4.2 or 4.6 5 speed or auto in a late model F150?

I'm either getting a late model Crown Vic to replace my 92 Vicky or a F150. Right now I'm thinking I can use another truck, although the F150 and Crown Vic SHOULD be able to pull my race car (my old Crown Vic does).

I'm familiar with the 4.6 in my Vicky, but what about the 4.2 in the trucks? For the most part I'll just be pulling about 4500 pounds total about 100 miles round trip, so I don't need (and can't afford) a Super Duty or anything like that.

I also want something that's pretty easy on gas like my Crown Vic is. Been looking at 98-2001 Ford pickups, around 6K or less meaning it'll pretty much be a base model shortbed with the V6 or 4.6.

I just need a better daily driver as my built 78 4x4 with 4.88s, 35s, serious 400 with 10.8:1 compression, ect... gets less then 10mpg and has to use doped up 93 which is getting expensive.

My truck is also locked up on both ends, sits up pretty high, so my wife hates it (it's got away from her once or twice on slick roads). Just need something a little more practical for her and the kid to commute in.

So, I need something good on gas, that can pull my race car, and be a non eventful daily driver.
[addsig]

My dad had a 4.2 V6 in a short bed F150 and it got good mileage, but only a little better than the one with the 4.6 V8. If I found a good deal on a V6 truck I wouldn't shy away from it, but I wouldn't search for a V6 over a V8 just because of mileage.
[addsig]

Beware of mid-late 90's 4.2 engines. They have a reputation for intake gaskets leaking coolant into the crankcase and ruining an otherwise good motor. I just had a buddy drop several thousand $$$ fixing his. There are websites dedicated to this particular failure too.
Kywookie

I highly DO NOT recommend getting a ford pickup with a 4.2 V6 unless you are NOT going to pull anything, and can handle the V6 noise.
Minimum of a 4.6 V8. Still would go with a 5.4 if you're gonna pull a race car on trailer.
While my previous 94 F100 had just a 4.9 straight 6, the 4.9's Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay outwork/outpull an 4.2.
My .002 [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
[addsig]

hell I think the 4.9 will out pull a 5.0!

We had a '97 F150 reg cab 4.2L 5 speed. What a TURD! I don't think the 4.2 should even be considered for a puller, no matter how much you aren't going to pull. 4.6 minumum, 5.4 preferred. I REALLY like the 5.4's. Torque from idle to 5000, plus the respond well to boost[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img]