97 F-150 ?'s

[channelfats]

I saw a used 97 f150 4.3(?) 6cyl, 4wd, with 150000 on it that was clean enough to peek my interest. What am I realistically looking at for city driving mileage. mileage towing a 350lb boat with a 30 horse?(very light)

Thanks

[Musky_Madness]

I have the same but a 4.6 V8 in mine. I got 12 pulling a 16' 50hp boat last summer on the interstate/county roads. I would guess in the city probably 9-10. It shouldn't be much of a difference than your normal city driving as the boat is only 350lbs.

[Bryce]

My company had me in one of these for 3 years with the 4.6 V8. Very dependable truck and we pound the snot out of them. Our truck guy always chuckled when I reported no problems in yearly service reviews. I think he always expected it to come back in two or more pieces. Gas mileage was always in the 12 or less range but remember that I had 3 tool boxes full of assorted gear and was generally in the 6,500 pound range when I went over scales. Although I wouldn't reccommend it, I occassionaly had to pull a skid loader. The control factor was right on the line of being unsafe. Only problem was lack of power. Pretty sure I dented the firewall pushing the gas asking for more power. Test drive it and make sure the power level is acceptable for your application. Very comfortable, nice riding truck and this review comes from a biased GM owner.

[icechipper]

I have the 4.6 L. I get about 12-13 mpg in winter, a little better in summer. I do have a short drive with some city driving too so that doesn't help. As far as towing goes I have towed a 16ft Lund, really light like you are talking about up to Waubay SD and back and averaged 18 mpg. I wouldn't go less than the 4.6, it works getting the truck up to speed in a hurry and if you need to pass in a short distance.

[Northlander]

I have a 97 F-150 with the 4.6L. 184,000 miles on it. I like the gas mileage but hate the lack of power when towing my 17' Explorer and 115 yamaha. Just not enough power up hills and to pass on the freeway.

If your only going to tow every once in a while in the summer its ok. If you tow all year round and often I would say go to the bigger motor.

When I had my 14' with a 25 horse it pulled that no problem at all.

I should say I also live in Duluth / Superior so I have to climb hills all the time to get to most lakes I fish.

[UMDSportsman]

I thought that with a 4.6 you should get a little better than that. I have a 95 f-150 and it has the 5.8L. I usually get around 11-13 city and 15 highway. I don't do that much towing with it, but my grandfather owned it from new and used it as a farm truck where it did its fair share of towing and hauling. I am thinking about upgrading this year, or next year. I know pretty much what i want for a newer truck and will wait until i find one i like for the right price.

[Scott K]

Well the f150 4.2 engine is a v6. Cant compare it to the 4.6. It will get better milage empty then the 4.6 v8. Pulling will be about the same as the 4.6, it just depends on how hard you work it, if you arent in a hurry to get up to speed you will be fine, but if you want to go from 0-60 in 6 seconds pulling a load, you will be better off with a bigger motor!

As for those with the 4.6, you will find you would get better mpg in the 5.4, more power, and the engine will work less!