300 I-6 vs 4.2 V6 - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Squanto · 08-13-2005, 11:30 AM

OK, gettin ride of my tacoma soon, and getting into a little older truck. Need something that will pull about a 3500 lbs load (Trailer + my kick).

I'm trying to decide between a 94-96 F-150 w/ the 300, 5 spd, 4x4 reg cab, and a 97+ F-150 w/ the 4.2, 5spd, 4x4 reg cab.

Which would be the better route to go? I don't know much about the 4,2. but I know the 300 is torquey and reliable.

Which would you choose?

EMG7895 · 08-13-2005, 12:00 PM

Get the 300

ImNotRight · 08-13-2005, 12:01 PM

I just don't trust the 4.2L as it is based off of the 3.8L, which as we all should know, the definition of a 3.8L= a device used for blowing head gaskets.

I'd go for the straight 6, and actually, I am sorta looking for one also.

Fawk Awph · 08-13-2005, 12:26 PM

thats like comparing a cummins to a 22re.

theres no comparison with the 300, by far the best engine for the size ever built. its the poor mans diesel (kinda). great wheeling motor too if you got the room in the engine bay.

Callen

Squanto · 08-13-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fawk Awph

thats like comparing a cummins to a 22re.

theres no comparison with the 300, by far the best engine for the size ever built. its the poor mans diesel (kinda). great wheeling motor too if you got the room in the engine bay.

Callen

Think one will fit in my trackick??

Thanks for the response guys! I guess the decision is made!

82F100SWB · 08-13-2005, 04:10 PM

Not only is the 300 a better engine, the truck it comes in is built MUCH better. The 97's ride and handle better, but, that's because they were designed in this era of trucks being cars with beds. The basic body, suspension and chassis of the 94-96 era trucks was on the drawing board back in the late 70's, back when your average truck owner actually used a half ton as a truck, and having a nice comfy ride was far less important than having a good durable work truck.

Jrod-13 · 08-13-2005, 05:28 PM

get the 300, it's a pulling mofo, and tough to kill.
I have the 300/ZF combo in my F-250 DD/tow rig, I love it.

doc70sub · 08-13-2005, 06:24 PM

I've had both - '82 2wd swb w/ 300 & a '99 2wd swb w/ 4.2.....both great trucks, but the 300 is by far the better truck motor for hauling & towing. The 4.2 is really good as a daily driver w/ moderate hauling & towing (did haul a '71 F-250 down the interstate @ 65 w/o any problems, stopping was fun! LOL).

Doc

bremen242 · 08-13-2005, 07:42 PM

300 anyday.

4.2L has the revs, but no torque to pull.

jwhoss76 · 08-14-2005, 08:54 PM

300 will stomp the 4.2 no question. Both trucks are IFS but the TTB on the 92-96 has fewer parts and is much stronger than the 97+ IFS. I have owned both and the older Fords were much tougher and far more reliable. PLus an older ford is much cheaper to lift if you decide you want more ground clearance to use your tow rig as a rescue rig.

wanderer-RRORC · 08-18-2005, 05:06 AM

I put a 96 I-300 in my 84 crew 350....runs GREAT..tows AWSOME...but dont get in a hurry...mines runnin stock tires with 4.10 gears...it'll run 70+mph but its not geared to run that high...but in first gear...you could pull a semi with all 18 tires FLAT!!

not to menion the lenght makes it ride BETTER than a car!!

rocknbronco · 08-18-2005, 06:50 AM

Go with the 300 I have never been in awe of fords V6s I had one in a 89 F150 it got the same mileage as a 302 but lacked the guts to pull as well.The 300 will use more gas but will last longer and you cant beat em.

Jrod-13 · 08-18-2005, 07:39 PM

wanderer, what do you usualy pull with yours? rough estimate in weight?
I'm looking into getting a GN for mine, and am currious how it will be for hwy speeds with THAT much weight behind it..
Yours has the mazda tranny too, right?

Squanto · 08-18-2005, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderer-RRORC

I put a 96 I-300 in my 84 crew 350....runs GREAT..tows AWSOME...but dont get in a hurry...mines runnin stock tires with 4.10 gears...it'll run 70+mph but its not geared to run that high...but in first gear...you could pull a semi with all 18 tires FLAT!!

not to menion the lenght makes it ride BETTER than a car!!

Only a car from Zanesville.

Does it run as well as the one in the ranger????

08-13-2005, 11:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Squanto Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4877 Location: hudson, OH Posts: 643	300 I-6 vs 4.2 V6 OK, gettin ride of my tacoma soon, and getting into a little older truck. Need something that will pull about a 3500 lbs load (Trailer + my kick). I'm trying to decide between a 94-96 F-150 w/ the 300, 5 spd, 4x4 reg cab, and a 97+ F-150 w/ the 4.2, 5spd, 4x4 reg cab. Which would be the better route to go? I don't know much about the 4,2. but I know the 300 is torquey and reliable. Which would you choose? __________________ 03 Taco, BBP Rock Sliders, and some other junk. The Mall Krawler. 94 Trackick, dual cases, extended wb, 33's, welded rear, flat bed, still under the knife.

