Make sure you run a CARFAX on the VIN number before you buy.

 

nothing really, just look at it like a ranger with a 2.3L barely enough power to get out of its own way. Sure its a 4cyl but when i had a ranger with a 2.3 it got worse mileage than a v8 (which is why i put a 302 in that ranger lol). im not a performance freak, just the weight of these trucks with a v6 does not work well with a V6 i'd think (never owned a v6 150 to say for sure). Simply put a V8 wont have to work as hard to move the truck.

as for the wrecked lightning comment, who says he could only take the motor and not the tranny, rear end etc?

 

Well, I do own one. It more than gets out of its own way in a OBS standard cab short bed 4x2 and will make a 4 banger Ranger look like a stone. My sister had a 3.0 V6 Ranger and mine even has more ***** than that thing did. A 4.2 F-150 is an excellent daily driver and doesn't have any of the spark plug issues that are plaguing the V8's.

It's a lot easier replacing a V6 with another V6 than trying to put a V8 in there.

 

And if you do go with a V8 , you'll want to go with a 5.4L. A 4.6L isn't worth the trouble. I would rather have a 4.2L than a 4.6L personally. The easiest thing to do for the OP is just replace what he has. Damn good motors - well they all are. You just don't want anyone else but yourself to touch those plugs in the V8's . One wrong move and it could cost yuh. The 3 valves are a different story all together.

 

I have a 4.6 ,4.2, 5.4, Ive had less codes on the 4.2. I did have the intake issue. amd its about as peppy as the 4.6. Dauls {one in two out} on it have a nice tone.
That surprised me , The strait sixes don't sound good with pipes.
98scab 4.2- 97scab 4.6 almost equal. 20 hp difference. the 4.2 puts up a torqie little fight.

 

Actually the 98 specs show only a 10/10 difference between the 4Two & 4Six -

http://www.fordf150.net/specs/engines.php

Tumba