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I am looking at buying a 01 F150 4x4, I am a Chevy man and this will be my first Ford so this may be a easy question for some of ya'll. The 150 I am looking at has a 4.2 V6 and 5 speed, is it a fairly strait forward swap to the V8. If so what would I need. Also is there any problems with the V6 that I should be aware of. Thanks in advance.
Its a big job to swap these motors from what I've heard. You need all the wiring & ecu from a V8 truck to swap & a tranny to fit the V8 too. The 5 speed might fit but I don't think a V6 auto will work. Its easier to do it you have a complete donor truck.
Yeah it is quite tricky if you really got the money time and patience go for it but would be just as as easy to buy a truck with a V8 im sure the 4.6l V8 comes in a 5 speed...
have a 97 f150 with 4.2l so does my dad. both started knocking at about 115000 miles with dads threw rod through oil pan and block. when mine knocked about 2 weeks later pulled out put new rod and main berrings and new lifters. checked rings and wrist pins they were still good got it all put back together and it still knocked. couldn't figure it out drove it with knock for about 60000 miles got use to it then one day it just quit knocking still running strong and purring like a kitten
thanks for all the replies. I run up on a good deal on this one with the V6 is the reason for not going with the V8. Does the 4.2 run strong? is there anything else I need to look for when I go to look at the truck? Thanks again
The 4,2 is a good engine for what it is...an engine for a light duty truck. That said I pull an 18' bass boat all over East Tn with a 2000 F150 4.2 4X4 no problems at all with torque or power. It is a little slow on the bottom end compared to what most Ford drivers are used to. And the gas mileage will be in the 15-16mpg range. That's what mine gets, uphill, downhill, sideways, towing, not towing it don't care. They are good trucks. The ride is second to none and quiet for a truck. I haven't driven Chevys in years so i don't have anything to really compare. JMHO. Good luck! Hope this helps.
I get in the high teens unloaded with my bone stock 125K mile 2000 4x3. Seems the later ones are ok.
I just put on some overload shocks (sensatracks with the wraparound springs) and it tows a car trailer much better.
I like the manual box since I'll have it long enough to wear out either a clutch (cheap) or an auto trans (expensive).
I'm comfortable doing engine swaps, but if this dies I'll just put another 4.2 in it, unless I have a complete organ donor wreck to strip.
Thanks again. I was not sure about the 4.2 as I have never heard of it before. I know the 4.0 Is a strong little 6 in the ranger but thats all my knowledge of fords. I think that I am going to get the truck and drive it until the wheels fall off.