Will a 1998 4.2L fit in a 2001?
 

Hi, I'm new to the forums. I've owned a 1994 F-150 for years and just bought a 2001 F-150 automatic needing a new 4.2 motor. I pulled the head and it looks like a little bolt was bouncing around the cylinder and busted the piston.

Anyways, shopping around for motors I found that they are grouped 2001-04 by the VIN #2. Price ranges from $650-$950. I found a 2002 with 71,000 on it for $950 but I've also found a 1998 with 78,000 for $450.

The junkyard dealer which I've known for years says it will work that I just have to swap sensors for the harness to work.

Is this true? Is there more involved than just sensor swapping?

Thanks in advance! :)

they did a few minor redesigns on the 99 up engine the 98 i would use for a boat anchor i replaced it 2x im mine now im upgrading to a 4.6, they are expensive and not worth it in the 97-98 year models

Follow up...

I know 97-98 had the bad head gaskets that busted and hydro-locked around 70,000. Once the new gaskets were put in it wasn't a bad motor. I know two trucks with about 250K on them motors. This engine had the new head gaskets.

I finally got it done. I used the 2001 plenum, harmonic balancer/flexplate (TDC), IRMC, head temp sensor in back of head replaces 97 coolant temp sensor by the thermostat, crank sensor, knock sensor and the valve covers because of the coil mount on the 01. I don't know if you have to but I went ahead and swapped the exhaust manifolds.

After a no start I found I had no fuel. Crap! The truck evidently been sitting awhile. After a little troubleshooting I found I had a bad pump along with 15 gallons of old bad fuel and a clogged screen. I slid the bed back and fixed that problem along with a new filter. After a few primes I fired it off on the first start.

Though it's do-able, next time I'll spend the extra money and buy the right year motor. It wasn't worth all I went through to get it right but it runs good, has great compression and oil pressure.