Trying to decide between a 4.8 and a 5.3L

[elite0259]

ok cool, thanks for the help, if I were to change the gearing though, let's say I couldnt find a low geared for sale, is it easy to change the computer to get the speedo to be right?

[jro909]

the 5.3 is a superior motor hands down, but the 4.8 can hold its own...gearing like others have stated is a deciding factor

[travis73]

In my oppinion a 4.8 shouldent even be a consideration with that kind of weight,I've had both 4.8 and 5.3 and the 5.3 definatly does the job better towing my 4400lb camper.My 4.8 had 3.73's and it felt like I was stretching its limits to pull the camper.You definatly want a 5.3 or larger for that kind of weight.

[11Silvy]

Neither. Get a 6.2 before GM makes them obsolete ;) ;)

[EX-F150 owner]

I tow 7K with my truck. It was too much for the 4.6L 3.55 gears in the F150 I owned. I then had a 5.4L with 3.73 gears and burned up the tranny at 66K miles. No more Fords!

 

This time around I went with a heavier duty 1500. I am not in a 3/4 ton or larger category yet and I like the ride of this truck better. This truck does pull my boat a lot better with plenty power to spare.

 

Before you decide on what to get you really should listen to what has been said here. Gearing and motor size are both important and this is too much load 4.8 when your talking about 1000 mile trips imo.

 

Here is my load

 

Please don't mind the Ford I no longer own it. I do need to get a better picture of it behind my new truck! Click the picture to make it larger

[Spurshot]

Just my 2 cents. I had a few horses and the loaded trailer was about the same weight as being discussed here. I bought a 2500 back in 1999 for this job. I had watched a couple friends use 1500's for this exact job and beat the living hell out of the drivelines, brakes, suspension and frames in very short order.

 

Towing a 7500 lb trailer is always an increase in risk. You want to stack the odds in your favor as much as practical. You won't have much braking margin with a 1500. You'll go thru brakes pretty quick. Suspension is taxed to the limit. Pretty much the whole truck is working inear the limit. They advertise it to be capable of this load with the 1500, but is it a good idea? I personnally don't think so.

[tazerbro]

I got the 5.3, then realized I should of gotten the 6.2. I knew one thing- I didn't want that 4.8.

[nickvrebel]

I've owned a 4 speed 4.8L and 6 speed 5.3L (current) - I would not attempt that kind of weight with a 4.8L/4 sp. I have towed plenty of different loads with both also.

 

The 6 speed has a MUCH better transmission and the torque numbers speak way more than horsepower numbers when towing is involved.

 

My 5.3L w/ 6 speed felt comfortable towing my 7,000 lb travel trailer in hilly terrain.

[Zembonez]

Don't listen to the dribble coming from the uninformed about the huge differences between the 4.8 and 5.3. They are identical engines except for a 9mm difference in stroke. There is no mysterious HUGE difference in performance. The main advantage the 4.8 has is a lack of the AFM and its associated noise and oil consumption issues.

 

The bigger difference in these trucks is the 4 speed vs 6 speed transmission. For towing, I would go with the 6 speed.

[tyhuck]

5.3 and dont look back. Get 3.42 gears minimum. Get 3.73 if its available.

[RockySierra]

5.3L as well. While the 4.8L is a GREAT engine there IS a noticeable power difference and you will kick yourself later on by not going with the 5.3L.

[Zembonez]

AND you can only get the 6 speed behind the 5.3 right?

[EX-F150 owner]

AND you can only get the 6 speed behind the 5.3 right?

 

5.3 or the 6.2. The 6.2 does not have AFM

[Mulaka]

AND you can only get the 6 speed behind the 5.3 right?

 

 

No, I saw two on the lot today that were the 4.8 with the 6 speed transmission. I don't know if the were 2011 leftovers or 2012's.

[Zembonez]

AND you can only get the 6 speed behind the 5.3 right?

 

5.3 or the 6.2. The 6.2 does not have AFM

 

 

6.2 Sounds like the right setup then.

 

AND you can only get the 6 speed behind the 5.3 right?

 

 

No, I saw two on the lot today that were the 4.8 with the 6 speed transmission. I don't know if the were 2011 leftovers or 2012's.

 

Never seen a 6 speed 4.8