It sucks that your engine is toast. But at 130k, any manufacturer would tell you to **** up a rope.

 

I will have to agree with most of the people here. I currently have a 97 4.2L and I have had nothing but problems since I bought it, thing is lucky I love it so much. It currently has 160,000 miles on it and it is in the worst of shape, almost cant run, fixing to have to bring it to a shop because I am out of ideas.

At 110,000 miles I had my connecting rod bent. Tore the engine out, replaced it, new piston rings, new gaskets, all that. Was a fun 2 months of my life . I never recieved a recall for it. The only recalls I have recieved are one for something with a fuel line clip and the recent one about the cruise control setting your car on fire (makes you feel good dosent it).

All I have to say is that look at this truck and look at my other truck. My other truck is a 1993 Nissan Pickup, currently with 290,000 miles on it. So far the only thing I have ever had to replace to keep it running is the alternator. That truck is a real tropper!!

 

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Underpowered even with the 3.55 gear. Had a 99 2wd extended cab with the 4.2 (stroked 3.8 taurus engine). Lasted 35K mi. Dealer advised to remove the trailer hitch and not pull the camper. Said that engine should never have been put in a truck (yes the dealer told me that).. Also said it has been a nightmare. (Keep in mind that the truck had the trailering package), Hmmmmm. They did repair the pos and got me back on the road under warranty. I test drove the 4.3 Chebby, and I hate to say it, but the bowtie would litterly dance around my 4.2. In hindsight, I would surely have been better off spending the few bucks for the 4.6. Other than that I did like the fit, finish, and other details on my 99. I did trade her in on a new 02 Crew Cab. MUCH happier now. Enough for now!!.
Rick..

 

The Chevy V-6 is alot better then the Ford 4.2,

 

My 97 has all the usual 97 4.2L problems. I became a better informed buyer after I bought it. I know now to check out forums like this before I buy. Replaced motor at 89K miles three months after I bought it, rear window leak due to faulty quality materials in seal, door cracks in doors, cruise control recall that could set your house on fire. I haven't had a Ford since my first 62 Galaxy. Now I remember why.

 

So i have a 4.6 liter with 72,000 miles on it. I bought it used at about 62,000 miles. It runs very strong with no signs of any problems. I would like to keep it that way. What would you guys recommend doin service wise? Thanks for the info!!

 

Think about all new fluids. Brake, anti-freeze, Trans. might want to repack the wheel bearings. Pads and Rotors seem to be an issue. Replaced stock ones at 60k, have read about them going in 20k or lasting till about 100k depending on driving style... guess mine is about average.
hope it helps.

 

B U L L

The Chevy V6 I had caught fire and burned to the ground at 2,000 miles. Bought the Ford 4.2 and put 74,000 miles on it with no issues.

The Ford 4.2 runs circles around the Chevy's V6 since Ford has actually adapted to technology and created a tuned engine that has been a staple in their V6 F150's and Explorers.

The only thing Chevy might have on Ford is that they've been using the same technology for 20+ years, so hopefully by now they've developed a reliable V6 - just a few decades behind on technology. Not just engine, but truck. Ever noticed how similar the 2005 and 1985 trucks are under the hood and under the chassis?

When Chevy releases their "flex fuel" vehicles - yeah, the same technology that Ford created, it'll be interesting to see how they make their new tranny work with their tired engines.

 

I looked at a couple of low mile V6 Chevies before buying my Ford. The Chevies looked cluttered and sloppy under the hood. The one I drove (I know, it's just one) felt loose and the steering made popping noises.

 

I raced my cousin's 98 Chevy 4.3L(single cab, swb like my truck) and beat him by atleast 4 car lengths too(0-60mph).

He has a CAI(aftermarket), Imco Si/DO exhaust, MSD ignition, aftermarket alloy wheels, and a fresh tune up.

My truck is stock, new tires are still stock size, not a piece of performance work done to it.

Both trucks are 5spds, and since I claimed he sucked at shifting, we traded trucks and I got my a$$ handed to while i was driving his chevy. Sad thing is my 4.2L has more mileage, less engine displacement, and am compltely stock compared to his truck. Although his truck does SOUND faster...it isnt.


Sorry for those who have had bad experience with the 4.2L, but mine has all been good and I am crossing the 90K mark in my 2002.

 

Old technology selling for new prices is called the Harley Davidson school of business.

 

Comparing the Chevy V-6 to the Ford V-6 is like comparing a gold bar to a turd. The turd being the 4.2 Ford. If you got a good one you are lucky. As far as old technology goes the Ford pushrod V-8's are ten times the motor that the Modular engines will ever be. No need for a overhead cam motor in a pickup truck, Indy car yes, but not a truck.

 

I cant really stick up for the 4.2l..... but, I work DHL, and we have almost all ford vans with the 4.2. The early ones (97 through 99) were crap. Apparently Ford fixed it because all of 2001's have between 160000 to 325000 miles. Not one engine failure ever. Old ones we did cartwheels if it did 130000. By the way, I will never say I'm nice to the one I drive. Everytime it goes to the shop it has this funny little code about engine reaching max rpm, and vehicle reached max speed. (90 mph by the way). I just say that I need to deliver on time! By the way to tomlin, the 4.2l isnt a mod motor, its a 3.8l out of a taurus punched out!

 

I was not refering to the 4.2 engine in the mod motor statement. Someone mentioned old pushrod technology and I was comparing old ford pushrod v-8's to the v-8 mod motors. Sorry for the confusion