My 2000 f150 died today I've had it since 2001

It had problems so I called dealer, 7K to swap. we just don't have that. so I have a mechanic I trust to do the work, but finding an engine we can afford has been tough

So far I've found these sites.

accurateengines.com

Buyusedengines.com

sandjengines.com

Grandvalleyautoparts.com

Accurate has some really bad reviews. buy used engines seems to have a decent warranty.

Anyone used any of these or have one they've used? Money is tight so this seems like my only option

 

Forgot it's a 5.4L vin L

 

Give us a little info tksii. Where are you located? Have you checked car-parts dot com? They are a website of junkyards, that you can break down by distance to you, and have 5.4L, L Vin motors.

I know money can be tight these days, but if the difference is less than $1,500, and there is ANY way to swing it, buy re-built. If you haven't had head gasket problems with your engine, you may not be so lucky with the junkyard motor. My son's 1998 (Built May 1998) lost the head gaskets (really only one, passenger side) at 17 years and 147,000 miles and was a $2,000 bill (engine/heads were $1,500+, but did a few other things).

Good Luck.

 

You can buy a re manufactured 5.4L long block for $3700 from Advanced Auto parts.

 

Grand Valley auto has a VIN L, 122,000 Mi, $1400 + $175 shipped 90 day parts and labor. For an extra $427 I can get an 1 yr parts and labor. The engine was tested, I asked what that meant and they said that particular engine was started and ran for 15 min.

I'm located in knoxville, tn. Money is definetly tight. A $3700 reman is out of the budget, I wouldn't be able to pay my installer to put it in. Sandjengines.com had a reman for $2500 + core + shipping, put it up there with advanced.

I'd prefer a reman but doesn't seem like it's going to work out. I'd rather keep this truck because I know the trans, diffs, etc are all good in it. 4x4 works, etc. These "warrantied" junk yard motors seem to be my best bet. Otherwise I'm shopping used trucks.

I was hoping someone had possibly bought from the sites I listed and had some feed back.

Thanks for the responses! Waiting on wife approval for the grand valley auto engine.

 

trucks cost more than 1500.

 

They are but I would be able to put down what I can spend to replace the motor and finance the rest.

We found an engine locally that had a warranty, 115,000, for 1200. Getting it installed for 600 + plus new water pump.

 

Here's a few resources I use on a semi-daily basis:

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market is a GIANT search engine for parts at regular salvage yards.
Pick-n-Pull » Home is the largest chain of DIY salvage parts I know of. Prices for parts are standardized nationwide so you know what you're in for before you arrive.
Row52 | Find recycled automotive parts from self service auto recycling yards! is another big database for finding vehicles at junkyards that operate like Pick N Pull. They also have an Android app which is VERY useful. They usually have pictures of each vehicle as well as the VIN number too.

Between the three, you should be able to find an inexpensive engine in good working order and have it put in your truck for a reasonable price if you're not up for doing the swap yourself.

EDIT: $1200 for a 115k engine is pretty good, $600 for labor/fluids and a new water pump is a VERY good price.