This afternoon I traded my 97, 4.2, 5-speed, 3.08 regular axle for a 2002 supercab 4.6, auto, 3.55 ls. Presto....no more leaks!

 

How do you like the 4.6 over the 4.2?

 

Honestly, other than the leaking gasket, I didn't have any complaint about the 4.2. The 3.08 rear end is what robbed my power. I live in a mountainous region & had to drive my truck like a rice burner to maintain any momentum. As for the 4.6 (& auto) I'm in heaven! Much better to sail over the top at 70 mph in drive rather than buzzing over the top at 55 mph in 3rd.

 

I had the 4.2 a while back and noticed the coolant leak. Hating leaks as I do, I went ahead and bought the water pump and timing chain cover gaskets from my local dealer. Following the Haynes manual, the replacement took approx. 8 hrs, 3 gallons of iced tea, and three skinned knuckles. Add to that the beautiful weather and the expert assistance of my, then, 4-year old daughter. All-in-all an outstanding day!
I really loved that truck! It was an XL Flareside, had the 5-speed, 3.05 rear-end and bench seat in front. I put in bucket seats, carpet, tinted the windows, got the bed sprayed, flowmaster muff underneath, K&N airfilter, 8mm plug wires, upgraded the sound system, dropped it 2" on all four corners and installed a blue dome light.
That was one great truck! I never had a problem other than that darn leak. I rue the day I sold it when I got orders to Germany.
I'll be going back to the states in 1 year and will definitely be looking for another.