advice wanted, engine/4X4 swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 25
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From: tampa
advice wanted, engine/4X4 swap
I drive a '94 f150 5.0L auto 2wd that just went over 200k. I use it for towing quite a bit and it's a little tired. I just came across a '90 f150 I6 auto 4X4 that doesn't run with 90k for $400. I guess it hasn't been running for quite some time and guy on the phone said something about the timing gears(I'm a little leary) But I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy it anyways. I want to swap out the drive train with mine, my front end is pretty loose and I'm pretty sure it's time for new ball joints all around anyways(I can rationalize anything). Now my real dilema is do I get the 300 running and do a complete swap or do I leave my 5.0L in and just do tranny, tcase, axles, drive shafts? Which engine would be more worth while to rebuild? I usually just use the truck to haul around a couple of dirt bikes but I sometimes haul a 3,500lb enclosed trailer. Gas milage is also a concern, the 5.0 gets around 13mpg, and around 7mpg when I tow the trailer. It would be nice to get a little better.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
ok, the 300-6 will out tow a 302 hands down. it will even last longer. I will say that leaving your 94 alone and sell it to make up the cost of fixing the 90. dont try to move the 4wd parts over to your 94 because it will give you nothing but headaches. It can be done though with time and money. your mpg will improve a lot during unloaded driving and maybe 10mpg while towing. I would wager you can get close to 2-3k for your 2wd that is plenty to replace the 300-6, have the tranny and front end checked out. keep us posted
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 25
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From: tampa
Thanks, that was the info I was hoping for. I'm still in planning stage and haven't seen the 90 truck and won't till I get home in Feb. (I'm a merchant Marine). I'm buying the truck sight unseen from a cassified add. So it may end up I need some of the parts from my 94 for the 90. For $400 I can't pass it up. I will work on getting the 300 running though and I think I would like to pull the 5.0L and make a nice go fast car motor.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
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From: Topsfield, MA
I'd have to slightly disagree about the 300/302 debate.
IMO, it comes down to preference - but I've owned/towed with the 300/302 in the same truck and have to say that I prefered the 302.
The pros of the 300 are that you don't have to downshift as much - more low end torque - but the 302 is more powerful overall. I had to downshift a little more often with the 302 - but once ya did so the 302 would out pull the 300.
If ya really want the best of both worlds - drop in a 351
IMO, it comes down to preference - but I've owned/towed with the 300/302 in the same truck and have to say that I prefered the 302.
The pros of the 300 are that you don't have to downshift as much - more low end torque - but the 302 is more powerful overall. I had to downshift a little more often with the 302 - but once ya did so the 302 would out pull the 300.
If ya really want the best of both worlds - drop in a 351