08-13-2005, 12:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
ImNotRight Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19666 Location: Napa, CA transplant. Posts: 1,207	I just don't trust the 4.2L as it is based off of the 3.8L, which as we all should know, the definition of a 3.8L= a device used for blowing head gaskets. I'd go for the straight 6, and actually, I am sorta looking for one also. __________________ QUOTE=TheHawes;15027873 If it wasn't for pussy, I'd hunt them fucking things.

08-13-2005, 12:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Fawk Awph Mom Says I'm Special Join Date: Feb 2004 Member # 26857 Location: Chico California Posts: 3,695	thats like comparing a cummins to a 22re. theres no comparison with the 300, by far the best engine for the size ever built. its the poor mans diesel (kinda). great wheeling motor too if you got the room in the engine bay. Callen __________________ ECV 7-11

08-13-2005, 04:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
82F100SWB Fawkin Fordhead Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 15263 Location: Winterpeg, Canada Posts: 2,048	Not only is the 300 a better engine, the truck it comes in is built MUCH better. The 97's ride and handle better, but, that's because they were designed in this era of trucks being cars with beds. The basic body, suspension and chassis of the 94-96 era trucks was on the drawing board back in the late 70's, back when your average truck owner actually used a half ton as a truck, and having a nice comfy ride was far less important than having a good durable work truck. __________________ 96 F350 XL CC PSD/5 speed 4x4... New Tow pig in the making 96 F250 XLT Ex Cab PSD/5 speed 4x4... DD/Tow Pig 92 W250 LE, CTD/5 speed 4x4, tow pig/DD/snow pushin pig 86 F250... 460/T19/1345/D60/welded 10.25, 44 Boggers, reg cab, some junk... Build

08-13-2005, 05:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jrod-13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17313 Location: Tower, MN Posts: 2,794	get the 300, it's a pulling mofo, and tough to kill. I have the 300/ZF combo in my F-250 DD/tow rig, I love it. __________________ A recent survay of over 1000 trailer parks in the southeast found the 350 chevy out numbered the mullet by nearly 4:1, draw your own conclusion.

08-13-2005, 12:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
EMG7895 Wheeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Member # 34702 Posts: 485	Get the 300

08-13-2005, 06:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
doc70sub Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Member # 21611 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 159	I've had both - '82 2wd swb w/ 300 & a '99 2wd swb w/ 4.2.....both great trucks, but the 300 is by far the better truck motor for hauling & towing. The 4.2 is really good as a daily driver w/ moderate hauling & towing (did haul a '71 F-250 down the interstate @ 65 w/o any problems, stopping was fun! LOL). Doc __________________ Stuff

08-13-2005, 07:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
bremen242 Granite Guru Join Date: Mar 2004 Member # 28687 Location: GANS Posts: 866	300 anyday. 4.2L has the revs, but no torque to pull.

08-14-2005, 08:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
jwhoss76 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Member # 43799 Location: Yakima, Washington Posts: 50	300 will stomp the 4.2 no question. Both trucks are IFS but the TTB on the 92-96 has fewer parts and is much stronger than the 97+ IFS. I have owned both and the older Fords were much tougher and far more reliable. PLus an older ford is much cheaper to lift if you decide you want more ground clearance to use your tow rig as a rescue rig. __________________ DD-88 Fullsize Bronco 5.8/C6/1356 44TTB/8.8 34/10.50/15 Swamper LTBs Project-83 Fullsize Bronco 302/C6/208 too much to do, too little money.

08-18-2005, 05:06 AM	#11 (permalink)
wanderer-RRORC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Member # 41653 Location: Newark Ohio Posts: 1,467	I put a 96 I-300 in my 84 crew 350....runs GREAT..tows AWSOME...but dont get in a hurry...mines runnin stock tires with 4.10 gears...it'll run 70+mph but its not geared to run that high...but in first gear...you could pull a semi with all 18 tires FLAT!! not to menion the lenght makes it ride BETTER than a car!! __________________ Gotta Love people who have "soon to have/be" in their signatures....Im soon to be thin,rich and nice.. yea right.. "They are little angels but they are trying to fuck the wings off each other!" --Sturgell Black eyes last but a week, the shame of sodomy lasts a lifetime.-TheRedHorseman

08-18-2005, 06:50 AM	#12 (permalink)
rocknbronco Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Member # 51692 Location: Flat Top MTN,TN Posts: 1,780	Go with the 300 I have never been in awe of fords V6s I had one in a 89 F150 it got the same mileage as a 302 but lacked the guts to pull as well.The 300 will use more gas but will last longer and you cant beat em.

08-18-2005, 07:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jrod-13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17313 Location: Tower, MN Posts: 2,794	wanderer, what do you usualy pull with yours? rough estimate in weight? I'm looking into getting a GN for mine, and am currious how it will be for hwy speeds with THAT much weight behind it.. Yours has the mazda tranny too, right? __________________ A recent survay of over 1000 trailer parks in the southeast found the 350 chevy out numbered the mullet by nearly 4:1, draw your own conclusion.

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