Engine Swap '99 F150

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Jun 23, 2012 | 09:53 AM

Tom MCA

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Engine Swap '99 F150

I have a '99 F150 that I picked up with a seized 5.4. I picked up a junk yard motor out of 2001 Expedition that is also a 5.4. I then found out how much fun it is to work on this thing!

So while looking into a couple issues I am having I saw a tidbit somewhere on the internet that said my motor has a timing sensor on the cam, and the new motor has the timing sensor on the crank, is this true? Can anyone shed some light on what I need to do in this situation?

The next issue is that since the motor is seized up, I cannot turn it over to disconnect the torque converter from the flexplate. Can I just pull it out with the torque converter still attached? I just am wondering how much stuff from the front end I need to remove.

Any help would be appreciated.

Tom

Jun 24, 2012 | 11:05 AM

Tom MCA

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I have the old engine nearly all disconnected. It seems like both engines have the same connector on the front of the drivers side head, that I am assuming is for the timing pickup. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Tom

Jun 24, 2012 | 05:18 PM

54FordF1shortstep

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From: Brandon MS

The one on the head is the cam position sensor. You should be able to remove the engine with the torque converter still attached but you will probably lose a lot of trans fluid. Also be careful not to get too rough so you dont damage the converter or trans shaft you may need more forward movement and clearance with torque converter attached to get the engine out. Guessing around another eight inches forward which could cause you some trouble.

Jun 24, 2012 | 05:36 PM

Tom MCA

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Thank You for your kind reply. I don't know much about the array of sensors on modern motors. I guess the best question I can ask is this...

Is the 5.4 engine out of a 2001 Expedition compatible with the 5.4 engine in the 1999 f150? They definitely have different intake manifolds.

I removed the fan from the water pump pulley, and seem to have about 14" between the pulley and the ac condenser. Hopefully that will be enough.

Tom

Jun 24, 2012 | 05:47 PM

54FordF1shortstep

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From: Brandon MS

The block and heads should be the same. The reason intakes are different is probably because ford has had a few poor designs on these models but the bolt patterns should match.

Jun 24, 2012 | 07:00 PM

galaxie641

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From: SE Wyoming

Just to be safe use your current '99 harness, that will stave off any sensor problems. I don't see you having the room with the TQ on, I had the fan off, radiator out and TQ unbolted and barely had room to remove and install a 5.4L, the tight spot is when you are about 1/3 out and are at the cowl area with the back of the engine and the front still isn't above the header panel.

Take lots of pictures of everything hooked up and remember cardboard to cover the AC condenser and coolers. When you get down to it there are only half a dozen or so sensors to plug in and the length of the wire really dictates where they go.

Jun 25, 2012 | 10:02 AM

Tom MCA

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Fyi for anyone who checks out this thread, The engine came out with the TC on! It was certainly a very tight squeeze, and it scraped and slightly bent the upper radiator support, but it did come out.