Fordlover wrote:
I had an Explorer with the less powerful SOHC V8, with the 3.73 tow package and a similar trailer, and was very pleased with the combo overall. The 5 speed automatic and 3.73 gearing worked well, but I never mistook it for a 1,000 ft. lb. diesel.
If I recall, the Aviator has the 300hp 4.6 and 5 speed. Basically the Mustang GT drivetrain.
Agree, not to be mistaken for a big diesel or even a big new 400hp gasser, but it is a very reliable combo in my past experience with several 4.6 and 5.4 trucks and would have the same or more power than a typical F150 of the same era.
One recommendation, at 100k miles, if you are on original spark plugs, buy new plugs, then go to church and pray hard that the old ones don't snap off when removing them and do a tune up. Idk how long you've had the vehicle, but enough people have know for a long time that the 4.6s are prone to snapping off plugs and they may have been left alone and original 17 year old spark plugs.
When removing, be careful, use copious amounts of penetrating oil and go slow. When they break loose, do not jsut start cranking them out. Go tight loose tight loose back n forth, kinda like tapping a thread. You'll understand why after you get the first one out.
(And then you'll want to go slap Henry Ford's great grandson for the "ingenious" design!)
Use copper antiseize on the sleeve and threads when installing new plugs.
I've only done one set of these plugs and low low mile super clean garaged car and the plugs were sticky and corroded already.
