Would the 5.4 in an F-150 4X4 be strong enough to pull a medium sized (2 horse) goose neck trailer?

I'm concerned about the bed being too tall for goose neck trailers and also whether the 5.4 would have enough "***".

 

Itll be fine....

 

Should have mentioned I'm looking at '97 / '98 models...

 

The bed wont be a prob then..the engine got 260hp in the 98;s.....still no prob though....tranny might be a worry.

 

While you'll be fine with any 5.4L, I'd try to swing a late-98 or newer truck if you can get a similar price. They have a bit more power.

Ford put more-powerful PI heads on trucks beginning in late 98, I believe, so they have a bit more power.

All 99+ trucks will have the PI heads.

My 97 was factory-rated at 235hp.
The same engine with PI heads is rated at 260hp.

That being said, we towed a 7,000-lb boat/trailer thru the desert for years with no problems. She pulls the boat a bit better these days

 

Thanks for the help, guys. My main concern was the bed height, but I bet it will be OK. I'll just try and find a trailer with an adjustable goose neck.

I bet the tranny will take a beating though, as I want an auto so my wife can use it.

I'll hook up a tranny cooler of some type. any good products out there?

 

I saw an "old" body style ('97-'03) F150 pulling a small gooseneck the other day. I have to admit that was the first time I had seen an F150 pulling a gooseneck/5th wheel. It was sagging a little bit, so it might not be a bad idea to install some helper springs in the rear (these are relatively cheap and easy to install).

Like the others said, I would *try* for a '99 up, but any of the 5.4s should be able to do it.

 

You have to get an automatic with the 5.4, ford dosent makem in a 5sp standard, unless you go to a super duity, than the 5.4 is two little mortor for the truck, any how the 5.4 in a 97-03 f-150 will do the job, find one with a towing package and upgrade the factery trans cooler.

 

Thanks for the help, guys !

 

The fan cooled tranny cooler sold by Troyer is the best bet.
click here

 

As everyone else said, try to go with a 99 or newer. I would try to get the E4OD trans and not the 4R70W. The E4OD has been proven and I know the 4R70W is a good transmission, but I would still look for the E4OD. Installing a set of helper springs is definately a good idea, and like Johngs said, there pretty easy to install. You could always have Mike Troyer tune the truck for you and you'll get even more out of it. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for all the info, guys! Can't wait to land one of these trucks.

If anyone hears of a '97-'99 4X4 F150 5.4 for around $8k, PM me will ya??

 

Hello Ponyrider,
Can't have mine ... but with a few mods my 97 does fine. https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=5415

 

Thanks, Faster!

 

What's wrong with the factory tranny coolers that u guys say they should be upgraded for towing

Dan.