I have a two wheel drive 96 F150 with the 300 I 6/auto trans. The truck has 130K miles on it without any trouble ever with the engine and trans. I wish I could say the same for the truck. The truck has the snow belt blues rather extensively. So I am looking to get something newer and similar.
My budget puts me in the 07/08 year range. I know nothing about 4.2. Can any one give me a knowledgeable comparison between these engines and trannys? I know it is I6 -vs- V6 pushrod engines and I believe the 4.2 is a roller engine. Any info is appreciated.

 

4.2s seem to be pretty good:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-on-4-2-a.html

We have (had? --I no longer work at the airport) tugs with both the 300 and the 4.2. Pulling maybe 5000 lbs, either would do the job just fine. The 300 usually pulled in one gear, where the 4.2 would shift. They were just set up that way. Not sure what trans--I think I saw "Morse" on one. Note these are 15-20 mph governed vehicles.

So the 4.2 is a smaller motor, and has less low end torque. Gearing takes care of that.

Specs here:

Ford F150 Engine Specifications 4.6L 5.4L 4.2L

Later model 300 info here:

http://jastrauss.fastmail.fm/1990_p16.jpg

 

The 300 has more low end. The 4.2 doesn't have the low end, however it isn't a complete dog either. I have an 05 with the 4.2 it is a good engine. I like the 4.2, however I like the 4.6 better. The mileage difference isn't that great and more pony power out of the 4.6.

The 300s I've had seemed to have better mileage then the 4.2 I have. I had a 98 with 4.6 would get 17 to 19 MPG, my 05 4.2 gets 16 to 17 MPG.

 

IMO, the 300-6 was one of the best engines Ford has ever built.
I have owned 2 versions of the 4.2; the 97 with all the gasket problems and my current 07. As you know, Ford made the 4.2 up to 08. I wouldn't call it a bad engine but I will not say it was the best; it did serve it's purpose though.
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