V-6 strong enough for extend cab

vinny10

I was wondering for a 6 thousand pound truck(ext-cab) is a 6 cylinder big enough to not ware out to fast? Or am I better off getting a V-8?

ANT14

Personally, from my experience, anything over 4000 lbs, should start using a V8 as an option at least. Or as my father would say (an engineer), Go with the largest engine possible...Lasts longer because it it works much less and is much more relaxed.

And it this relates to the Triton V8 family, over the 4.2L Essex engine, I would definatly stay away from the 3.8, 4.2L. They are crude and unrefined, and probably give you almost the same milage than the 4.6L V8. That's IF we are talking about the current F-150, but EH I would go with the 5.4L, why not?

abc246

FYI. I have the 4.3 V-6 in a Silverado reg cab, but with 4x4. Were you looking at a 2wd or 4wd? I tow 5000 lbs with this engine, even on soft sand. You will not overwork the engine. I have never seen the temp above 195 even in 105 degree heat, towing in sand, in 4x4, in low range, at full throttle- all at the same time.

I like the combination and average 18 mpg when not towing. However, when towing it uses as much gas as V-8. I don't think it would ware out any faster than a V-8.

dustyk

The "larger engine" theory doesn't necessarily hold true. Some pickup models will use the same numerical axle ratio with the V8 as they do the V6, which means that the engine is going to turn the same number of revolutions. The number of complete revolutions of the bearings and up-and-down strokes of the piston is going to account for a good majority of the wear.

As far as being powerful enough, this is a very subjective thing and is also dependent on the weight of the vehicle and version of the drivetrain. My V8 Dakota Club Cab has way more power than I ever need, especially for day-to-day driving. I admit it's a welcome attribute when I put 1500 pounds in it and I'm climbing the steep hills of the Southerntier in New York state.

But the rest of the time I have to feed this critter when I don't need all the power. I've talked to people who have the same truck as I only with the V6 and they report getting 1-2 mpg better than I do, especially around town or a lot of stop-and-go driving. However, fully burdened I think they'd be about the same. I've come close to hitting 22 MPG with a load on interstate highway.

Regards,
Dusty

ANT14

But there's a difference when your driving and your tranny is shifting up and down to gain power, over one where holds steady the whole way through. All that shifting up and down causes the V6 to work much harder, to accomplish something the V8 does effortly without the need to search for power. Even if the axle ratio is the same or higher.

Any which way, if this doesn't factor in the equation, Ford's 3.8L 4.2L do not necessarily have the best reliability record... I'll take a Triton and pay more, over an Essex V-6. Specially now since the compression has been raised, the engine sounds much thrashier when accelerated hard.

mullins87

It'll only cost, what, $750 more? If you're buying a truck, mileage is not your first concern anyway. Not only will the v-8 handle the weight of the truck better, it will help you sell it down the road when it comes time for a new one.

I am assuming you are looking for a 1/2 ton. My suggestion is to get the mid 5 liter v-8, in the Ford that is the 5.4 liter. I suggest this size engine as it is the most popular in the 1/2 ton category.

vinny10

Is it possible to exchange my V-6 engine for the V-8 4.6 liter for a 97' f-150 extend(cab)?

ANT14

You could, but there's numerous other hardware issues that need to be upgraded as well. Computer, tranny, etc. Cost wise, it wouldn't be a good idea.