5.4 vs 5.0
04-19-2015, 04:36 PM
#41
I've had both and to me, unless you'll you're doing is pulling a load, the 5L is the better option and honestly, it's excellent for towing as well. I've not had more than about 5,500 behind my 5L, but it truly didn't seem to strain in any significant way. I towed much more w/ the 5.4L, but it had lower gears and a heavier tow capability.
Being a 4X4, all I'd consider being sure of is a load leveler, but I'd go w/ the 5L. It will give you no troubles and if you wanted more power, it's easy to attain.
Being a 4X4, all I'd consider being sure of is a load leveler, but I'd go w/ the 5L. It will give you no troubles and if you wanted more power, it's easy to attain.
02-20-2017, 11:29 PM
#42
Hello all, I just bought a 2012 f150 with the 5.0, and while i love it, I need another truck. I don't want to go spend another 40 grand on a brand new one, so what differences am i going to notice between driving an 09-10 5.4, and my 2012 5.0? I don't tow much (~3000LBS) But the 5.4 will mainly have mountain duty (I need to get up and down a snow covered mountain pass daily) so my questions;
1)How is the 5.4 powered compared to the 5.0? I know the 5-oh has 60 more horsepower blah blah blah, but i want some personal experiences of people who have driven both
2) I need a shorter wheel base, as this will most likely be used on trails a fair bit, so i'm looking for a regular cab short box 4x4. Do they even make this specific group of options? And if so, what would a 09-10 with less than 50k miles run me? I'm located in South west british columbia (Canada), but i'm willing to head south to WA or OR to buy one.
Thanks!
1)How is the 5.4 powered compared to the 5.0? I know the 5-oh has 60 more horsepower blah blah blah, but i want some personal experiences of people who have driven both
2) I need a shorter wheel base, as this will most likely be used on trails a fair bit, so i'm looking for a regular cab short box 4x4. Do they even make this specific group of options? And if so, what would a 09-10 with less than 50k miles run me? I'm located in South west british columbia (Canada), but i'm willing to head south to WA or OR to buy one.
Thanks!
02-21-2017, 02:19 AM
#43
Well there is the cam phaser issue and such. The 5.4-3v from what I've read is much less reliable then the old 2v's. I have a 99 5.4-2v and thought about trading it in in 2010. Went in and drove one. Totally unimpressed. My truck would kick it *** in a race. From what I've read about the 3v motor I'm glad I didnt pull the trigger on that deal. My 99 is still hanging in there. I could still have it in 10 years.
02-21-2017, 09:41 AM
#44
Senior Member
Anybody who does a spark plug change on a 5.4, or the dreaded cam phaser repairs on a 5.4, and then pops the hood and simply looks at a 5.0 will immediately purchase the 5.0. It's that simple.
Not only does the 5.0 make 375 HP/390 lbs. ft. on E85 pump fuel, but it's also far easier to service and maintain as the years go by. And, it's more fuel efficient if you choose to run 87 octane gasoline compared to the old 5.4 also.
Not only does the 5.0 make 375 HP/390 lbs. ft. on E85 pump fuel, but it's also far easier to service and maintain as the years go by. And, it's more fuel efficient if you choose to run 87 octane gasoline compared to the old 5.4 also.
02-21-2017, 08:38 PM
#45
TLDR for what People are saying:
5.4 - tows "better" and has better power down in the lower RPMs. Harder to work on.
5.0 - Likes to rev higher for it's power, Easier to work on, Better daily driver. Better fuel economy, more "fun", more dependable.
Problems - Both have their issues but the 5.0 seems to be a bit more "Dependable" where as the 5.4 has infamous issues with the cam phasers, Not being able to as easily access the manifolds that seem to rust out on people, among a few other issues.
Personally. I've owned both the 5.4 and now the 5.0. The 5.0 is just better all around in my opinion.
5.4 - tows "better" and has better power down in the lower RPMs. Harder to work on.
5.0 - Likes to rev higher for it's power, Easier to work on, Better daily driver. Better fuel economy, more "fun", more dependable.
Problems - Both have their issues but the 5.0 seems to be a bit more "Dependable" where as the 5.4 has infamous issues with the cam phasers, Not being able to as easily access the manifolds that seem to rust out on people, among a few other issues.
Personally. I've owned both the 5.4 and now the 5.0. The 5.0 is just better all around in my opinion.
02-21-2017, 09:39 PM
#46
No 3v 5.4L
Put 177,000 miles on my 2005 5.4L 3V Lariat. It had the cam phaser sound since about 97,000 miles. Traded it in on my 2015 2.7L Ecoboost Lariat. Dealer had it sold the next day but while servicing it to get it ready for the buyer the mechanics said that it had engine problems (Cam Phasers). Dealer canceled the sale and sent the truck to auction. My 2015 is like a race truck compared to the 2005.
