I have been chasing a knocking in my 2000 F-150's 5.4 for some time now. After having 4 different mechanics analyze it the consensus is that I have either a spun connecting rod bearing or, the most likely cause, a worn piston and/or pin. My question is how hard is it to pull the 5.4 so that I can have the crank re-machined if needed and get a new piston and/or whatever else may be needed. can I pull everything from the bottom with the oil pan removed if the engine is removed from the truck? I don't want to have to pull the heads and timing chains etc. if at all possible. If I position the engin at TDC before removing it and then repositioning the new components at TDC before reinstalling should that make the timing issues a bit easier? Any feedback would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

 

I'm not an engine guy, but there's a couple different ways to pull the engine on these trucks.

The conventional way, from up top, works alright on trucks without an oil cooler. I did my '97 this way, and it had an oil cooler; the oil filter housing kept wanting to hit the driver's side motor mount bracket. After some twisting and contorting it came out though. Not a matter if your truck doesn't have an oil cooler though.

The high speed/low drag way is to lift the body off the cab. Not really an option if you don't have access to a twin post lift though.

You can't avoid messing with the chains if you're talking about pulling the crank...and installing the pistons from below isn't really an option either, since you won't be able to get a clear, straight shot at them. You could probably do it, but why take the chance of messing the cylinder wall and/or rings up trying to slick rick installing the pistons. If you're tearing it down to this point, you might as well do the whole thing anyhow, re-ring, get the heads checked, overbore/hone, line bore, etc. Honestly, I'd start looking at crate engines if I was in your shoes. Yes, it'll cost more, but you'll get a turn key motor in a box with a warranty. Something goes wrong with it, blame Jasper or Motorcraft or whoever.

edited for speeling

 

+1!

IMO it's better to get a crate engien with a warranty and have a truck to drive in a day or two than to rush a rebuild. Get a crate motor and then build your old motor into a fire breathing beast.

 

I have found a couple of different long blocks that are appealing from a company that remans engines. They can sale me that exact motor that I have or the 5.4l DOHC motor out of a Licncoln Navigator but would the DOHC motor work with the same computer from my SOHC motor? Would everything such as intake, a/c, etc. bolt on? And would my tranny and everything bolt up? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Can it be done??? Can the Navigator DOHC motor replace the 5.4 SOHC motor? what does it take??? Someone has to know.

 

I'd imagine swapping wiring harnesses and PCMs at the least with a Navigator would be required. Don't even think about dropping the 5.4 4V in with the cab on the truck, it won't fit, not peacefully.

 

I swapped a 1998 4.6 to a 2001 5.4 last year and I had lot's of help from JMC, Neil and Mike Troyer who provided the Superchip and tuning. I dropped the 5.4 into the bay with the body on by myself and yes it is a tight fit, but can be done.

Mike Troyer can tell you what you need to do about the PCM and wiring.

Good luck.

FYI, I got my 5.4 from KarKraft.com