If your really want a diesel.Why not just fix and sell the one you have now and then buy a PSD.I think it would be alot easier and cheaper in the short and long run.Just my opinion.

 

I Agree. Much more cost effective.

 

I would have to agree. A diesel swap is going to get expensive very quick--both in terms of money & time.

If, however, you want to explore this path further, keep in mind:

• PSD-equipped Super Duties run heavier front springs
• the fuel system is completely different from that used on any of the gas-powered Super Duties
• you will either need to get the computer out of the diesel donor, or find some way to get one completely reprogrammed for the diesel--no idea whether they are the same computer or not...I'm assuming so, but that is just speculation.
• swapping in a diesel may change the mounting location of the transmission/transfer case...which changes your driveshaft lengths
• the diesel's use a two battery system...which will likely require additional changes under the hood....things like the coolant reservoir, for example
• and more....

 

I know it really stinks when it happens, but blown out plugs aren't the end of the world. There's alot of good information down in the V10 forum, maybe in the 5.4 forum, too. The timeserts shouldn't be that hard to put in, and a full set of them should give you the peace of mind you're looking for a whole lot cheaper and easier than an engine swap. Even simpler, replace the rest of your existing plugs, use anti-sieze on the threads, torque them correctly, and check that torque periodically - you shouldn't have any problems. I had a '99 with the 5.4 that started blowing plugs after (like 10K after) I had them changed for the first time at 170K (it had 165K when I bought it). The mechanic (independant, not dealership) who was working on it said it was his fault for not torquing them correctly and was putting in timeserts (and not charging me) but after the third one I got spooked enough to trade it off. Looking back, I should've just had him put in the full set and kept it. At 190K it ran great, used no oil, had no leaks, and was as tight as could be except for the plug deal... If I'd had the information then that I have now with this forum, I'd have fixed it right and kept driving it.

On the subject of engine swaps, I agree with what others have said - just trade the whole truck. If you're really mechanically inclined, and have the time and facilities to do it, a complete wrecked donor truck would be the only way to go, 'cause you're going to end up needing way more than just a motor.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Your right. I have started the hunt for a used 99 and up diesel truck. As for the 5.4 anyone have one with high miles that they havent had to rebuild the bottom or top end yet? I had a chevy and put 250k on the engine before i had to rebuild it. Does Ford engines have that same quality in their blocks?

Aslo if i wanted to change my 5.4 into the newer 3v 5.4 anyone have any idea how much to goes for?

 

Quite a few guys have 200k+ on 5.4 engines without any major issues. One guy here claimed 400k miles.

Like ramblincowboy said, blowing out a plug isn't the end of the world. The head can be repaired with your favorite brand of thread insert and the engine will be as good as new.

3V engines go from $1000-$5000 on ebay. Not sure what else you would have to swap to make that engine work with your truck.

 

Come on people.They are just spark plugs.You should be able to change them.Its easy.
Just put a little anti-seize on the threads and torque them to 150 inch-pounds.

 

Uh........no.

The 2V V-8 and V-10 engines suffer from an engineering screwup where there aren't enough threads in the head to properly hold the sparkplug. Ford has very specific sparkplug removal and replacement instructions for these engines. Failure to follow these instructions will contribute to the failure.