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Which engine for the F-150? V-6 or 8?

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drnickriviera

Platinum Member
I'm considering a 2005 or later F-150, but i'm unsure on which engine I should look for. It will be a work truck, but don't plan on any huge towing, maybe 2-4k lbs.

They offer the 4.2 V-6, 4.6 V-8 and 5.4 V-8
anyone know any issues with these engines? Difficult maintenance areas? I'm afraid that v-6 is really going to struggle with that size truck and a load.
 
I have a 4.6 V8 in a 2010 and haven't had any issues. The thing hauls serious ass. Gas mileage isn't as good though, but hey it's a truck.
 
I have owned three with 4.6 with zero issues. No mechanical failures and only normal maintenance. Sold the first 2 with 125,000-130,000 miles. The one I have now is an 06 with 109,000 miles. The 05 5.4 has had some issues. Mainly broken spark plugs when you remove them. Cam phaser issues. The 4.6 wil get as good or better mileage than the 4.2.
 
Get the 4.6. The V6 won't save you any gas and will be a complete dog. The 4.6 will get a bit better gas mileage and has fewer issues than the 5.4. The 5.4 has a bit more power if you really need but your gas mileage will suffer and they have a couple issues the 4.6 doesn't.
 
weadjust pretty much covered it. 4.6 is a little underpowered compared to the 5.4, but the 5.4 is a maintenance nightmare. I think I would still have chosen a 5.4 over my 4.6, I can't even spin the tires from a dead stop.
 
+1 to everyone else.. Personally I would probably get the 5.4, the mpg isn't THAT much of a difference. That being said, for your needs the 4.6 should be fine. The v6 is underpowered for daily driving IMO.
 
Is the Tundra worth considering? I hear it's an easier truck to work on because the engine isn't as far back, but the Toyota tax sucks. 2004 tundra with 436k miles for $6995, they have got to be insane. Seems like I can get a lot more truck with the Ford
 
drnickriviera said:
Is the Tundra worth considering? I hear it's an easier truck to work on because the engine isn't as far back, but the Toyota tax sucks. 2004 tundra with 436k miles for $6995, they have got to be insane. Seems like I can get a lot more truck with the Ford
Click to expand...


Tundra had more issues than GM/Ford trucks. Stick to a well taken care of Chevy, GMC, or Ford full size.
 
I have an 02 with a 4.6 V8, 240,000 miles on it, regularly pull a 7000# dump trailer. The only issues I've had were a dead coil pack and a wheel bearing that went punk. My only real complaint is that it eats front brakes, I rarely get more than 25k out of a set of pads. The rear brakes went 120k, I don't know why.
 
Greenman said:
I have an 02 with a 4.6 V8, 240,000 miles on it, regularly pull a 7000# dump trailer. The only issues I've had were a dead coil pack and a wheel bearing that went punk. My only real complaint is that it eats front brakes, I rarely get more than 25k out of a set of pads. The rear brakes went 120k, I don't know why.
Click to expand...


What pads are you using?

Try a set of Wagner SevereDuty (SX702 for w/7700 GVW) (SX679 for w/o 7700 GVW)

Those are made for trucks that tow a lot, bus's, ambulances, etc... Can get a set at rockauto.com for around $30
 
Jimzz said:
What pads are you using?

Try a set of Wagner SevereDuty (SX702 for w/7700 GVW) (SX679 for w/o 7700 GVW)

Those are made for trucks that tow a lot, bus's, ambulances, etc... Can get a set at rockauto.com for around $30
Click to expand...

I'll give them a try, though I probably already have. I've used just about every brand there is.
 
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