devongarver

Hi all, I am looking to purchase a newer F150. It will be between an 05-07 probably, due to my price range. It will be 4wd, as I live in the snow belt here in North East Ohio. I am looking for advice on which motor to get. I own a mustang with the 2v 4.6, and it has been very reliable, and easy/responsive to mods. My father owns an older f150 with the 2v 4.6 as well, and it too has been a very reliable motor. He also owns an 06' expedition, which has the 5.4 in it. He has not had any troubles with it yet, but it was bought used, and my have had any previous issues already repaired. I have heard rumors of troubles with plugs, cam phasers, injectors, crankshaft position sensors, etc...all with the 5.4 3v motor. So this is making me leary of purchasing an F150 with that motor. Trouble is, we love the difference in power between the two, the 5.4 is just so much more commanding, and yet even IT is still underpowered compared to dodge and toyotas offerings. Not that I would ever purchase anything but Ford, but hey, we need to be ahead of the competition right? So this is where the next idea comes in, is the 4.6 in the 04-08 still the same ol' 2v that is in my mustang? (2000 GT) If so, it shouldn't be too hard to slap a blower on there right? What are your opinions? Im all ears for anything guys, thanks again in advance.

ATOM

if you want to supercharge a 4.6, no one makes a kit for it that i know of, you would have to modify one to make fit, so it's possible. but you will destroy the trans in it, pretty fast. also the rear end is weaker too. IMO a 4.6 is horrible in a f150, some guys can live with it, if you are used to a 'stang, get the 5.4, they are decent overall, just some minor crap to deal with.

ray h

Step back and honestly look at what you want to do with the truck. If you are going to tow or haul, or you challenge other vehicles and race, then get the 5.4. If you plan to lift it and run large tires, then the 5.4 is probably for you. If you just want a truck to commute or occasionally tow or haul, then the 4.6 will do fine. If you are already asking about upgrades (blower) for the 4.6, then Im guessing you should just go ahead and get the 5.4.
I got the 4.6 and its fine for me. I wanted a work truck, not a racecar, so top speed and 1/4 miles didnt even come into the decision. I dont plan on towing or hauling alot of weight every day, every once in a while I load the bed with lumber, tools or kayaks, every once in a while I pull a trailer full of mulch or furniture. The 4.6 works great for this, it gets decent mileage and from what Ive gathered, has better reliability and fewer issues than the 5.4. I worry more about the transmission in the 4.6 than anything. The 8.8 rearend, while smaller than the 9.75, its still plenty for a 1/2 ton pickup. The 31 spline 8.8 has been Fords medium duty workhorse since they stopped using the 9" rear 25+ years ago.
Just depends on what you are going to do with it

jas8346

do yourself a favor and get the 5.4, i'm still kicking myself in the azz b/c i have a 4.6. i put a 6" lift along with 35's and the 4.6 and it's S_L_O_W

Mod (Ret.)

If you want a V8, go with the 5.4.

ATOM

you need to regear, i have seen a 4.6 smoke 37's at will....it's all about gearing

quarantine

5.4 nuff said

MHC-F150

If in doubt, go with the 5.4L.

The plug issue is the biggest fault, but changed soon enough to the 1-piece design and you shouldn't have issues.

SmokeStack

I own a 2007 5.4 ford F-150 xlt 4x4. I don't know what dodges you've been driving but the one I owned for a little over a year was limp dog! My ford with 33's has more power, quicker throttle response, and more get down and dirty low end torque for pulling/ towing than my dodge ever thought about having. With all that I get 4 miles per gallon better than my Dodge did. The 4.6 reminded me of my Dodge sluggish and lazy

Rubicon35

ive got a 4.6 and im happy. i do have the 3.73 gearing which im sure helps