I'm looking at purchasing a 2010 SC STX with the 4.6 2v V8 engine and the 3.73 rear end. It has the 4 speed auto transmission.

I like the manual 4x4 in the stx which is why I'm leaning towards it and I don't need all the bells and wistles that xlt has along with the extra cost. One version has the tailgate step and one doesn't. The option seems kind of nice but for $375 it just seems like another thing to worry about breaking.

I'd be using it to haul a 16ft landscape trailer (1500 .lbs) and a 25 hp tractor (roughly 2000 .lbs with loader and attachments) I already have a prodigy brake controller that I would be swapping from my ranger.

I test drove it on saturday and I feel it will be plenty for what I need considering my father in-law has an 2006 2wd version and he has no problems pulling more than 3500 .lbs. Also, I currently have a 2007 Ranger 4x4 with the 4.0 that I use to pull the trailer and tractor with and it does fine. I do notice that the mpg drops in the Ranger and that on some hills the Ranger seems to work more. I think the F150 will be better suited for pulling this combination.

So I was looking to get some opinions from the real users out there on their experiences. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

Although I cant speak from experience, Id say if the Ranger could tow it, then the 4.6l 2v V8 on the STX could. I really like the STX. I was looking into gettng one if I couldnt get a deal on my FX4. I like the floor manual transfer case shifter you can get on the 4.6 2v. I DONT like that you cant get it on the 4.6 3v. Overall, inside and out, from the color of the dash and seats, to the bodystyle, The STX, IMO, is a sweet truck. What color are you looking at?

 

I'm following the "IN" crowd with looking at the Flame Blue. I have a thing for blue and yellow. I have a screamin yellow ranger now.

The silver didn't look half bad. The wife hates red and she feels the black is to hot. We had a black 2001 durango with dark interior.

I think I would look at replacing the middle seat/console with one that has cup holders next to you as it's easier when the drinks are right next to you instead of on the floor with the 4x4 shifter. If that's even possible.

There's two I'm looking at. One doesn't have a rear sliding window or the tailgate step. I'm seeing if they can at least add the rear sliding window. According to the window sticker it is a $225 option. This dealer is part of the U-Promise program so I can save some additional money.

The other dealer isn't part of the U-Promise program but the truck has the rear slider and the tailgate step already. I feel I really don't need the tailgate step but I feel I deffiantly need the rear slider.

I'm going to see which one gives me the best deal. If I buy from the U-Promise dealer than I'll get an additional $50 bucks back after the purchase. It isn't much but every little bit helps.

 

Sounds good, the 4.6 should pull just fine and return decent mileage figure too. And I hear ya, I like rear sliders as well.

 

I too have been looking at the STX trucks as I'm pulling the trigger in 2011. The issue that I'm having with the 4x4 STX truck is if the truck comes with a few options, you're very close in price to the XLT. Maybe 1K-2K difference and the 4.6L 3V comes on the XLT as standard equipment.

It'll be interesting to see how Ford does this next with the new engines coming out.

 

The 4.6 will handle what you want to do without any problem. I had a 2000 F150 Scab with the 4.6 - I pulled a 32' pontoon boat with 225 hp outboard from Florida to Iowa without it missing a beat. Although, I did see a lotta gas stations with the boat in tow.

 

I had also looked at the XLT but most of the ones I could find around here, Raleigh, NC, either had to many options making the price 3-4K higher than what I wanted to spend, or they came with the 3.55 rear end. The 3.55 might not be to bad pulling what I'm pulling but I'd rather just go ahead and get the 3.73.

After heading to the dealer today, I might end up with an XLT as I think they have up to $7500 in rebates where I think the STX has $4500. That's what one of the dealers showed me regarding the STX anyway. The 1K-2K difference isn't to bad as they figure it's roughly $17 per $1000 financed if you finance the vehicle. I'm trying to keep the price under $30K if I can help it.

Regarding heading to Iowa, I might be doing that a few times a yr. I was born in Cedar Rapids and my father/step mom still live there. I'll also be heading to ND as my mom lives up there. So I'd like to be able to tow my trailer up there also. I'm sure I'll be visiting a few gas stations on the way especially going up I-77 in VA, WV. With the ranger and pulling a 5x10 enclosed uhaul trailer, I think I got like 12 mpg.

I agree it will be interesting to see how ford does the configurations with the new engines. I like the manual 4x4 and from what I've seen, you can't get the manual 4x4 without the 4.2 2v engine.

 

Does the 4.6 3V also come with the 6-spd in the STX? I think it comes behind the 3V in the 4.6 and the 5.4 for sure, just not sure about in the STX. I like the 6spd so far.

 

From what I have seen, the 4.6 3v comes with the 6-spd in the STX.

 

OK thats what I thought- it comes behind the 3V regardless of trim level. Thanks, just for my own personal knowledge thats all!

 

The six speed accompanies the 4.6L 3V and the 5.4L 3V, period.

 

Yeah but thats the cruddy part- if you get the 4.6 2v you get the cool floor 4X4 shifter but NOT the 6 speed transmission, and if you get the 4.6 3v you get the 6 speed but NOT the cool floor shifter.

I like the interior of the STX better then the XLT. The XLT's interior is bland. I love the interior of my FX4. The blue flame is my favorite color, followed by the dark blue pearl (not offered on the STX or FX4 anymore) then the dark shadow grey. I think the black on black grille & bumpers of the STX/FX4's look sweet but I had a black truck before and its P.I.T.A. to keep clean

 

Well I have that same set up 4.6 2v and 3.73 in a stx and even with bigger tire, I have to problem towing the wifes car and trailer over the mountains in pa and normal driving get about 15 to 18 mpg

 

Does it feel like its struggling or anything? How about if youve got the A/C running? Do you feel any loss of power? I know you had that FX4, how much of a difference is there?

 

Buddy of mine has that exact truck, supercab, 6.5 foot bed.

Honestly it is pretty quick truck for the engine tranny combo. I wouldn't hesitate to get one considering what you are towing.