Braidyn23

Just sold my 2004 f150 and looking to get another one but wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are to both the 5.4 and 4.6 had really bad time with the 5.4 3v with loosing compression and later caused it to have no power and blowing smoke, but would the 4.6 be a better motor and not have as many issues?

jshillin

iTrader: (1)

I think some have great luck with the 5.4 and it's a lot to do with maintenance. When I was looking for my truck though I read enough horror stories about the 5.4 that caused me to get the 4.6. I don't tow or anything so it's plenty for me and I have 0 issues. With the '04-'08 2 valve 4.6 you have no cam phasers to worry about and Motorcraft spark plugs for it was less than $25 and I easily changed them myself.

06redlongbed

4.6 tows just fine. Just slower when towing heavy. I tow trailers a lot. I like my 4.6 overall and they have good reliability ratings. They aren't gutless. Both engines get about same gas miles. My spark plugs were easy and I have heard horror stories about those on the 5.4. All and all I wouldn't worry about what motor you get, or at least not make it priority. Find the truck you want than, make sure it has one of the 2 V8's and you'll be fine.

screamineagle

The 4.6 is gutless and honestly I think that's what makes it reliable. More horsepower equals more stress and wear period.

jeremyyc

The way I view this is that the 4.6 modular V8 is the motor Ford put in everything, I mean the cockroach of vehicles, the Crown Vic, has the 4.6. jshillin is correct about the 5.4's, if you get one that has been taken care of it's fantastic. My friends F150 has the 4.6 and its a very nice smooth motor, but I love my 5.4.

redknight1

maybe you just got a bad 5.4

Mod (Ret.)

I disagree.

My 2007 F150 with the 4.6 has plenty of "gut", pulls my camper around, and after 110K miles of trouble free miles, has been great to me.

joe mcmillan

I've had both. The 5.4 has more torque and get up and go.
The 4.6 seems to be quieter and smoother.
I was disappointed with the 4.6 power until I added an Edge tuner. Much better now.
I pull a 22' boat now and then. The 4.6 does just fine.

cj152290

Did the tuner make that big of a difference? I dont feel the my 4.6 is underpowered, but I do want a little more umph. I have been looking at Tuners, but have been afraid of the "Snake Oil" out there.

On the thread note. IF you want easier maintenance and do not care about having a little less power. 4.6 is the way to go. As Jeremyyc said. the 4.6 is in the vics, exploders, f150, Econolines, (Mercury models of these name sakes) Lincolns and older Mustangs. The 4.6 2v (Circa 1991) has had many years of service and time to figure it out. The easier plugs goes out the door at '09 up to the Eco boost and Coyote.

Since you have already owned a 5.4 you know what it has / does.

I am very happy with my 4.6.

jshillin

iTrader: (1)

I bought an Edge for mine a couple months ago and upgraded it to a Gryphon. It makes it feel like a different truck and removed all hesitation when you push your foot on the throttle. I'm very happy with my 4.6