Hi guys, I am looking at both a 1998 5.4L F150 and a 1995 5.0L. I know the 5.4 is a good engine and has a good towing capability. What about the 5.0? Is it a good engine? Does it have good towing capacity? The 5.0 would be paired with a 5 speed, so does that reduce the towing capacity? What are some common problems with both? Thanks in advance!

 

Compared to the 5.4, the 5.0 is a torqueless wonder, it's a car engine. The 5 speed will also limit your towing to about 3500#, it's a relatively light-duty tranny. They are both very reliable.

 

Depends which 5sp - some actually got the ZF, and the tires & gears will have an effect, so you have to read the door sticker codes to know. Then download the owner's manual from Ford to find the towing capacity.

 

I had a 93 5.0 and my brother had a 97 4.6 that would out perform the 5.0 in any circumstance!

Phil

 

Correct, Steve - I was assuming M5OD-R2. Did the ZF ever find its way into a 95 5.0 F-150? I've never seen one.

 

So what I'm hearing is that it is a good engine, but not very powerful. What about the 351? What is your opinion/experience about that one?

 

The 5.4 is a better tow motor than a 351.

 

Ok. Thanks for your help! So your choice for motors are 1. 5.4, 2. 4.6 then the others?

 

^ 5.4 only IMO, or a 2011 6.2!

 

351 windsors are good motors. They can be beefed up pretty easy stock they have lower torque output then a 5.4 but they have lots of potential and a great aftermarket support 2nd only the the small block chevy. They also can last a long long time if taken care of. If you dont wanta spend money beefing it up the 5.4 is the better motor..

 

It's like asking which is the best fighter airplane. It's not the machine - it's the guy controlling it. If you know what you're doing, you can tow with almost anything. I've towed over 10Kip with my 4.9L/NP435/3.08s/32x11.50s. I wasn't doing 90, but do you really want to?

The point is: any engine can tow.

 

Of course I don't want to do 90 while towing, but I do want the confidence to know that I can move it quickly and effectively if I need to and I want to tow as much as I can because I am looking to get a bigger boat, which I know aren't that heavy, but just to know for sure that the truck can handle it.