Is the 4.6 strong enough?
- Thread starter Shaggy
- Start date
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G
Guest
5.4
I have the 5.4 and it is pretty good. A friend bought one of the 4.6's, as the price was too good to be true.
It was. Just not enough power for the mountains.
He sold it a year later and got he 5.4, and is happy now.
Scott
I have the 5.4 and it is pretty good. A friend bought one of the 4.6's, as the price was too good to be true.
It was. Just not enough power for the mountains.
He sold it a year later and got he 5.4, and is happy now.
Scott
G
Guest
I have the 4.6 engine and regret it everytime I step on the gas. The everyday travel is not too bad, but don't try to climb a hill with the AC on. I can't complain too much because the truck is a 2000 and has over 80,000 mostly trouble free miles on it.
Pat
00 XLT
Pat
00 XLT
G
Guest
My '97 had the 4.6 in it...towed nice, but felt it wasn't enough. Bought the '00 with a 5.4...towed a powerwagon (5500lbs) with a 3 ton trailer for 7hrs...not a problem...
When we went to look at the '01, we couldn't turn down the deal so we bought an '01 with the 4.6 in it. I've towed with this truck my 3ton trailer loaded, but not fully loaded. It towed fine in the White Mountains and Green Mountains...
I don't tow that much anymore, so it wasn't worth having the 5.4 in the Expedition when the 4.6 does fine. Guy(NH)
When we went to look at the '01, we couldn't turn down the deal so we bought an '01 with the 4.6 in it. I've towed with this truck my 3ton trailer loaded, but not fully loaded. It towed fine in the White Mountains and Green Mountains...
I don't tow that much anymore, so it wasn't worth having the 5.4 in the Expedition when the 4.6 does fine. Guy(NH)
Just bear in mind that 2003 Expeditions are about 300-400 lbs. heavier than their 1997-2002 counterparts. May be enough weight to make the 2003 4.6 unusable in circumstances that were borderline for older models.
G
Guest
Wow...are they really 300lbs more? Is that because of the 3rd seat changes? What other differences are there with the 2003?
I won't let my wife go look at 2003...that's how I ended up with the 2001.
Guy(NH)
I won't let my wife go look at 2003...that's how I ended up with the 2001.
Guy(NH)
G
Guest
I am looking to buy a 97 or 98, how is the longevity of the two motors? I would think the 5.4 would outlast a 4.6....any thoughts or facts? My price range has me looking at around 95 to 100K miles.
OP
OP
I was just on carpoint looking at the reliability reports for the expedition and no specifics on engine other than very reliable for all years made !
When you see the report for the land rover makes you wonder why people would even buy one.
When you see the report for the land rover makes you wonder why people would even buy one.
G
Guest
longevity of either engine? I feel it depends how the truck was driven...if it towed heavy stuff a lot, etc...I haven't heard anything bad about either engine and both performed fine for me...Guy(NH)
Supposedly the 5.4 is more vulnerable to leaking head gaskets. Also, many 1997-1999 Expeditions are plagued by leaky heater hoses. On the 5.4, this leak is positioned above the coil pack on the #4 cylinder, leading to premature failure of the coil pack. 4.6 engines of this era only have two coils, one for each cylinder bank, and are positioned well away from the heater hoses. Newer 4.6's share the same coil pack setup as the 5.4.
On the other hand, the extra torque of the 5.4 is very welcome on a 5,500 lb. truck.
Really, at 95-100k miles, the quality of maintenance by the p/o will determine your happiness more than any design issues.
P.S. Award bonus points to any candidate that has had the sparkplugs recently changed. This is a difficult job, and the dealer will charge you accordingly.
On the other hand, the extra torque of the 5.4 is very welcome on a 5,500 lb. truck.
Really, at 95-100k miles, the quality of maintenance by the p/o will determine your happiness more than any design issues.
P.S. Award bonus points to any candidate that has had the sparkplugs recently changed. This is a difficult job, and the dealer will charge you accordingly.
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G
Guest
Replacing sparkplug and coil pack
since you spoke on it.......
How hard is it/ How do I go about replacing the number 4 coil pack that has gone out on my '97 5.4. The part costs $90.00 and I really cant see paying the dealer 20-300 just to put it in. Am I really going to have to take all that "stuff" off the top of the motor? I have time patience and a decent set of tools. Opinions Please...
since you spoke on it.......
How hard is it/ How do I go about replacing the number 4 coil pack that has gone out on my '97 5.4. The part costs $90.00 and I really cant see paying the dealer 20-300 just to put it in. Am I really going to have to take all that "stuff" off the top of the motor? I have time patience and a decent set of tools. Opinions Please...
G
Guest
Just found the site and thought I would add my .02 on the spark plug issue. I have owned a 00 f150 and a lightning so I know about the plugs. If you got to www.svtlightnings.com there is a how to section on how to change the plugs and the tools needed. Granted it is for the lightning but the same tools and instructions apply.
G
Guest
I have changed my plugs as well and learned on my dads L. But paying 90 bucks for a coil pack is to much. I have changed out 2 of my packs and paid 64 for them. But as far as for reliability I have a 99 5.4 xlt 110k miles and I drive the tires off of that thing. Other than usual maint. I have not had problems. But if you have to get your upper control arm/balljoints fixed it will cost you any where from 500-800 Depending on who you get quotes from. For 69 bucks a piece and 10 for a ball joint seperator 15 for a Haynes manual and the use of my dads floor jack I did it my self in less than 2 hours. Just get the alignment done afterwards.
abbyzdad
Active Member
a quick note on 5.4 reliability--when was the last time any one with a 4.6 launched a sparkplug? on another forum this has been a reasonably hot topic. (the v-10's have the same problem) this alone is why i have run 4.6's since 97(except the F550)
