5.0 or 300?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
5.0 or 300?
I'm gonna get rid of my Ranger for a '92-'96 F150 soon. I saw two on craigslist within a few hours of me.
truck #1) 1995 F150 XLT, Regular Cab, 5 Speed, 300 I6, 4x4, PW, PL, PM, 122k Miles, Headache Rack, NO RUST......$2500
ford F150 XLT 95
Truck #2) 1996 F150, Reg Cab, XLT, 302 V8, very little rust, automatic, 4x4, 102k Miles....$3500
1995 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4
Both are really nice, but I can't decide on which engine to go with. I really want a v8, but the I6 is only 2 cu. in. smaller and I have also heard the 300 is A LOT better for low end torque. I will only be using the truck for fun, no work
truck #1) 1995 F150 XLT, Regular Cab, 5 Speed, 300 I6, 4x4, PW, PL, PM, 122k Miles, Headache Rack, NO RUST......$2500
ford F150 XLT 95
Truck #2) 1996 F150, Reg Cab, XLT, 302 V8, very little rust, automatic, 4x4, 102k Miles....$3500
1995 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4
Both are really nice, but I can't decide on which engine to go with. I really want a v8, but the I6 is only 2 cu. in. smaller and I have also heard the 300 is A LOT better for low end torque. I will only be using the truck for fun, no work
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Have you driven both?
The 300/5 speed combo is great. Even though it is the Mazda box, first is reasonably low, you have OD and good gear spacing. The 300 has low end torque, but limited rpm range, so the closer ratios make it much nicer to drive. You can check the trans forum for the cautionary "fix" for the Mazda trans to keep it from leaking.
The V8 truck with the automatic is going to feel a lot more zippy than the six. BUT, you say it has some rust, the other rig has none.
Are you going to use the 4WD? Slow stuff, or trying to power through mud?
I vote for the six:
--no rust
--manual trans easier & cheaper to repair/replace than automatic
--six/mt = better fuel mpg than 8/auto.
--looks like it may have some power goodies that make it "nicer" to drive.
--headache rack saves a headache if you ever need it.
--$1000 less.
Good luck.
The 300/5 speed combo is great. Even though it is the Mazda box, first is reasonably low, you have OD and good gear spacing. The 300 has low end torque, but limited rpm range, so the closer ratios make it much nicer to drive. You can check the trans forum for the cautionary "fix" for the Mazda trans to keep it from leaking.
The V8 truck with the automatic is going to feel a lot more zippy than the six. BUT, you say it has some rust, the other rig has none.
Are you going to use the 4WD? Slow stuff, or trying to power through mud?
I vote for the six:
--no rust
--manual trans easier & cheaper to repair/replace than automatic
--six/mt = better fuel mpg than 8/auto.
--looks like it may have some power goodies that make it "nicer" to drive.
--headache rack saves a headache if you ever need it.
--$1000 less.
Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
In the end, it's gonna come down to preference. If I were able to go back in time and order a truck, I would order it with the 300. And please keep in mind that I have had OUTSTANDING service from a 96 302 for 11 years and counting. Everyday driving, they're going to be pretty similar. I'd just like to have that stump pulling torque advantage if I needed it. You won't go wrong with either, though.
After looking at those ads, I say go for the red truck. I'd go for the red one even if it was the higher priced one. To be honest, I'm nervous about any AT that doesn't have an auxilliary cooler.
After looking at those ads, I say go for the red truck. I'd go for the red one even if it was the higher priced one. To be honest, I'm nervous about any AT that doesn't have an auxilliary cooler.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
no mud....only reason I'm really getting one is because I love the older Ford trucks. I have found the older Fords to be A LOT more reliable. Might drive it in snow once or twice a year, but I also have a winter beater for that (living in Michigan = rust no matter what you do).
The only plans I have for it is maybe a 2-3 inch suspension lift and 33's. Bottom line is, it would just be a nice, older truck that is in good condition and fun to drive. I'm porbably gonna go with the 300 because of the price difference and no rust.
Just a side note....what front axle does the 300 F150 have? Dana 40 (same as the 302 F150)?
The only plans I have for it is maybe a 2-3 inch suspension lift and 33's. Bottom line is, it would just be a nice, older truck that is in good condition and fun to drive. I'm porbably gonna go with the 300 because of the price difference and no rust.
Just a side note....what front axle does the 300 F150 have? Dana 40 (same as the 302 F150)?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
The I6 makes a great work truck but the 5.0 makes a nicer play truck, add 4.10 gears for those big tires and open up the exhaust and you'll be a happy camper.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 2
It will have a roller cam & a mass air meter , its just a better set up , if it has the same firing order as a 351 its a roller . If it has a meter at the end of the air tube at the air box with a wiring plug going to it then its MA.....Lew
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 4
From: Sussex County, DE
My truck has had both. I swapped out the 300 for a 302, but then I swapped it back again. I vote 300. I vote that way for all the same reasons I would vote 302 in a car. (Then again I would also vote Cummins 3.9L over both, but that's because I'm a nut job!)
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
If the 302 is MAF, it should be decently quick. I would still vote for the red one. Mostly because its a 5 speed. I prefer the 300 anyway, but the MAF 302s do seem much better than the older ones.
Six in a row makes it go!
Six in a row makes it go!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Mason Michigan
six in a row makes her slow!!! If it's just for play 302 all the way,don't really see the 300 in my opinion as a real toy or hot rod or much of anything for that matter.If you want a truck that sounds like a john deere 70 and is slow and can pull pretty much damn near anything than go for the 300,but if you want rpm's ,speed and a better ,mean sounding truck than go for the 302
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
I have the 302 in my 250 (dont know why they put them in the 250's) ,and its a work truck. Its 160,000 still going a little tired, But you guys make it seem like the 302's all play! Mine gets worked hard!!