After heavy thinking i am getting more serious about doin this but need some help...here is my prob now..i have a 88 f 150 with 4.9 and mazda 5 speed...i already rebuilt the tranny but the motor is knocking and am getting ready this winter to put new main and rod bearings in the 4.9 with 240,000 miles along with HV oil pump...but it runs at 2 grand then dies and then will fire and run on the second try in the cold..i am hoping i can solve this prob but any help would be appreciated...but since i am putting this time into the truck i think i am goin to posses it longer then i thought i would..i already repainted it...buti am looking at putting an axle up front...now what years are compatible with my 88....i would like to put f 250 springs all around...will i need a t case that is off of a mazda 5 speed or will any of them bolt up...also what do i need to do up front....i have found an 89 f150 xlt for sale 4x4 that the motor knocks and the guy wants to get rid of it cheap so i might purchase that....thanks for the help....

 

buy the parts truck and go to it. check the technical write up by dan mc donald on this subject.
I di my 88 21/2 years ago and it works great.