Which should i pick? 4.6 or 5.4?
05-07-2012, 07:16 PM
#51
Nor-Cal
I would go with a 4.6 far more reliable. I honestly won't buy a 04-08 5.4 just because of all the issues, I like the reliability of the 2v 97-03's and 2v 4.6 04-08s.
The 4x4 vs 2x4 is entirely up to you.
The 4x4 vs 2x4 is entirely up to you.
05-07-2012, 07:43 PM
#52
American member
Originally Posted by 03FX4604
I would go with a 4.6 far more reliable. I honestly won't buy a 04-08 5.4 just because of all the issues, I like the reliability of the 2v 97-03's and 2v 4.6 04-08s.
The 4x4 vs 2x4 is entirely up to you.
The 4x4 vs 2x4 is entirely up to you.
05-07-2012, 08:02 PM
#53
My 04 screw 5.4 is at 103k and no issues as well. Been very reliable albeit noisy but thats why the flowmaster is on the back to compensate for the diesel noise lol the 5.4 is extremely reliable. Of course if you read these forums you will hear of the issues cause thats the first step in diagnosing now a days... Just like when my fridge crapped out first thing I did was look up the forums for maytag...you get the idea.
05-08-2012, 11:47 AM
#54
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Smyrna, GA
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've owned both. Had a 4.6 in my 2001 Screw and now have a 5.4 in my 2005 Screw. Both were 2WD. I notice a big difference in initial power (getting up and moving from a stopped position). Once moving though I can't tell to much difference. I towed a boat with both trucks and the 4.6 really struggled on inclines pulling my 18' center console. Gas mileage was slightly better in the 4.6 when NOT towing. When towing though the 5.4 is better. I had numerous problems with one of the COPs on the 4.6. Had it in the shop twice and it wasn't a cheap fix. So far I have not had this issue with my 5.4. If I had to choose, I'd go with the 5.4. I currently have 74K miles on my 2005 and haven't had engine problems yet. Writing this probably just assured me of a disaster in the next few days though. LOL.
05-09-2012, 09:20 AM
#56
Former Powerstroker
IMO, if you don't go with the 5.4, you might always be bothered you didn't. You'll then start seeing them everywhere, next to you at the traffic light, parked across from you, etc., etc., etc.
Years ago, I bought the V6 Mustang, and regretted it for years thinking, "Crap, should have saved and pitched out for the 5.0" (this was back in '94).
Years ago, I bought the V6 Mustang, and regretted it for years thinking, "Crap, should have saved and pitched out for the 5.0" (this was back in '94).
And I am happy I have slightly less issues and dont have to care about my under powered motor.
05-17-2012, 05:03 PM
#57
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I currently have both these engines in 2 different trucks, a 2001 4.6 expedition and a 2008 5.4 F150 4wd and will give you my opinion.
The biggest question you need to ask, I think, is "are you planning to tow"? If the answer to that question is yes, opt for the 5.4 engine and its inherent issues. The 4.6 engine is a gutless, torque deprived motor. My V6 chevy astro van that I traded in could easily out tow the 4.6 Ford. It was so bad that I had to purchase a older suburban to take over the boat towing.
That being said, the 4.6 expedition with towing package has been the most reliable vehicle of 40 some cars I have owned. I purchased it new and it currently has 190,000 miles. The only work ever done other than scheduled maintenance has been 3 ignition coils replaced....big deal. Its a smooth runner and police and taxi Crown Vics with this same motor easily see 400,000 miles before overhaul.
The 2008 5.4 F150 has more torque down low on the rpm scale, where you need for towing it but stuck spark plugs and cam phasers etc tell me to be easy on this engine. If I was going to buy a 2008 truck as a daily driver and had no towing mission, I would opt for a lightweight 4.6 supercrew.
The biggest question you need to ask, I think, is "are you planning to tow"? If the answer to that question is yes, opt for the 5.4 engine and its inherent issues. The 4.6 engine is a gutless, torque deprived motor. My V6 chevy astro van that I traded in could easily out tow the 4.6 Ford. It was so bad that I had to purchase a older suburban to take over the boat towing.
That being said, the 4.6 expedition with towing package has been the most reliable vehicle of 40 some cars I have owned. I purchased it new and it currently has 190,000 miles. The only work ever done other than scheduled maintenance has been 3 ignition coils replaced....big deal. Its a smooth runner and police and taxi Crown Vics with this same motor easily see 400,000 miles before overhaul.
The 2008 5.4 F150 has more torque down low on the rpm scale, where you need for towing it but stuck spark plugs and cam phasers etc tell me to be easy on this engine. If I was going to buy a 2008 truck as a daily driver and had no towing mission, I would opt for a lightweight 4.6 supercrew.
05-18-2012, 01:47 AM
#58
Senior Member
I currently have both these engines in 2 different trucks, a 2001 4.6 expedition and a 2008 5.4 F150 4wd and will give you my opinion.
The biggest question you need to ask, I think, is "are you planning to tow"? If the answer to that question is yes, opt for the 5.4 engine and its inherent issues. The 4.6 engine is a gutless, torque deprived motor. My V6 chevy astro van that I traded in could easily out tow the 4.6 Ford. It was so bad that I had to purchase a older suburban to take over the boat towing.
That being said, the 4.6 expedition with towing package has been the most reliable vehicle of 40 some cars I have owned. I purchased it new and it currently has 190,000 miles. The only work ever done other than scheduled maintenance has been 3 ignition coils replaced....big deal. Its a smooth runner and police and taxi Crown Vics with this same motor easily see 400,000 miles before overhaul.
The 2008 5.4 F150 has more torque down low on the rpm scale, where you need for towing it but stuck spark plugs and cam phasers etc tell me to be easy on this engine. If I was going to buy a 2008 truck as a daily driver and had no towing mission, I would opt for a lightweight 4.6 supercrew.
The biggest question you need to ask, I think, is "are you planning to tow"? If the answer to that question is yes, opt for the 5.4 engine and its inherent issues. The 4.6 engine is a gutless, torque deprived motor. My V6 chevy astro van that I traded in could easily out tow the 4.6 Ford. It was so bad that I had to purchase a older suburban to take over the boat towing.
That being said, the 4.6 expedition with towing package has been the most reliable vehicle of 40 some cars I have owned. I purchased it new and it currently has 190,000 miles. The only work ever done other than scheduled maintenance has been 3 ignition coils replaced....big deal. Its a smooth runner and police and taxi Crown Vics with this same motor easily see 400,000 miles before overhaul.
The 2008 5.4 F150 has more torque down low on the rpm scale, where you need for towing it but stuck spark plugs and cam phasers etc tell me to be easy on this engine. If I was going to buy a 2008 truck as a daily driver and had no towing mission, I would opt for a lightweight 4.6 supercrew.
I'm not sure if I should get it because I'm worried I may be disappointed with the acceleration, especially up hills on the highway. I'm waiting for the seller to get back so I can test drive.
05-18-2012, 03:50 PM
#60
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Luvmydux:
A 2005 supercrew 4.6 would be a nice daily driver, and they are priced right in that age bracket. I don't think gas mileage is is much different between the 2 engines. It would be more about longevity and its hard to argue the service life and reliability of the 4.6 engine. Would it be 4wd?
A 2005 supercrew 4.6 would be a nice daily driver, and they are priced right in that age bracket. I don't think gas mileage is is much different between the 2 engines. It would be more about longevity and its hard to argue the service life and reliability of the 4.6 engine. Would it be 4wd?