As far as modding my truck, my attempts have been pretty tame. I lifted it, put bigger tires on, re-geared and did some light engine mods. But now, after 103k great miles, a leaky coolant hose has caused a spun rod that apparently requires a new engine. If I'm gonna drop a bunch of money on a new engine, I'd like to get the most bang for my buck. SO my question is, which tranny does the automatic 4.2 come with ('97), and can it be used with a 4.6? Are there any better options for upgrading my engine and set-up at a reasonable price? What the heck is a spun rod?? Not thrown, but spun...

 

By a spun rod I assume they mean a spun rod bearing. This is when the bearing locks on to the connecting rod and then spins inside the block. Usually requires a lot of bottom end work...sometimes a new block altogether. The 4.2L auto should fit on a 4.6L. Check your door name plate for exact transmission type.

 

Except that the bolt patterns are different. The 4.2L transmission will not bolt to the 4.6L engine.

 

i seem to remember reading some where that the 5.0L like the one in the explorers shares the same bellhousing pattern as the 4.2L. but then you run into other problems trying to put a motor in a truck that wasnt designed for the 5.0L

the best price would be to drop onther 4.2 in your truck but another option that might cost just alittle more would be to find a 5.4 truck or a 4.6 truck and transfer your tires and lift to that truck.

there are people biulding stroker cranks, cams, and even doing head work on 4.2L they are just tuff to find. if you find a site with 3.8L mustang stuff alot of times they are droppin 4.2s in their 3.8 stangs. some of this stuff gets real pricy though.