Hello to all. I'm new to this site, and hope to learn a lot of info on here about my truck. I've used this site to help me out a few times already for small projects on my truck. Anyway, I'll get started here on what I'm looking for.

I have a 95 f150, 4.9L, single cab, long bed, 2wd. Here in the next couple of weeks I plan to swap my motor out for another engine, probably another 4.9. Owner before me never changed the oil or took care of the motor, so now it sounds like a diesel the eats up oil like it's going out of style (done this since I’ve had it). I'm vary familiar with the straight 6's. I'm on my second Cherokee right now too, and I've swapped engines on both of them.

My question/s is/are there another motor that would be a better swap rather than the 4.9? I plan to eventually use my truck to haul my Cherokee around from time to time. For any of you that have done this swap, are there any real PITA situations that you can think of? Any info on what to watch out for, or to help prepare me for this swap would be greatly appreciated! So please, if any of you have any tid bits let me know. Thanks for your time!!

Jeremy

 

Stick with a 4.9L.

It's a very simple swap. If you have any experience at all, it will go very easily for you. Two days work, tops.

 

Thanks for the info. Little less stress now

 

The good ol' 4.9 I-6 (300 ci) was used by Ford forever and it's a very reliable engine. Even when it's been abused like the previous owner must have done to it before you got it, it'll still crank over for the most part! Kinda like the ol' Mopar Slant Six engine they used forever too..... Those things just keep going and going and going....

Anyway, if you are looking for a straight forward swap, sticking with the same engine design as the old will always be easier, cheaper and faster. An engine swap in this manner can be done over a weekend for the most part with a buddy and some beer!

Your only other options are going to a 302, 351 or if you really want to get bold, the 460. Now, you'll need new motor mounts, transmission (even if the old one bolts up, it won't be strong enough), wiring and on and on.... A great project if you have the time and money, but if you need to get back on the road fast, then sticking with the same motor is the way to go.

I've swapped out a 390 in a '71 F250 with my Dad in a weekend and helped a buddy swap a 360 for a 390 in his '77 F150 in a weekend. That's where I know the trans fit, but it was shot in a week, with the more powerful 390!!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Bshaw, I was thinking about doing the same thing in my '89 F-150, but I have a 5 spd. Where do you think you're getting an engine? What details are involved, since I've never done an engine swap before? Thanks.

 

I'll have to admit, the straight six's are super durable!! This is now the third vehicle I've owned (2xj's, and 1 f150) with the the i-6 and I'm very impressed with them! I am going to stick with the 4.9 engine rather than trying to change the set up of everthing. Much more time comsuming that way, and like you siad Mitch a lot more money too. Actually I think I'm going to start calling around today for one. I hope to start on it here really soon, and all there will be plenty of beer involved lol. Thanks for the reply Mitch.

Seawolf, I would start out by checking to see what year engines you can fit in your 89. A lot of times you can get something much newer or from a newer donor than the year your's or mine are, with little modification. If I were in your shoes, I would look for a donor engine from a 5-speed as well. Mine's an automatic, so that's probaly what I'll stick with, just makes things easier in the long run.
I will get an engine from a local junkyard that I trust, it'll cost me around $300-$400. I have a 4.0L in my cherokee now from the same junkyard and I have had no problems what so ever!! If you don't like the idea of junkyards, then maybe a recondition engine from like advance auto parts or somewhere like that. All though, your going to be paying more money $900-$1300, maybe more depending on where you go.
Details in pulling your engine, let's see. I'm not an expert here but I'll give you MY basic run down. Short and sweet. I'm sure some others will chim in also on important things to remember.
-make sure you keep track of how things come apart, so you know how to put it back together.
-keep track of all you bolts and nuts. label bags etc if you have to.
-make sure you get the radiator and hood out of your way.
-disconnect all wire plug-ins
-get your exhaust seperated from the exhaust manifold.
-get your tranny disconnected.
-get a good engine puller/crane whatever you want to call it.
-make sure you hook up to the engine before you pull the motor mounts!
-check and make sure everthing is disconnected again before you pull the engine.
-swapp exsiting parts to the newer engine if needed.
-prime your new engine!!!! VERY important
-start hooking things back up.
This just a list of idea's that are popping into my head as I go. Anyone else want to add in?? I have no idea how much experience you have with engines seawolf, so that's why I'm listing things the way I am. You can get books to help you out too, which I would suggest. And maybe get a freind involved who has done a engine swap or two. That's what I did. I hope this helps ya out.

 

never mix water with your new engine!!!