Interesting old thread. Puts me in mind of a bone stock, totally stripped 94 F-150 I bought new with the straight six and standard shift, thing didn't even have a radio (I was in an austere frame of mind). I never even locked it up. Then I foolishly put a stereo in it, then I had to lock it up. Motor was smooth and strong and would run at very low speeds in 5th gear without lugging; if you weren't in a hurry you could accelerate without downshifting, just give it the gas and let it leisurely pick up speed

That was the last model truck with vent windows. America lost something when pick ups were assumed to have air conditioning; we ain't so tough.

 

Years ago I had a 1988 E-250 club wagon with the 4.9l and 3 speed auto with 4.10 axle gearing. pretty much topped out at 75mph, but could tow 5000lb without issue. One thing to watch for is the "silent" type of fiber timing gears used in the engines. They were used to reduce the noise the gears made when spinning against each other. They had a tendency to self destruct violently. I had them replaced with steel gears and they made a bit of a "singing" noise at idle. The engine was bulletproof otherwise though.

edit: looks like rockauto has the fiber type, aluminum or steel gears available.

 

I have pretty much the same exact truck. I had the same problem with the oil pan gasket but other than that great truck and very reliable!

 

what are some of the best mods for these engines

 

can i put a transmission from a 5.0 into a 4.9 manuel ?

 

5.0 and 4.9 have the same transmission, bolt pattern and clutch. Only difference is the flywheel.