5.4?

[Grampswrx]

The thing with the 5.4 is that you have to wind it out. Makes power higher up in the rev range. I had a fully self contained coachmen with a 5.4 and I floored that thing everywhere. Seemed happier in the higher revs. So make sure you have a heavy foot.

The other motors make more power down low, so they feel "quicker" but the 5.4 never left me wanting more power.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Grampswrx

The thing with the 5.4 is that you have to wind it out. Makes power higher up in the rev range. I had a fully self contained coachmen with a 5.4 and I floored that thing everywhere. Seemed happier in the higher revs. So make sure you have a heavy foot.

The other motors make more power down low, so they feel "quicker" but the 5.4 never left me wanting more power.

Absolutely correct. Tritons like to rev. What is counterintuitive is that they don't really get any worse fuel economy when you rev them. Try it and see.
CarringB can speak more to this I'm sure.

The V10, like the 5.4, likes to rev too but of course the diesels make their power down low.

[The_Vermonster]

I have a 2010 EB, Quigley with a 5.4L and 3.73 gears. Before driving it I would have said that it was my 3rd choice for an engine. But I have been pleasantly surprised by it. I replaced the 285/70s with 265/70s and gained over 1mpg. It has no problem cruising at 70, but the MPGs really suffer. I average 11.5 with a combo of city and highway driving. If I can stay off the interstate and keep to the 55mph zones I can push that to 14mpg. My van is relatively light though. Its about 8k lbs right now, but does have a large roof rack that I know is hurting the overall mpgs.


The only thing I really dislike is that Quigley shortened the tank, which has a pretty huge impact on overall range. Its about 28 gallons which means I get about 250miles before I start looking for a place to refuel.


At the recommendation of others, like 86Scotty, a 5 Star tuner will probably be next. And while I would love to add lockers, which would justify the re-gearing, I don't know if 4.10s are worth it right now. Plus that cost is a hard sell to the wife!

[RandallDee]

I just sold my 2006 with the 5.4, 4x4 conversion, 33" tires and 4:10 gearing. I usually weighed 7800-8500 lbs and had a Yakima roof box. I averaged 12-14 MPG. Heaviest thing I ever had to tow was my white water raft all loaded out. I was super happy with the 5.4 and wouldn't hesitate to get one again.

[larrie]

Have not problem cruising at 70 on the freeway with my 5.4 EB. It weights around 9000 fully loaded for Baja. Running 33s, 4.10 gears on the 4WD conversion.

You may want to take it to a shop to have a pre purchase inspection done on the engine and drivetrain. I can recommend Bridgetown Automotive on McLaughlin Blvd. They do a tremendous amount of fleet maintenance for several contractors that run the 5.4 vans so they have seen all the issues with the, and know what to look for. I have no affiliation with them other than I am a satisfied customer.

[Mikerson]

Originally Posted by PDXDave

Thanks for all the replies guys, I'm going to go drive it and see how she feels.
This one IS a 4x4 with a low pop top and no huge racks.
We won't be towing at all, and the load out is just my wife and I, plus two 45 pound dogs.

I think you’ll be plenty happy with the 5.4. I frequently tow my boat up a 9% grade. 8500lb van/gear, 3500 lb boat for 12,000 combined. The 5.4 is slow under these conditions, but takes it like a champ. This is running 4:30 gears with 33.5” tires. Do I wish I had gone 4:56? Only going up this winding road and get a lifted dodge rolling coal behind and wanting to pass. Really happy when I’m cruising on Montana freeway at 80 mph.

[225]

I have a 2014 Ford E-350 box truck. So the MPG's aren't as good as a van would be. I average solid 10's.

Rides great, runs great. Not crazy power, but good enough.

[PDXDave]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, we made an offer on a very nicely sorted 6.0 truck yesterday and it looks like we're gonna be owners by the end of next week.

[bisonthecruiser]

Unless you have a strong knowledge of diesel, I'd stick to the gas engines. We have a 7.3 diesel and good mechanics are hard to find, especially in California

[PDXDave]

Originally Posted by bisonthecruiser

Unless you have a strong knowledge of diesel, I'd stick to the gas engines. We have a 7.3 diesel and good mechanics are hard to find, especially in California

Yet one more reason to not live in California...
Lol
I'm in Oregon, am a former ASE certified master tech and have a top shelf diesel specialist who's also a good friend, on speed dial.

I agree though, unless you're diesel smart, buy a gasser.