I have a 1997 4.2L 4 speed manual with a bent rod and have an opportunity to purchase a 1997 4.2L auto-are they interchangeable? What about going from the autotrans to my 4 speed-ie, bell housing, flywheel etc.? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

They are interchangeable.

 

4 speed? The only manual I'm aware of in a 97 F-150 is a 5 speed M5OD-R2.

I would not recommend buying a 4.2 engine with a build date earlier than 1/16/98 due to the gasket and hydrolock issues. In fact, that's how you probably bent your rod.

 

Or get the intake gaskets replaced before installation. It's the intake gaskets before the 1/16/98 build date that caused the hydrolock problems.

 

Specifically, the lower intake gasket and the front cover gasket.

 

Thanks all for the info-you are correct as to the cause of my woes. JLB You are correct-it is a 5 speed.