Xplorer

Please excuse the basic questions, but having no Ford expierence other than my old '79 4x4, I thought I'd turn to the experts. We're looking at '04s & '05s. What gas mileage can I expect from the 4.6 & the 5.4? I'll be using it for light towing (single axle landscape type trailer w/ quad) & need the 4 wheel drive to reach my property in the mountains. '04 being the 1st year, is there any reason to shy away from them? Any other words of wisdom that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Triton v8

Welcome to the site!! These are great trucks and I don't think you'll be disappointed at all. All trucks have problems so there's no perfect truck.

SuperDave

Welcome to the forum!

I have an 04 4x4 Lariat SCREW with a 5.4L.

I haven't had it long but my mileage so far has been 13-13.5 all city and 18.5-19.5 half highway half city. On highway trips I do tend to drive around 5 miles over the speed limit. Haven't been on an all highway trip and I haven't had to tow anything yet. If I do alot of short trips or stop at alot of red lights it will drop down to 12.6. I do tend to have a heavy foot. Gotta stop that!

I have yet to have any problems with my 04 and it has 46,000 miles on the OD.

IMO if you are planning on doing any towing (light or heavy) I would definately go with the 5.4L. You will be kicking yourself if you go with the 4.6L and use it for towing purposes.

whhaaazupp

I have used my 04 4.6L for towing and I have maxed out the bed and the hitch at the same time .. I seen 2 mph drop in my mileage when I did it though .. usually the 4.6L will get 1-3 mpg both city and highway over the 5.4L stock ... Currently I am getting 18-20 mpg city and 24-28 mpg highway, and thats with a CAI and dual exhaust .. Still looking into doing things to further increase the fuel economy ... My truck stock was 16 mpg city and 18 highway .. But I stick to the speed limit almost like I have OCD about it