Ok question, I am looking at a F150 STX 4x4 4.6...it's a 2v...It has pretty much all the bells and whistles on it to include the steps for the bed. My question is, is the 2v worth it. I may eventually tow my buddies boat which is 8000lbs...and the 2v is not rated that high...can I still do this without damage...or should I just get the 3v? I really don't tow much.
Thanks!
-Aaron

 

I'd say go with the 3V. Not only for the extra power but also for the 6 speed transmission that comes along with it. Pretty much the same fuel economy coupled with greater towing capacity, and better driveability all make the 3V much harder to turn down. Assuming that both are within your price range that is.
As far as towing. I wouldn't recommend towing more than the maximum its rated for alot of stress on the driveline components doing that. Plus the 2v will probably be somewhat of a dog even if it would pull that load.

 

I have a 2010 stx 2wd with the 2v 4.6 and it's ok just driving around but if I were going to tow anything very often I would want more power. And I would never tow anything heavier than the rated capacity even though I know people that do.

The 4.6 2v is only rated for 5300 lb I think, the 3v is rated over 9000. Towing more weight than the truck is rated for is hard on the drive train and can be dangerous.

 

My first test drive was a 4X4 STX, regular cab, 4.6 2v and it felt adequate. I tried the same power train in a super cab and it was a dog.

 

I have the 2v in my 08 stx with the 3.55 rear end. It is a turd! Im going with the 5.4 this time around so i wont regret it. I drove the 3v 4.6 and it was pretty perky.
Even on the highway it has do downshift to climb a moderate hill under its own load!

 

See, that's what I don't get about Ford. A 4.6 2V should be able to tow almost what a 3V of the SAME ENGINE should. Sure, it may not be as fast (why would anyone care how "fast" their truck gets to 60 MPH towing) I would imagine they have similar stopping power right? I have the 4 speed in my old truck and it is rated for more than the 5300 the new truck with a 4 speed is rated for. I mean, for crying out loud, a Ford escape with a V6 and FWD can tow 3500 pounds. 1800 lbs less than a full size, V8 truck. less braking, less weight, no frame....

 

The only other option I have (because of cost) is going 4x2.....

 

I'd go with the 4X4, only if it's a regular cab, and forget about towing the boat. what's the rear end??? and what color?

 

If you want 4x4, you could always buy a nice set of gears (or maybe order lower ones from Ford to accomodate the "big" power difference). I see nothing wrong with a 4.6 2V, I have driven the older ones and they seen sufficient, not as puny as people make them seem. 5300 lbs is plenty of tow capability for the average joe I would think. You have to weight the difference....do you want 4x4 or do you want to go fast? your choice. I mean really, is there "THAT" much difference between the 4.6 2v vs 3v?

 

Oh it aint that bad shipmate! If I had wanted a hot rod I would've bought a Mustang GT. The only thing I don't like is the lazy electronic throttle. From about 45 to 70 mph it's as good as my 4.7 Ram 1500, as a matter of fact it feels a little better even if it's not, and it gets better milage & rides better. BTW I'm a retired Boiler Technecian 1st class. Nice talk'n to ya sailor.