nygbrad

I was wondering if there was a better year or engine for the 04-08 series. I am looking for an FX2 or Lariat Screw 2WD. I would love a lifted 4WD but it will be my daily driver and I drive a lot for work. Don't think I could swing the extra cost in gas haha. I currently have a Ford Explorer and want to upgrade to an F150. I've did a quick search on here and see both motors have spark plug issues. Just wondering if there was a better year and/or motor.

sargeek1975

That's a huge misconseption............a 4x4's gas mileage isn't that bad when compared to a 2wd.

It really all boils down to the crappy 5spd tranny's our 04-08's have..........


If you're looking for gas mileage go buy yourself any 88-91 Honda Civic for less than 2k and rock it to and from work; then rock your 4x4 on the weekends.......

JimBubba3

It really doesn't make a huge difference in MPG when comparing 2 and 4 wheel drive f150's. I have a 2006 fx4 with 295/70R18 nitto's and my father in law had an 04 stx with the 4.6 and 2wd and he didn't do much better than me. I personally will always take 4x4 and sacrifice the small difference in mileage. It helps that I baby my truck.

nygbrad

Well I would do the ricer for the commuter but I take clients in my vehicle and don't want a POS. I know there isn't much difference in 2WD vs 4WD when it comes to mileage. However, if I bought a 4WD I would want to do a small lift with 35's . And I know that will drop the mileage a bit. I'm not to concerned on the mpg though since my Explorer only gets 19-20Hwy/15 City. I use my wife's car when I go on long trips for work anyways.

I guess all fords around that year had tranny issues. A lot of people in the explorer forum have been through a couple already. Luckily I have the stock one with 145K on my Ex.

sargeek1975

I didn't mean tranny issues as in it's a bad transmission.........I meant that it's 'only' a 5 speed transmission; no 6th gear for better gas mileage. And in something that weighs in at over 6,000lbs, that 6th gear would be welcome.


You stated in your original post that you couldn't afford the extra gas for a 4x4 over a 2wd; now you're saying that if you got a 4x4 that you would want to spend money on a lift............?

You have me more than a little confused.

Becca

I think they worked out the cam phaser and airbag issue after 2005... The 06-08 are the better of the 4 years in this particular body style.

nygbrad

I don't think I would really get a 6" lift and 35s. I would probably just do a leveling kit and 33's or 34s. My wife is only 5'3" so I don't want to make it a pain for her.

I am going to look around for an 06 or 07. Would you buy a cheaper one with around 100K on it or spend the extra for the lesser miles? I know my family has had a good run with Fords (Explorers and Rangers) so I am not scared of the mileage. (Mom just traded her Explorer with over 400K in for a new Jeep GC Outlook). Just unsure of the F-150s.

I really appreciate the feedback! Keep it coming haha.

amick218

I have 33x12.50x17 and I love it think its a perfect size just need my leveling kit now. Anyone use the $60 ebay kits before? Lol

Bigbucks243

If ur wanting a 4x4 get a 4.6l I can get a good 18 mpg on my 31 in fierce attitude mudtires.

nygbrad

So you think the 4x4 is better with the 4.6L and the 4x2 is with the 5.4L?