need a new truck, what do i get?

wildcats · July 21, 2002

I'm interested in buying a new 1/2 ton extended cab 4x4 pickup and have narrowed my choices down to the silverado or the f-150. I will be towing a boat on the weekends with this, so I was maybe leaning towards the F-150 since it's 5.4 has more torque at lower rpm's than chevy's 5.3 does. However I haven't made up my mind yet and wanted to get some input from both sides before i made the decision. One other option is to wait until next year because I hear Ford is updating their 5.4 with even more power and torque (305 HP and 385 torque I think). Is Chevy updating their engines anytime soon? Thanks for all your help.

k1500chevy97 · July 21, 2002

the f-150 is far better than the silverado.

wildcats · July 21, 2002

Really? What makes the F-150 so much better?

pacodiablo · July 21, 2002

more torque, they also tend to cost less. i don't think the 03 silverado will have any engine upgrades, but they will likely get some soon.

Bob G. · July 21, 2002

Both trucks that you mentioned are good trucks. Buy the one that you like. Consider the weight of your boat and the payload of the truck when making your decision on the engine/gear ratio.

Bob G.

Bob G. · July 21, 2002

Hey Paco,

Why does you van pic cover up the next post?

Bob G.

Sierra5.3 · July 21, 2002

You people should be ashamed of yourselves, telling him to get a Ford. The ford might have a little more torque but they dont have the hp or decent 4wd systems, they also get crappy mileage. Get a Gm they look cooler

pacodiablo · July 21, 2002

Hey Paco,

Why does you van pic cover up the next post?

Bob G.

it does?

fords have about the same MPG as a GM, and they have better emissions.

SnakeEyeSS · July 21, 2002

Well, if your driving this when your not towing, get the Silverado.

If your towing all the time, get the Silverado and a HPPIII.

If you like the very idea WOT just for fun, get the silverado. The 5.3's are smmooooooooth all the way up the speedo under hard accleration. Never driven a 5.4 hard on a open road, but I've heard that after 30 MPH they really start to die off.

You want a 4x4 get a Z71, the Z71 has been around for a long time, has proven great, and Ford has finally copied them, with the new FX4.

Shaners · July 21, 2002

Ford has some fancy computer programming for their throttle management. I had a 5.4L Ford once, and it ran good... no doubt about it... But when I went to put the throttle down more than 1/2 way, there was nothing left!!! 1/2 throttle was the same as 3/4 throttle... NOTHING!!!

It really sucked for towing, because I was always wanting more and it wasn't their. Maybe they have changed it since then, but I did have a rental F150 about 6 months ago, and although it was snappier than my '97 was, I was dissappointed in the throttle settings.

It almost seems that they program it to seem more powerful than it is, by applying more throttle from a throttle position sensor than what you are really asking for.

My $.02

chvyslverado · July 21, 2002

how could u ask that on this forum???????????/

go with the silverado baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pacodiablo · July 22, 2002

Ford has some fancy computer programming for their throttle management. I had a 5.4L Ford once, and it ran good... no doubt about it... But when I went to put the throttle down more than 1/2 way, there was nothing left!!! 1/2 throttle was the same as 3/4 throttle... NOTHING!!!

It really sucked for towing, because I was always wanting more and it wasn't their. Maybe they have changed it since then, but I did have a rental F150 about 6 months ago, and although it was snappier than my '97 was, I was dissappointed in the throttle settings.

It almost seems that they program it to seem more powerful than it is, by applying more throttle from a throttle position sensor than what you are really asking for.

My $.02

your 97 had 235 HP, so it was a little on the weak side. the current 5.4s have 260 HP, a big improvement. i can't wait till the new 5.4 comes out, it sounds like a nice engine.

Greg · July 22, 2002

Drive both. I rode in a friend's f-150 4x4 and thought my kidneys came detached. Also, step-in height on GM pickups is more modest than Ford. If you want to have someone actually sit in the back seat of an extended cab, also go with GM.

Shaners · July 22, 2002

your 97 had 235 HP, so it was a little on the weak side. the current 5.4s have 260 HP, a big improvement. i can't wait till the new 5.4 comes out, it sounds like a nice engine.

Paco, When I had my t-case replaced in my truck, I drove a new F150 for 2 weeks... (rental companies give you a truck for a truck and they aren't brand loyal)

I believe this was a 2001 truck, and I still think the throttle mgmnt system was screwed with to make it seem more powerful than it was... I did some mods to my '97 and I bet I was pushing at least 250 HP.

Personally I'll never go back to Ford again unless the motor/tranny is upgraded extensively. I really like the looks of the SuperDuty trucks, but I just don't see what they have to offer over the GM line...

pacodiablo · July 22, 2002

i see. i have heard that the new 5.4 coming next year will have 320 + HP, possibly as much as 345HP. i hope the truck has looks to match the drivetrain