My 97 has over 237000 Kms on it and other than regular upkeep and replacing the gaskets to avoid the Hydrolock issue its run like a champ. I think you need a new repair guy. I even plan on tuning the heck outta it this spring and I'm not worried about it failing. I even saw a post somewhere, not sure which forum, where a Cummins factory was using the 4.2s as power generators

 

the only down flaw imho is that the 4.2 stock has a lack of power! i think they could have gave it alittle more power from stock form and still kept it in good gas mileage for a truck! the other thing is that i would love for them to have the 9.75 rearend... thats just a few things but im very pleased ill be getting a lift, tires gears... i was altually contimplating a turbo but i dont think its worth it right now!

 

x2 on the rear end...

But I love my 4.2l

 

Mine has plenty of power.

 

Get over it. The 4.2 is a sick dog. Some of them are dead nuts reliable, some ain't, but they're all slow.

 

I must have got a quick one in my 07 F150.It has enuff power and torque to meet my needs.
BTW,do you just not like the 4.2 or you raced one and lost....