CaptZap
CaptZap
02-22-2017, 12:11 AM
#47
What this guy says times infinity. You look at a 5.0l after a 5.4 and the difference is enlightening to say the least. The 5.4 is a ****ing nightmare. Wanna break some sparkplugs?
No not really.
Awe, come on, let's smash some sparkplugs, it'll be fun, the girls think it's sexy!
Oh all right.
Ok cool, let's start by getting a 5.4l Triton piece of **** and we'll giver!!!!
The moral of the story is...Buy the ****ing 5.0l, she's a beast and my god...really? no! Really??????? You can change the spark plugs without a bendy whichamacallit on your rachet??? No way you're full of it! And the plugs won't break? bull****!
Nasdarovia!
No not really.
Awe, come on, let's smash some sparkplugs, it'll be fun, the girls think it's sexy!
Oh all right.
Ok cool, let's start by getting a 5.4l Triton piece of **** and we'll giver!!!!
The moral of the story is...Buy the ****ing 5.0l, she's a beast and my god...really? no! Really??????? You can change the spark plugs without a bendy whichamacallit on your rachet??? No way you're full of it! And the plugs won't break? bull****!
Nasdarovia!
02-22-2017, 01:02 AM
#48
The 5.0 is an off shoot of the older modulars. It still has cam phasers but they made them better. It's the same basic design but better. I think the 5.4-3v and the 4.6-3v were steps to what we have now in the 5.0. The 5.4-2v is a super reliable engine same with the 4.6-2v. The 3 valve tech was something IMO that was a work in progress. The 5.0 is a 4 valve engine. More tech and all. Seems to be more reliable then the 3v engines. I have planed on skipping the 3v someday I'd like a 5.0 motor
Bottom line is the 5.4-3v is questionable if you do get one get an 09+ for sure they were updated with one piece plugs and the cam phasers were also updated.
Bottom line is the 5.4-3v is questionable if you do get one get an 09+ for sure they were updated with one piece plugs and the cam phasers were also updated.
02-22-2017, 10:45 PM
#49
The 09 and 10 trucks had one piece spark plugs that remove as easily as any other brand. Only 04-07 had the two piece breaking spark plugs. Change your oil at 5k miles and use a good 5w30 synthetic and the motor will not give you any problems (assuming the previous owner also took care of it. I had a 12 F150 5.slow and it was a turd till above 3500 rpm. Tow with it? Ha! That's a good one, maybe if you're pulling 2k pounds. Hills? Forget about it unless you like screaming in 2nd gear at 4500 rpm with a trailer behind you, watching the transmission temp climb swiftly to the danger zone.
I now have a very low miles 10 platinum with Max tow package. It pulls far far better off the line, and has more noticeable torque below 4k rpm. I had an 05 prior to my 12 and it was kinda a pig with a load on it on account of that sorry excuse of a 4 speed transmission they were saddled with. The 6 speed makes much better use of the 5.4s power output and with a 5* tune it really wakes up. Now don't get me wrong, it's no torque monster like the ecoboost but is equally if not more reliable mechanically than those twin turbos.
Bad history and anecdotal stories plague the early 5.4 and carried on into the last two production years but there are a huge number of expeditions soldiering on with the same motor without the same claimed failure rate so take that as you may.
I've owned both, the 5.0 is easier to work on and may be fun unloaded with a heavy foot, but a towing motor, it is not. Reliability is also questionable with the early years prone to oblong cylinder head issues and knocking noises of their own. They are also no stranger to exhaust manifold leaks. Bottom line, they've all got their problems, do your research, roll the dice and see where the cards fall.
I now have a very low miles 10 platinum with Max tow package. It pulls far far better off the line, and has more noticeable torque below 4k rpm. I had an 05 prior to my 12 and it was kinda a pig with a load on it on account of that sorry excuse of a 4 speed transmission they were saddled with. The 6 speed makes much better use of the 5.4s power output and with a 5* tune it really wakes up. Now don't get me wrong, it's no torque monster like the ecoboost but is equally if not more reliable mechanically than those twin turbos.
Bad history and anecdotal stories plague the early 5.4 and carried on into the last two production years but there are a huge number of expeditions soldiering on with the same motor without the same claimed failure rate so take that as you may.
I've owned both, the 5.0 is easier to work on and may be fun unloaded with a heavy foot, but a towing motor, it is not. Reliability is also questionable with the early years prone to oblong cylinder head issues and knocking noises of their own. They are also no stranger to exhaust manifold leaks. Bottom line, they've all got their problems, do your research, roll the dice and see where the cards fall.
02-22-2017, 11:57 PM
#50
Senior Member
OP look up 5.0GN < he towed a 7.5K horse tailer all ove the place in a 5.0 with 3.55 super cab and had no qualms with it. i love my 5.0 as well. i have an 11 and ended up getting a short block replacment oval clyinder #6 but i felt more together when I got it back. i pull santiam pass in the summer to go riding in eastern oregon and while it does spin up to get its power i much prefer it over my old 5.4.