i started my truck the other morning ('78 f250 ranger explorer 460 2wd) and it was cold so i let it warm up and i went back inside. while i was on the way out i heard that awful noise coming from the belly of the beast. i immediately shut'er down and started wondering why all of a sudden it would happen now. i had just driven it the previous day, and the day before that. it had plenty of oil,although needed changing, and plenty of coolant. i still need to get the pan off but i need to jack it up first to clear the crossmember. can i change the connecting rod in the engine with it still in the truck? it looks like plenty room. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks kyle.

 

Does'nt sound good, normally there is going to be some damage if a con rod goes, I would think to the block, crank, valves Of course I am not an athority on rebuilding an engine or just replacing a rod so maybe someone else will chime in and give their opinion.

 

Hey Kyle there is another guy on here named Steve -who has a 460 in one of his trucks, he may have some more knowledge on your problem. He will pass through eventually.

 

If you are replacing a rod, you need to pull the motor. If it broke, it's probably done some damage to the head and it's all gotta go to the machine shop. Besides, You'll have a heck of a time trying toget the piston back in the bore from the bottom.

 

well it's been awhile since i posted, turns out a piece of my head gasket came loose and was caught in between my piston and head #5 cyl. it sounded like a knock at first but i started one last time real quick with a buddy and it was totally top end. the rotating assembly was fine, rebuilt the oil pump, new timing chain and gears, water pump, lifters, but now i have a single lifter ticking around # 3 intake or # 4 exhaust. pain in the butt to take the intake off again just to replace one lifter. the gasket is one of those full metal stamped ones. paint is on the way soon too!!L8 kyle

 

i know, head gasket coming loose, right,making a "knocking noise", i heard it all, but i'm telling you it happened. that little metal ring, after 30 years decided to take the eternal dirt nap. luckily my piston wasn't scarred at all. believe it or not, the 460 lives. next is drag race mayhem!!!!! (on my '68 mustang)