Went to start my truck this past Tuesday and the motor broke a connecting rod and died. I am considering going to Ford for a new motor. What would you other guys do? The truck is a 98 Flareside and still looks great. I only have 65,000 miles on it.

 

You were selected as a candidate for Ford's old style lower gasket hydrolock issue on Tuesday. Congratulations... you won the grand prize: A blown V6.

Ford won't help you. However, you can look to either have the engine rebuilt or have a whole new engine installed. It's going to cost some $$$ but it's better than buying a whole new truck.

 

sorry to say but $60 or so in gaskets and a few hours of work just cost you a few grand.

 

I'd drop a 4.6 or 5.4 in

 

Word.

A 98 model 4.6L still had coil packs. I'd skip the COP-equipped 5.4L.

If he finds a donor with the trans and a few side bits to go with it, he's in the money.

 

Lot less hassles putting a good used or reman 4.2 back in it.

 

Do you realize how much time and money it would cost to do that? If any type of different engine swap were to be done,economically and physically,it would be a 302/351 install!
Go back with a good rebuilt 4.2!
www.rhinoengines.com

 

i consider the 351 from time to time. an old carb and distributor model is cheap. what about the ecu?

 

I will be contacting Ford tommorrow to see how much a new 4.2 will cost. I have been happy with the performance. We will see how much it will cost, but it should be better than a new truck.

 

A reman should be in the 2 grand range plus labor.

 

Truck was towed to the Ford dealer for a new motor. I figured with their warranty I could not go wrong. I can't wait to get my baby back.

 

x2

The truck itself is fine... just an engine... no biggie.

I can't believe how disposibly people treat vehicles these days.

I've got to give you admiration for keeping your truck, and doing the SMART thing.

 

Yes, I feel that I am making the best move. Financially, I am not going into a hole that I will never climb out of. The truck is in great shape. 65,000 miles on a 1998! No question about it. If I sold the truck, someone else would simply put a motor into it and have a great truck. That someone will be me!

 

I wish! Try 4 grand plus labor!

23,000 miles since mine died New motor feels great, still running it in.

My dad thought of buying a new F-150 when he had the option, but they guy at the dealership said its in such pristine condition that he should just get a new engine.

 

That's what I plan on doing to my F150... if it needs a new engine or transmission, I'm just going to have it replaced... can't see buying a new truck.