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4.2 vs 4.6?

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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 07:29 PM
  #1  
n5926g's Avatar
n5926g
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From: Hernando Ms
4.2 vs 4.6?

Hello all, Im considering giving my 97 F-150XL to my grandson as his first vehicle,Ive got the opportunity to buy a 97 with a 4.6 to replace the present truck. The 4.6 has 270,000 miles showing,but seems to be in good shape. I have no idea as to what maintenance has been done...with that being said what is a reasonable amount to offer,and what are any pitfalls concerning this powertrain?
The replacement truck is also an XL version LWB,automatic 2wd...Hell,its even the same color....as always...comments/suggestions welcome.
 
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:18 PM
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fordmerc
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In my opinion, the 4.6 is a much better engine that the 4.2. Other than the engine, the rest of the drive train is pretty much identical. Make sure you ck the trans fluid condition and listen for any bearing noise from the differentials. Also, the 4.6 is notorious for leaking a little oil from the passenger side head gasket so look to the rear of that head for any oil leaks. If the engine sounds good, and runs good, you probably have something to work with. Ask if there are any maintenance receipts for the truck as well. A few thousand dollars is probably all it is worth.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 02:39 AM
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phil6608
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From: Stanton DE
4.6 is a good motor.
As for what it's worth.Hard to say.I didnt know all what is in it.but this will give you an idea.
1997 Ford F150 - Private Party Pricing Report - Official Kelley Blue Book Site
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 05:31 AM
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From: Hernando Ms
Thanks for the input so far...The replacement truck has just the standard bench seat,rubber floor mats,and standard radio with cassette.
This all may be "going South" as the wife is REALLY concerned about the miles on it.
Im not really that worried miles wise,as its not a daily driver...sometimes I dont fill it up more than once a month....
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 07:08 AM
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Johnny Langton
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From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by n5926g
Thanks for the input so far...The replacement truck has just the standard bench seat,rubber floor mats,and standard radio with cassette.
This all may be "going South" as the wife is REALLY concerned about the miles on it.
Im not really that worried miles wise,as its not a daily driver...sometimes I dont fill it up more than once a month....
To help ease here mind-tell her about my old '98 model. It's got well over 250K miles on it now after I sold it to my dad,and I put 120K miles on it towing a 30' travel trailer weighing in at 5500 lbs all over the place. It was a supercab lariat 4.6L with a 3.55 axle that I changed to a 3.73 at approx 175K miles, and I rebuilt the trans around that same timeframe as well. It never gave me a problem and was the most reliable truck I've driven. I'm trying to beat it with my work truck-it's an '01 with 210K on it now,and it's never had a single thing done to it mechanically-same 4.6L and 4R70W with a 3.55 axle. The 4.6L is far more reliable than the old pushrod 4.2L.
JL
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 07:52 AM
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Joe Finn
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From: DC
I have a '97 4x4 with a 4.6 (just a baby with 107k on the clock). In my opinion, the 4.6 engine is one of the strong points of the '97. If I were in you shoes, the things I'd be sure to check or ask about:

Rust on the bottom seams of all doors
Heater core
Trans fluid changes
Plug changes
Ball joints (especially on a 4x4)
Exhaust manifold bolts (broken? exhaust leaks)
Rear window leaks
 
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