Right now I have a Ranger with the 4.0 and auto. As of late I've been thinking about a new F-150 x2 short box reg cab with a v6. I see a lot of posts in here about lack of power with this engine. Do you guys think in a short two wheeler the power would be acceptable with OK mileage. I don't really need a large truck like an x-cab or long box but a little more room in the cab than the Ranger has might be nice. Any input would be welcome. R81

 

I'd say the reg cabs with the 5-spd manual would be a little faster. But I've heard that the 4.2L/5-spd's get equal to, or maybe worse gas milage than the 4.6L/auto's.

If it were me, I'd splurge for the 4.6L. They have quite a bit more torque than the 4.2L's. Plus, they don't cost too much more than the 4.2L's, especially with 0% financing or cashback bonuses. I don't know if the dealers around you are offering these incentives, but they are around me. I got a letter in the mail from a dealer saying they're offering 0% financing just yesterday.

Good luck.

 

talk to Jamzwayne, he has one and seems to like it. He can tell you about the performance. That is, if you can get him to stop playing that Outlaw game long enough.

 

I think Jamz has the Heritage model (old body style) like I have.

Ranger81 said he was considering a "new" f150 with the V6. So I took it he meant 05+ f150.

The older body styles are nice. A 4.2L with the 5-speed can beat a 4.6 auto with the same cab/bed/drivetrain configurations, and get slightly better gas milage. Not so with the 05+ f150's. The best thing about the new F150's IMO is the better ride and handling, better crash-test scores, and more in-cab room. Plus, the new look is growing on me. I want one, but I can't justify trading in my low-milage, perfect running, very decent looking, paid off, F150 for a newer one.

 

Yes, I know Jamz has the Heritage, but I figured it was someone that could speak to the reliability and performance of the V6. Didn't figure that the new body style would make a lot of difference in performance.

 

Ok, I have the V6. A 2001 F150 with the 4.2L V6. It has ran flawless over 5 years. The only thing that went bad is the DPFE (EGR) sensor, and that was covered under an extended warranty. Oh, I had and a leaky rear pinion seal. Nothing major.

All I've done is change the oil and filter every 4000-5000 miles (the recommended interval with semi-synthetic), change the plugs and wires, pcv valve, fuel filter every 25k miles, lube the front end every oil change, change tranny fluid every 30k miles, flush/change coolant every 3 years (It's good for 5 years but I'm **** about it), change rear diff oil at 50k miles, Seafoamed the engine at 50k miles, and put a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank at every oil change. Result, it's still running strong and smooth at 67k miles.

That's my review.

 

PS- I've never seen jamz post anything in this forum. Maybe you could PM him and get him up here to give his review.

Ooops, I'm a dumbass. I clicked quote...

 

you do realize the 4.2 on the new platform will fall flat on its face compared to a 4.0 ranger . . or even a 4.2 97-03 . . .

 

Yep. That's true.

 

yea i just think hes gonna be disappointed as hell. the 4.0 ranger is pretty damn fast

 

Yep. That's why I recommended he at least get the small v8. It has more torque than the 4.2L.

 

Well, I have the 4.2L V6. It isn't a power house, but it gets me from point A to point B...I have smoked the tires on it (power breaking), so it isn't a complete sissy of an engine.

If your looking towards the V6 to save a few bucks on gas, wrong answer....If I could go back and know know what I didnt know then, I would have gotten a V8. I have compared to people with the V8, and there really isn't much of a difference. I drive 80 miles round trip everyday (all highway) and I get close to only 400 miles per tank....with a 22 GAL tank.

Hope that helps.


[EDIT]

I have a 2004 F150 Heritage......sorry, I forgot to post that. That's some pretty important stuff.

 

Thanks jamz. I hope that makes your desision a little easier ranger81.

Lmao @ the heritage joke.

 

How did you get a 22 gallon fuel tank? Is it after-market?

I have an '04 Heritage too. The manual says the 4X4 short wheelbase is 24.5 gallons, 4X2 short wheelbase is 25 gallons, and all long wheelbase are 30 gallons. Supercabs fall into the short wheelbase category when it comes to fuel tank size.

I agree that the 4.2L isn't a powerhouse. But it isn't bad when you step on it (as far as V-6 full size trucks go). I have the 5-speed with 3.55 rear end.

 

I disagree.

I have a 2004 Heritage, V-6 with 5-speed. I get 20 to 21 mpg on the highway.

My brother has a 2003 with the 4.6 V-8 and an auto. He gets 14 to 17 mpg on the highway.

We both drove up the Alaska Highway this summer, the cost difference was very noticeable. We compared gas receipts after the trip. I spent $305 less on gas than him just on this one trip alone.

Hope this helps.