Which Truck Motor to buy???

[Dr. Bob]

I am going to be in the market soon for a new (used) 4X4. The last one had an automatic tranny and a 300 6 cyl. for a motor. It was gutless and used a ton of gas.

For my next truck I (prefer Ford) still want a 4X4 with an automatic, but I want something that has enough power. I am not super concerned about milage because most of its use will be for hunting and fishing - I will not use it on a daily basis.

Most of the trucks I am seeing advertised seem to be either 4.2L V6 or 4.6L V8.

Can anyone tell me anything about these motors? I am interested in the amount of power they put out and how tough they are in the long run. Also - if they are not good is there something else I should be looking for?

Thanks,

Dr. Bob

BTW - Good Luck Fishing

[Grabs]

Do youself a favor, go drive a 2000 or newer Chev Z71, with an a 5.3L Vortec V8! You'll be please, and even more pleased after you realize how decent the mileage is.

[Gissert]

If you have the funds, don't overlook diesel power. The new Chevy Duramax seems to be holding up well. Perhaps GM can now get the terrible rep they have on diesel power behind them.

The Ford powerstroke is also a good engine, although the jury is still out on the new 6.0 version.

Personally I have a Dodge with the Cummins turbo diesel. for a 5.9 straight six engine, it has all the power I ever need. The power is made at low RPM, as is the nature of a straight six diesel. I get 19mpg on summer blend diesel when running unloaded.

The days of smoking, lumbering diesels are in the past.

[hawkeye43]

i have a chev. duramax, couldnt be more happy. all the power you will ever need and will still get great mileage. you can not go wrong.

[dnoz]

Does anybody have any experience with the 4.8 L V8 in the new Chevy's how does it compare to the 5.3 motor.

[Tonka Boy]

A few friends of mine have the Ford 5.4L V8 and love it. I would consider buying one myself for a next truck. I have a Dodge with the 318 now, and I'd rather have a Ford!

[Guest]

ya go with the ford 4.6l thats enough power for the money. the powerstroke will out do a little duramax any day of the week. lets talk trucks now chevy boys!!!

FORD

[united jigsticker]

5.3 liter Chev engine is 285 hp and with a 3.73 rear axle will pull a heavy boat like its not there or a loaded 6 place snowmobile trailer without a problem. Driving this truck empty is a treat as well cuz' she has some gitty up and go and passing power is excellent.

The 4.8 is 270 hp, and is plenty peppy empty, but you'll notice a bigger difference once something is attached to the reciever due to the decreased torque with the smaller engine and same 3.73 rear end. Also, when towing, your fuel economy will be less then the 5.3 due to the engine pulling a bit of a struggle.

I personally own a Dodge Dakota with the 4.7 V-8 with a 3.92 rear end and dual ratio automatic transmision. Great acceleration and passing power. Gas mileage empty is 15-16 city and 19-21 hiway. (unless you're a lead foot)

It tows the boat or 2 place loaded sled trailer fine @ 235 hp and 300 ft lbs of torque, but leave the heavier towing duties to the Silverado.

Also, the cock pit of the 99-2002 Silverados are nice, and the 2003 models are better. Personaly however, I would opt for a GMC Seirra in the 2003 model years since I don't have a real kindess to the new front end of the Chev's.

[This message has been edited by united jigsticker (edited 05-09-2003).]

[Blaze]

I have a 98 Suburban with a 5.7/350 and also had a 2000 F150 with the 5.4. Hands down the Burb would blow the doors off the F150 despite the weight difference. When towing my 19' Crestliner, the F150 was fair but had to work pretty hard. The Burb once again kicked its butt in towing.

Had a friend who drove his brother's Ford with the 4.6l v8 - we were pulling a 14' aluminum duck boat w/5hp motor to the Mankato area for ducks one morning on some 2-lane back roads. Every time he pulled out to pass the car in front of us, he couldn't pick up enough speed to pass the guys ahead of us before oncoming traffic was in our face - what a DOG. I swore to myself then and there I would never skimp on engine power EVER.

Go with the 5.4 Ford, 5.3 Chev or 350 Chev, or pay for the diesel. You won't regret having extra power, but you sure will regret not having enough.

[fishinphyl]

You mean there is another truck besides a Ford Powerstroke? This is the second one we have had and would not have anything else! We pull horses and boats, it is our everyday vehicle and I love it. We have a F250 now with the four doors and don't know how we lived without it. The exteneded cab we had before was nice but this is even better. Good mileage, great ride and all the power you will ever need.

