I recently had the engine replaced on my 99 f-150 due to Piston slap and excessive oil consumption with a FQR by my dealer.

I noticed that the sticker on this new engine that used to be on the driver side valve cover specifying engine manufacture date is gone.

Does anyone know where the VIN is located on the engine block itself? I have climbed all over the underside of this thing with a flashlight but can't seem to find it. I am really interested to see what year this new engine was produced as I'm hoping that the new one is not a 99.

On a side note I really dreaded having this thing replaced, I could live with the piston slap but the darn thing was using almost 2 quarts of oil per 3k miles so I broke down and did it. The problem is that now my faith in my truck is definately on a downward spiral and I am considering letting it go and getting a new truck. That really is agrivating since I really like this one and have put alot of money into it in lift, tires, etc...

Sorry for the blathering, guess I just need to suck it up and drive on.

Thanks,

bosifus