Yes, all 99 - 2000' have forged rods.

 

sweet good to know for if i decide to get nuts with it

 

That does not mean they will not break. There are some here that have broken forged rods. They should be stronger.

 

And not ALL '01 build trucks have PMRs. There is a guy on another forum that has an August '01 build and ended up with forged.

The ONLY way to know for sure is to check.

 

Guys, when I got home yesterday I tried every thing I could find to fit the plug. What did you guys use to take the plug out? I didn't know they make square sockets, if that is what is used.

I want to check this afternoon.

 

IIRC, I used an extension bar either for a 1/4 or 3/8. I'm leaning towards the 1/4. Hook the extension bar to a ratchet and have at it.

 

Ok, I tried the 3/8" extension and it was too big. I tried a 1/4" ratchet and thought it was too small, but I didn't try an extension. I am about to go home and try again.

Thanks, I will be back in a little while.

EDIT: I need to spread them around. lol

 

I tried both and neither workes. Must be 5/16". The 1/4" extension fits the plug on top and the side but not the one I need.

 

FWIW: I finally looked inside the peep hole and I have forged rods.

I had to use a piece of square stock 5/16" X 1 1/2" long. I fit this inside a 12 point 3/8" deep socket to take the plug out.

I wonder why ford put this hole there?

 

Rick, what's your engine build date?

As for why the hole is there, International may have had some kind of oil return there for certain T444E applications or something....kind of like the bypass oil systems people put on.

 

Cody, I don't know what the build date of the engine is. I seen it once before but don't remember where. Truck build date is 8 - 19 - 00'.

 

Aint that some Chit.. I think Mike (tenn01) has a 9-9-01 build on his truck, and he has PMRs. On the build date sticker it says where it was manufactured, was it indianapolis?

 

Kris, I think you ment 9-9-00'? Where is the build date sticker for the engine?

 

Yeah, that's what i meant. OOpsie. THe build date sticker is just on the other side of the valve cover from the #2 cylinder. IOW, front of the drivers side VC.

 

I looked and found the glue still on the vc but no sticker. I think I wash it too much. lol

I do remember it was somewhere up north.