5.4L vs 4.6L reliability?
03-11-2012, 05:13 AM
#1
5.4L vs 4.6L reliability?
I'm sure there's been forum posts like this, so I apologize...but...
How is the 4.6L Triton vs the 5.4L Triton reliability wise? What about the transmissions that go with them? Are they the same or different and how reliable are they? The reason is, i've heard at lot about the 5.4L engines. They where on Wards Top 10 engines for 3 years strait. But is the 4.6L just as reliable? More reliable? What's the major differences? I know they're both part of the Ford Modular engine series. I've heard about the spark plug issue, but it seems both the 4.6 and 5.4 have that issue.
I am talking about the SOHC 2 valve engines in 97-03, not the 3 valve versions.
So anyways, can I get a rundown of these questions? Thanks.
How is the 4.6L Triton vs the 5.4L Triton reliability wise? What about the transmissions that go with them? Are they the same or different and how reliable are they? The reason is, i've heard at lot about the 5.4L engines. They where on Wards Top 10 engines for 3 years strait. But is the 4.6L just as reliable? More reliable? What's the major differences? I know they're both part of the Ford Modular engine series. I've heard about the spark plug issue, but it seems both the 4.6 and 5.4 have that issue.
I am talking about the SOHC 2 valve engines in 97-03, not the 3 valve versions.
So anyways, can I get a rundown of these questions? Thanks.
Last edited by m3t4lm4n222; 03-11-2012 at 05:17 AM.
03-11-2012, 07:53 AM
#2
resident post whore
Actually they are both really reliable I've seen 5.4s with 300,000 miles on them and the same with the 4.6 it's just the 5.4 has a little more horse power
03-11-2012, 09:05 AM
#3
Yeah, they're the same motor, the 5.4 just has a higher deck in the block and more stroke for the extra displacement. The spark plug issues with the 2v motors was fixed by adding threads in like 2002/2003, but if you torque the plugs correctly on the older ones you'll be fine. To be clear it's the spark plugs blowing out, not getting stuck and breaking problem on the 2vs.
As far as the transmissions go, some have 4r70w and some have 4r100, the 100s are just a little heavier duty, I'm not 100% sure what decides which the truck will have, but they're both pretty good transmissions and will hold up to towing. 5.4s also have a 9.75 rear and the 4.6s have 8.8 rears. Not that it makes much difference, the 8.8 will handle anything you can tow with an F-150 anyway.
Basically you can't go wrong with either, but if you need the extra power opt for the 5.4l.
As far as the transmissions go, some have 4r70w and some have 4r100, the 100s are just a little heavier duty, I'm not 100% sure what decides which the truck will have, but they're both pretty good transmissions and will hold up to towing. 5.4s also have a 9.75 rear and the 4.6s have 8.8 rears. Not that it makes much difference, the 8.8 will handle anything you can tow with an F-150 anyway.
Basically you can't go wrong with either, but if you need the extra power opt for the 5.4l.
03-11-2012, 01:56 PM
#4
Yeah, they're the same motor, the 5.4 just has a higher deck in the block and more stroke for the extra displacement. The spark plug issues with the 2v motors was fixed by adding threads in like 2002/2003, but if you torque the plugs correctly on the older ones you'll be fine. To be clear it's the spark plugs blowing out, not getting stuck and breaking problem on the 2vs.
As far as the transmissions go, some have 4r70w and some have 4r100, the 100s are just a little heavier duty, I'm not 100% sure what decides which the truck will have, but they're both pretty good transmissions and will hold up to towing. 5.4s also have a 9.75 rear and the 4.6s have 8.8 rears. Not that it makes much difference, the 8.8 will handle anything you can tow with an F-150 anyway.
Basically you can't go wrong with either, but if you need the extra power opt for the 5.4l.
As far as the transmissions go, some have 4r70w and some have 4r100, the 100s are just a little heavier duty, I'm not 100% sure what decides which the truck will have, but they're both pretty good transmissions and will hold up to towing. 5.4s also have a 9.75 rear and the 4.6s have 8.8 rears. Not that it makes much difference, the 8.8 will handle anything you can tow with an F-150 anyway.
Basically you can't go wrong with either, but if you need the extra power opt for the 5.4l.
03-11-2012, 02:38 PM
#5
It's bigger and stronger, but better is debatable. The only reason I say that is parts are more expensive and harder to come by for the 10.5 and there's not as much aftermarket as far as lockers and whatnot. If you just run it and keep the fluid clean it'll last forever though.
