KingPin

I'm still on the fence which motor is going to work the best for me. I am looking at a 2010 F-150 so either the 4.6L 3V or the 5.4L 3V? It will be primarily a commutor with some light towing. I always like the thought of the larger motor because they work a little less but if the gas mileage is to much worse than its not worth it.

healthi

What are the chances that you will keep this truck for many years? If so, you can't be sure what you might tow in the future (?) as you might splurge and purchase a travel trailer to accomodate your family without having to spend more bucks on a new truck (although I'm sure that would be very nice!). Look long term. It may be to your advantage to go for the 5.4.

Been there done that.....

nlitend1

5.4 reasons better hp, very little dif in mpg, better resale. Nuf said

Ftruck05

4.6 3V is only 10 hp shy of the 5.4 and the mileage is about the same. I had the 5.4 in my 05 and when I test drove the 4.6 3V in the new rig I was surprised as hell. I would say that it is every bit as quick, maybe a little better. That whole resale thing is BS.

KingPin

I must say I agree that I was very surprised to how much power the 4.6 had and by the seat of the pants comparisons it did feel like the 4.6 had more power than the 5.4. Now with that said I also wasn't towing a trailer up a high on the highway either and that may very well be when the little 4.6 falls flat on its face. So my guess would be if the gas mileage is within a mile or so to the gallon different and there is no major problems with the 5.4 than perhaps it would be the way to go.
In the brochure it is listed that the mileage is 3 mpg different between the two motors does that translate into the real world the same or is it closer than that?

Ftruck05

It depends on how you drive it. I'm sure there are guys that have the 5.4 and score better mileage than some in the 4.6. Don't forget about gearing, that is huge! If you are going to tow alot look for a rig with the 3.73's if it's mostly highway/dd check out the 3.55/3.31

KingPin

This will be primarily a commuter vehicle about 75miles a day so gas mileage is very important and towing ability will be secondary. I do tow a trailer but it is only a 2 bed open snowmobile trailer. So how much of a difference can I expect between the 3.55 and the 3.73 gears?

Ftruck05

Alot of it will depend on the roads, hilly or flatland. I have the 3.55's in my truck and can cruise 70mph just under 2000 RPM's. I've yet to tow anything but I know that day will come. Towing a 2 place trailer with the 4.6 and 3.55's would be no problem IMO. The 3.31 would suck though.

sig

I picked up the 4.6L. I looked at the 5.4L but all they did was stroke it to increase the size. Ford has done this through out its history and the stroked engins brokedown first. I need it to last me and so I went this way.

I get great gas millage (25mpg hwy after adding dual exhaust) and think the thing has plenty of power. I was easily able to pull a 20' trailer loaded with stuff from a 3 bedroom house. I also had the bed full. I have the 3.31 rear end and was surprised that it would pull as well as it has. It beats my 2002 5.4L hands down.

snopro31

What is the 5.4L option? 650 bucks? Resale is the #1 reason to get the 5.4L. The resale is so much higher in the 5.4L compared to the 4.6L. Plus the 4.6L will suck gas like water in a hose when you hook a trailer up. Not knowing how you drive/where you drive and if you tow or use the truck as a truck the 5.4L is the best bet. You will be kicking yourself for getting the 4.6L. Everyone I know that bought it to save 650 bucks is pissed now that its worth nothing.