Friday last week the motor failed in my f150 with 178K miles. I have had a very faint knock/tick at mid RPM at low torque for about 15K miles, mechanic thought it was just sticky lifter, but now I am suspecting rod bearing failure?? $600 tow got me back to home and truck to mechanic. It makes horrific metallic noises and has metal parts on dipstick. Mechanic says it is shot and buying used low milage motor is best plan to get her back on the road. Truck is in very good shape, new tires, body, front end, tranny, 4x4, suspension, new brakes and alternator, really everything works great.

I tried a few searches for some info, but could not find much info. Any help and direction would be great. I am thinking it is worth the investment if I can locate a good used motor, but hate to end up with someone else bad motor. I found some motors on car-parts.com, best deal was $1300 for 01 5.4 w 91K miles w good compression shipped including core charge w 3 month warranty. Mechanic is off on vacation, he guessed about $1000 for swap, but said he need to look up the book time. I am betting lots of little things can go wrong to complicate the swap and add to expense??

Truck is in Moab, Utah now if anyone knows local source of good used motor. Tried local junkyard and they can order one for about same price. Mechanic was thinking about half that price, but the cheaper motors all have high milage and then I get the same problem as my one that failed. The whole spark plug deal alone makes buying a used motor scary as you do not know the history of past plug failure. I think the 97-2003 years are all good, but there are small differences between the years, so maybe someone can advise the best years to look for for a swap? I have the 8th vin L, gas only vehicle.

I am aksing for any help to make a good decision. Even if I decided to junk it, I have to pay another $600 to get it to closest wrecking yard, just to get $75/ton back, so really think I need to repair it, it is good truck. Thx in advance!

 

Be kinda nice to know what year the truck is? The 97 and 98 5.4s are non PI as I understand and will have different heads and other stuff. The PI engines 99 to 03 have more hp/torque. I'd be more inclined to buy a used 2V engine, 97 to 03, than I would the later 3V. It's a tough decision but only you can make it. You know your situation the best.

 

Sorry 2001 truck w triton 5.4. Are there any issues with getting a 2002-2003 5.4. I would like to make this as simple as possible and minimize having to mess with changes that would make the swap complicated.
Am I on the right track with the parts-com search for a motor or does anyone have other sources.

 

I located a local motor from a 1998 econoline van with 116K miles from a private party. Does anyone know if this would fit into my 2001 f 150 xlt triton or would there be mounting issues with the bell housing or other issues? Thanks for any help.

 

Donar van is a 1998, not 2000, sorry for mix up. Will it fit my 2001 f 150 without issues?

 

I believe the 98 is a non-PI engine. i don't know the differences if any in the mechanical and electrical hookups.

 

Correct - you may need intake and exhaust manifolds from a non-PI (97/98) F-150.