------------------
Phyl

[Kingfisher]

Dr. Bob, I have owned a Ford super cab pickup with a 4.6 engine and now have a super crew with the 5.4, in comparison of the two, both are very good powered engines, but I would not go back to the 4.6, the increased power of the 5.4 is quite noticeable while trailering the boat and snowmobiles. The gas mileage difference is nil, and your resale on the 5.4 will be substantially better.

[Guest]

I have a 2002 xcab 4X4 with 4.8. I have no problem towing a 18' fourwinns with i/o. So unless you plan on towing well over 3000 lbs, I wouldn't rule it out.
For 5th wheel, or gooseneck, I'd opt for 1 ton dually with a diesel or big block.
I usually get 16-17 mpg, towing or not.
Ford, Chevy, or Dodge - drive a few and see how you like them. I think the longer wheel base of the xcabs tow a bit nicer, although they are a bit harder in parking lots. 4 wheel drive is nice, but I've only used it a couple times.
Have fun looking.
gte

[Bryce]

Stay away from the GM 6.0 if you want gas mileage. 13-14 is the very best I've done with my crew cab. Power left over in every application so far though.

[MNice]

dnoz, I have a 01 silverado x cab 4x4 with the 4.8. I don't tow anything real heavy and it's got plenty of power for me. Running back & forth to work from New Prague to Chanhassen I am getting around 18 MPG. It does not have the torque of the 5.3, but I'm cheap and saved the $800 difference, and like I said, I don't tow a travel trailer or anything like that. It will tow most any boat without a problem. I have 50,000 miles on and have had no trouble at all. Bottom line, I would buy the same truck again with out hesitation.

Jeff

[This message has been edited by MNice (edited 05-09-2003).]

[Grabs]

The gas mileage difference between the 5.3L and the 4.8L is not worth the difference in resale value. Yes it is plenty of engine, but only if you don't pull anything with it.

[wastewaterguru]

I just got an 02' Ford Crew cab with the 5.4 in it and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had an explorer with the 4.0 v-6 and its like night and day.....

I am getting better than 15 mpg WITH MY 17.5 FOOT LUND ON THE BACK!!!!!!!!!! and about 18 or 19 without it.

I was only getting 10 or 11 tops with the explorer pulling the boat.

[Dr. Bob]

Thanks for all the advice. I am not sure what I will get, but it WILL have a BIG motor

[SXViper]

Go with the Ford 5.4 over the 4.6. There is quite a differencein power, especially when towing. Also the gas mileage is usually actually better with the 5.4. I have a 2002 Supercrew with a 5.4 and i Average 15 mpg driving around. Pulling a 16ft boat back from the Rainy I got 17 mpg. Which I thought was pretty good.
Brian

[Deemo]

never trust the boards with cars. Buy the best deal you can get or get a toyota or honda. u want usa or .........

[united jigsticker]

never trust the boards? I guess I (or hope) misunderstood the true meaning of that statement.

[chunkytrout]

Hey Bob, long time no see! Not to rock the boat or anything but as long as you're out looking, stop by a Toyota dealer and check out Tundra. Take her for a test drive. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!

[Guest]

If you want the "big" motor, don't even consider the V6 or the 4.6L V8. Those are engines for the weak.
I have a '97 F150 5.4L ext. cab 4x4. It is a work horse. 95K miles and been great. I haul a pickup camper and my 17' boat behind it and I still pass plenty of vehicles on 2 lane highways with on coming traffic.

I would never go with the 4.6L, it is a dog of a motor in a full size truck. The 4.6L should only stay in the Mustang IMO.

[Ely Lake Expert]

I would go with the f-150 with the 5.4 over the 4.6. The torque difference is amazing.

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I had a 97 Ford with the 4.6 L V8 in it. The truck has plenty of power for most applications. I pulled at 18.5 Warrior around without a problem. I agree that a 5.4 L would be better but a 4.6 will do fine. I pulled a buddy's 1750 Crestliner Fish Hawk with the 4.6 and I couldn't even tell it was back there.

I just bought a new explorer with the 4.6 in it and that motor is impressive. It is the same motor put in the Mustangs. The 4.6 put in the F150s is a cast iron block and the one in the explorer and Mustang is all aluminum. The 4.6 has plenty of power.

I also have a 99 Ford F250 with the Powerstroke and as the other posters have indicated, if you really want to tow get the diesel and have it over with.

[Moses2531]

Get a CHEVROLET!!