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

most people on this site said on other thread say that the 4.2, 4.6 and 5.4 get nearly the same fuel economy. and that its not worth having the smaller motor if possible to avoid it.

however, on the sticker, the 4.6 gets 1mpg more on highway ONLY!

Oh no you didn't ask the mileage question:eek:
Hope you are wearing hip boots cause it's liable to get deep around here:-missingt

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.

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.

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.

We have an 04 Expedition with a 5.4, and my aunt has an 03 Expedition with the 4.6, we get about 1 more mpg on the highway then her, better towing cabability, and better towing mileage. So 5.4 all the way.

We have an 04 Expedition with a 5.4, and my aunt has an 03 Expedition with the 4.6 and we get better mileage then her on the highway, tow better and get better mileage doing it. As the saying goes, no replacment for displacment.

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 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.

Hater..... :eek:

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.

I agree 100%. 10 years ago, the 4.6 in the 1988-1996 Body styles would have been amazing. the F-150 of today on average weighs 1500 lbs more than earlier F-150s.

I really got nothing personal against the 4.6, but it just doesn't make sense to get when a better engine exists

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...

Get the 5,4 V8. If you don't you will regret it. Plus with all the gas issues right now you should be able to get a heck of a deal on any truck.

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.

There is not question- 5.4 definitely. I've seen 20MPG out of my 2000 on the highway.

Try to get the 3.73 gears as well.

Mike