Is a 4.6 v8 enough in a full size F-150

[JJZ 109]

Just took my bucket truck and business trailer to get weighed so I'll have to amend my previous post about how much I thought my F150 hauled.
The F Super Duty bucket truck/7x18 enclosed trailer combo was 15,440. Truck alone was 10,220 so the loaded biz trailer is 5,220. Had to reactivate my DOT number last week when I updated myself on my state's requirements. To quote NYSDOT's website: "If you operate a truck for business purposes with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a truck and trailer with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, you need a USDOT number."
But getting back to the original post, I still would shy away from a 4.6 if I was pulling much of anything at all.

 

[handirifle]

Have never owned a Ford 4.6 but currentlly have an 06 Tundra with a 4.7 so it ought to be close. 290hp 315tq, with VVT but no displacement management. All that so you can compare. Truck has 3.90 gearing and is also a double cabb4x4 weight a shade over 5k empty. My 5th wheel trailer is rated 5200 empty and loaded for hook up camping is most likey a little over 6k.

On rolling hills it does great. Gets into traffic ok, but no rocket. On long grades the 5spd tranny will be in 2nd gear before the top. Not my idea of desriable. Adequate, maybe. For what its worth, its been my experience with light duty trucks, the bigger engines work less and fuel mileage can often be better with the larger engine, IF you drive like a sane person.

I would hold out for a larger engine. Hes prob selling it cause its not powerful enough. Same reason I will be selling my Tundra.

 

[deerefan]

There are a couple versions, 2 valve and 3 valve in the F150. I own a 1997 F150 ext cab 4x4 with the 4.6. Good run around truck, esp on our property. Gutless pulling really. It is the 2 valve model, 215hp/280tq I think. The 3 valve engines were better power wise and also have PI heads (I think). Really a much stronger engine than the 2 valve. I think in 06 or so they went to the 3 valve.

 

[buickanddeere]

I am looking at purchasing a F-150 for the farm. It has a 4.6 liter engine and is 4x4. I need to be able to move the 3203 a short distance down the road. Im worried that it will not be able to do it successfully with out completly maxing it out. The tractor and trailer ad the bushhog will be about 5,000. Any thoughts?

How did farmers ever get by with inline six cylinder trucks during the 1950's, 1960's and into the 1970's. then the engine such as the Chev 350 four barrel only made at best 165HP.
The Ford 4.6 makes how much power? 231HP or 260HP ? is it a race?

 

[Peacock]

How did farmers ever get by with inline six cylinder trucks during the 1950's, 1960's and into the 1970's. then the engine such as the Chev 350 four barrel only made at best 165HP. The Ford 4.6 makes how much power? 231HP or 260HP ? is it a race?

Show me a 4.6 that is geared like an old brain truck.

 

[buickanddeere]

Show me a 4.6 that is geared like an old brain truck.

What? Not even a valid question. The new trucks make the old trucks look pitiful with brakes, steering , mileage and on ramp acceleration.

 

[handirifle]

I think that was his point. He was saying the old trucks were geared VERY low, and road speeds were nowhere near what they are today. Get on a major highway today pulling a load on level ground at 35mph and your local law enforcement might be stopping to chat with ya.

I like the body styles of the old trucks and the simplicity of the engines (except points and condensers, don't miss them at all.

 

[Patches]

If you had bought that Tundra with the 5.7 and tow package(4:30 gears) you wouldn't need to sell it

 

[Peacock]

What? Not even a valid question. The new trucks make the old trucks look pitiful with brakes, steering , mileage and on ramp acceleration.

Sure it is. The old trucks got by with less power because of gearing.

No one was talking about chassis parts.

 

[buickanddeere]

Sure it is. The old trucks got by with less power because of gearing.

No one was talking about chassis parts.

Gearing doesn't make "power". 200HP at the flywheel is 200HP at the flywheel.
If gearing was everything then CAT would install a 50HP engine in a D9 then gear it down farther to push the load.