So I have an '01 supercab Lariat 2WD with the 5.4 2v. It has 217,500 miles on it, the engine is ready to die, and the transmission is starting to go too.
I'm going to buy another vehicle for a reliable daily but I want to resurrect this truck as I'm sorta attached to it and I've put a lot of money in it already(brand new tires, fully replaced the A/C system, interior work, etc.).
I would really appreciate some advice on doing an engine and transmission swap. I want to do a direct swap but I don't know where I should look for a remanufactured engine and trans. I don't know anything about the process and I want to do all the work myself over the next several months.

Also, while I'm already ripping the truck apart, I'm thinking about converting to 4WD and keeping the IFS. Is this a stupid, impossible idea?
I know this project is kinda financially fruitless but I have been wanting a project for a long time so this just works as a good start I think.

Thank you for any advice you have to give! I've never really worked on a vehicle this much and I'm pretty inexperienced.

 

Ford Tech Makuloco doesn't have good things to say about Jasper engines. I think he uses Powertrain engines.
Converting to 4x4 might be difficult. The 4x4s have torsion rods instead of coil springs in the front. You'd have to find a junker to get all the parts to convert it. Lots of parts swapping involved.

 

Yeah, I read about the Jasper engines and I think I'll be steering clear of those.
But is the conversion possible? Would my computer wig out about it or would it all be mechanical? I'd have to figure out how to reprogram my truck's ecu if that's the case.
I don't mind the challenge and I have lots of time to do the research and find the parts. I'll most likely go to a junkyard and find a donor truck to strip.

Thanks for the reply

 

Is your transmission a 4R70W or a 4R100?

https://www.powertrainproducts.net

There would be wiring involved with a 4wd swap, also a GEM. Don't know about the ECU, unless you swap a 4R70W with a 4R100, or vice versa, that's a whole different ECU. 2wd and 4wd transmissions are different.

 

I'm 90% sure its the 4R70W.
It's the 4-speed automatic with overdrive

 

Here is a video showing what is involved in removing/repairing a transfer case.
Here is part one of a video repairing our vintage truck including getting the 4WD working
Here is a video about troubleshooting 4x4

 

Both transmissions are 4 speed overdrive. The 4R100 is heavier duty and a very few F150's with the 5.4 had it, just some 7700 GVWR package with 7 lug wheels. Door jamb TRANS code is U for 4R70W and E for 4R100. They are different lengths and use a completely different ECU.

 

Stay away from Jasper. I had knocking issues with a motor from there a year ago. Also, I know a guy who worked there. Like most skilled jobs in the u.s., there simply aren't enough skilled workers, and they do not train them properly or pay them enough to give them any incentive to do a good job.

 

my honest opinion if you're considering 4wd swap, your best bet is swapping the entire frame or buying a different truck all together

You can swap engine/trans in a day, rebuild the differential with LSD and you will be just fine keeping it as a 2wd