a family friend is looking at a 97' single cab short bed 4.2, 4x2, auto, 160k miles. from what i have heard the 4.2 isnt a bad motor, although i did advice him to look for a 92-96 4.9. anything he should look for or be aware of?

 

I would advise him to look at 4.6 V8's. As far as reliability goes the 4.6 is right up there with any motor Fords ever made. The 4.2 is good. that year it seems like they had an intake leak problem or something like that..

 

i also told him to look for a 4.6 over the 4.2 as well. just about the same MPG, more power, more reliable, etc.

he can get this one for $1700, and it supposedly has a rebuilt transmission. he's waiting to see paperwork before we can confirm that though

 

Make sure it has had the intake gaskets redone. $1700 isnt bad for a V6 truck. Apart from the intake gasket and occassional vac leak, they are truely bulletproof engines. decent mileage too. im 17/19 ATM

 

I have the 4.2L with 360,000KM and no complaints... All that was needed on it was a MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor). Every engine is different, every truck is different, realibility also depends on how it was driven and how you plan on driving it.

A beating once in a while though is good, cleans out the carbon build up