I am looking for a 4.2 short block for my buddy's '97 f-150. As I am sure all of you are aware, they are tough motors to find, and come at a premium. I have, however, found several motors from Freestars and Mercury Monterey minivans, which are all much cheaper. All I need is the short block. Can anyone tell me if these minivan 4.2 short blocks are interchangeable? If not, does anyone have a spare short block laying around by chance? Thanks.

 

This says FWD pattern is diff from RWD pattern.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ford_bellhousing_patterns
Hard to know with wiki....

But it would make sense, what with Fords millions of patterns.

 

Stepping forward to say 2001 gives a better motor but one must expect some problems with the belt and pulleys of the pumps and alternator alignment possibly. It is externally balanced where the older motor had internal a balance shaft.