 3:31 gear, isn't that a bit high for towing? What is the preferred gear for towing? 3:55 seems to be preferred among farmers.

 

Actually the 2009 F-150 equipped with the 5.4L and 3.15.1 axle has a tow rating of 7000-7500 lbs. The 4.6L 3V may be slightly lower.

Most people on this site seem to prefer the 3.73's but it would appear that the new 6 speed and 3.55's are quite acceptable for moderate towing.

I have a 2004 Expy 4x2 with the 4.6L and 3.73LS axle and I'm getting just at 20 mpg hwy.

Tim

 

Mine is rated for 8,200 per the owner's manual. 3.31 may be high, but I don't really tow anything all that heavy. If I use the T/H mode it stays out of 6th until I get over ~65mph. That effectively lowers the final drive ratio and still keeps rpm around 2k, which is acceptable for me.

It really depends on your needs. Tow a lot or live in hilly terrain, get shorter gears. I'm a midwest flatlander so it doesn't matter.

The 3.31 isn't limited slip, so that's drawback in slick conditions...but the traction control helps by applying brakes to the spinning wheel (not as good as LS, but better than nothing). If you are looking into a 4x2 and get a lot of snow, the 3.55 would be best.

 

Same setup you have only the 5.4L engine,and 4x4 ,tow a 10K 5th with no problems in tow haul, 22MPG empty, 13mpg towing 65MPH, happy with this setup and the high gears work fine and runs good MPG empty. The transmission does shift down on the large hills but it pulls great.

 

work truck, 09 F-150 Supercrew, 4x4 4.6 w/ 6 speed and 3.73 gears. XLT w/ 18" rims averages 18 to 18.5 MPG on the highway loop.

 

Just bought a 09' 4X2 XL 4.6 2v 3.55, loaded down with firewood 4 straight days I got 20.6 MPG. Much better than my 05' SC 5.4 4.10 @14 MPG that I traded in on this truck, in town or hwy, towing or not. Although the 5.4 had more punch I'm well pleased with the 4.6 so far.
Charlie

 

Whats a great deal????

 

It's on Ebay and Craigslist in Texas for a blue 09 SC 4x2 4.6L 2V 4SPD Stone interior 150 miles for $20900.

 

I replaced my 92 5.0l SC 8ft box, it got 10-12 MPG

the 09 reg cab 8'box is much better on the gas, I found one with the 4.6l 24v (3 valve) and 6 spd tranny

3.55 limited slip

Just after I bought it round trip to Columbus OH (300 miles) got 21 MPG.

now over 1K miles, I've added a tonneau cover, 23MPG to Cincinnati (220 miles), 22 MPG on return trip to SE Mich... this combo is a keeper.

just over 18MPG around town

wife and daughter both have 4.6l 2v in their explorer and mountaineer, can't get 18MPG

 

Thanks to all for the replies. I bought a 2010 Tundra DC 4x4 with the 5.7L and tow package last night. I'm certain I will never see 21mpg. I traded in my 06 reg cab Tundra that I paid $15200 for new and got $11300 out of it on the deal. $10500 + $800 reduction in tax base. 3 years and 27500 miles for $4k is pretty hard to beat. Yesterday was the last day for the Toyota $1750 incentive and the dealership took another $1500 off. I plan to keep this truck 10 years and we hope to get a camper in the future, that's why I opted for the big engine and tow package.

 

I have a 09 screw, 5.4, 3.55, 4x4 combine 19.2.mpg