Hello All,
I was in the process of rebuilding a 1988 ranger for a general use truck and then ran across a 1998 F-250 LT 4x4 (Light Duty?) with the 4.6 2v engine for a absurdly low price (under $1,500). The truck has 17X,XXX miles on it and is surprisingly clean. The one hitch is that the engine is blown (so the owner says). I am mechanically inclined, and have tons of experience removing engines etc. However, I have never toyed with a ford F series. I am familiar with the 4.6 since I had a 2000 gt mustang and believe replacing the engine would be a no brainer.

I would use the truck as your typical trash hauler/sometimes trailer towing etc. the truck probably wouldn't see more then 5k miles a year.

What do you think? Should I go for it? At the most, I would be looking to put $2 - $3k into it to get it back on the road.

Depending on what is wrong with the engine, I hope that I might be able to get away with a short block. Is this a good idea or should I just get a long block?

Any suggestions on where to get an engine from?

I hope the engine old engine starts so that I can attempt to move the truck and see if the drive train is in working order. Any suggestions on what I should look for if I can't get the engine started?

The tranny is original. Should I have it rebuilt since I would be pulling the engine?

Is there anything that you guys would recommend that I do while I have the engine out? headers etc?

Thanks

 

Swap in a 5.4.

 

If you want a project, go for it. You'll know it is done right that way. My 4.6L popped a head gasket about 3 years ago, I just haven't gotten around to the swap yet.

Adrianspeeder