Considering a new Ford Truck

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:ZfUUh.1435$xL6.949@trnddc05...
> I'm looking to add to my fleet, and I wanted to consider a mid- to
> late-'90s F150. I notice that in '97, the latest year that I'm looking at,
> that the 6 cyl motors are the 4.2L V6. I think I want a '94 through "97 or
> '98 with a V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6 cyl motor.
>
> I thought that I'd heard bad things about the 4.2L V6 motor, and that the
> 4.9L Inline6 is a better choice. Since I prefer the square lines of the
> '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines of later models, the V6 becomes
> another reason to avoid the later trucks.
>
> Is there any truth to the rumor I think I've heard regarding the V6
> motors?
>
> I'm really looking for a V8, but I'm also price shopping and the price
> might drive me into the 6 cylinder motors.
>
> Thanks,
>
Every bit of "curving" of edges they can come up with helps a little bit
getting it through the wind. and getting it through the wind easier saves
money. I didn't like the look of the second generation S-10 Blazers, but
they got better fuel economy, everything else being the same ie 4.3,
throttle body injection, gear ratios etc. The difference was in the body
shape..
Given a choice between the 4.9 six banger and the 5.0 V-8, the 5.0 blows the
4.9 out of the water on fuel economy.. that said, the 4.9 will pull the 5.0
backwards, it has more torque.
In most cases the 5.0 is more than enough power to do the job in local
driving situations..
I don't think the V-6 in a work truck is worth a tinkers damn, for an urban
cowboy Cadillac maybe, but not a work truck.

Whitelightning
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Whitelightning" <white.lightning2.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:ZNVUh.2025$xP.1573@trnddc04...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:ZfUUh.1435$xL6.949@trnddc05...
>> I'm looking to add to my fleet, and I wanted to consider a mid- to
>> late-'90s F150. I notice that in '97, the latest year that I'm looking
>> at, that the 6 cyl motors are the 4.2L V6. I think I want a '94 through
>> "97 or '98 with a V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6
>> cyl motor.
>>
>> I thought that I'd heard bad things about the 4.2L V6 motor, and that the
>> 4.9L Inline6 is a better choice. Since I prefer the square lines of the
>> '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines of later models, the V6 becomes
>> another reason to avoid the later trucks.
>>
>> Is there any truth to the rumor I think I've heard regarding the V6
>> motors?
>>
>> I'm really looking for a V8, but I'm also price shopping and the price
>> might drive me into the 6 cylinder motors.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
> Every bit of "curving" of edges they can come up with helps a little bit
> getting it through the wind. and getting it through the wind easier saves
> money. I didn't like the look of the second generation S-10 Blazers, but
> they got better fuel economy, everything else being the same ie 4.3,
> throttle body injection, gear ratios etc. The difference was in the body
> shape..
> Given a choice between the 4.9 six banger and the 5.0 V-8, the 5.0 blows
> the 4.9 out of the water on fuel economy.. that said, the 4.9 will pull
> the 5.0 backwards, it has more torque.
> In most cases the 5.0 is more than enough power to do the job in local
> driving situations..
> I don't think the V-6 in a work truck is worth a tinkers damn, for an
> urban cowboy Cadillac maybe, but not a work truck.
>
> Whitelightning
>
>

I'm pretty sure the 5.0 will blow the doors off the 4.9 too. I'm wanting to
know how the 4.2 stacks up to the 4.9.
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

Jeff, I was responding to the following quotes:

"I think I want a '94 through "97 or '98 with a
V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6 cyl motor."

....and:

"Since I prefer the square lines of the '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines
of later models, the V6 becomes another reason to avoid the later trucks."


Since you said you preferred the squared lines of the earlier truck, it
seemed a moot point to even consider the smaller V-6, so, it appeared to me
you didn't know that '96 was the last year of the engine choices you
mentioned unless you went for the F250, and the '97 was the first year of
the V-6 that you were wanting to know about.

It's obvious to me now that you do, and I was just tryin' to help.

Spdloader
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Spdloader" <askforit.TakeThisOut@nospam.triad.rr.com> wrote in message
news:46242dad$0$5818$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:ZfUUh.1435$xL6.949@trnddc05...
>> I'm looking to add to my fleet, and I wanted to consider a mid- to
>> late-'90s F150. I notice that in '97, the latest year that I'm looking
>> at, that the 6 cyl motors are the 4.2L V6. I think I want a '94 through
>> "97 or '98 with a V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6
>> cyl motor.
>>
>> I thought that I'd heard bad things about the 4.2L V6 motor, and that the
>> 4.9L Inline6 is a better choice. Since I prefer the square lines of the
>> '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines of later models, the V6 becomes
>> another reason to avoid the later trucks.
>>
>> Is there any truth to the rumor I think I've heard regarding the V6
>> motors?
>>
>> I'm really looking for a V8, but I'm also price shopping and the price
>> might drive me into the 6 cylinder motors.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
> The more squared off body style was available in the F150 through the 1996
> model year, and even later in the F250 line.
> The six cylinder engine change occurred with the introduction of the 1997
> F150.
>
> While I agree with Whitelightnin' about the 4.9 (300) six being the better
> workhorse, it won't stand up to the 5.0's of the '95/'95 model years that
> had the factory mass air flow upgrade. "Dem wuz sum tuff-azz 5.0's".
>
> Later,
>
> Spdloader
>

I'm currently driving a '95 Bronco with the 5.8L. It is my preference to
keep the V8, either the 5.0 or the 5.8, but I need a work truck and if my
budget constrains me to the 6 cylinder, then I need to know how the 4.9 and
4.2 compare to one another. I don't need freeway manners, but I understand
that this is mainly what I get from the V8.

I know all about square corners vs. bar-of-soap shapes, and the relative
affect on aerodynamics. I like square, and can see my way to buying the gas
needed to support that preference. All I want to know is how much better or
worse the I6 is compared to the V6. I have anecdotal information that the V6
sucks, if that is true, then I have to confine my search for those years
offerings to the V8 models.
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:3gWUh.2965$nU4.1838@trnddc03...
>
>>
>
> I'm currently driving a '95 Bronco with the 5.8L. It is my preference to
> keep the V8, either the 5.0 or the 5.8, but I need a work truck and if my
> budget constrains me to the 6 cylinder, then I need to know how the 4.9
> and 4.2 compare to one another. I don't need freeway manners, but I
> understand that this is mainly what I get from the V8.
>
> I know all about square corners vs. bar-of-soap shapes, and the relative
> affect on aerodynamics. I like square, and can see my way to buying the
> gas needed to support that preference. All I want to know is how much
> better or worse the I6 is compared to the V6. I have anecdotal information
> that the V6 sucks, if that is true, then I have to confine my search for
> those years offerings to the V8 models.
>
If fuel economy is not a consideration, then the 4.9 is the way to go. Its
got gobs and gobs of bottom end torque. The only weak point might be the
rear main seal. It doesnt crack heads, it doesnt throw rods. There were some
issues with exhaust manifolds, better designed better flowing ones are
available aftermarket such as offered by Clifford Research.. If you can
keep your foot out of it, and keep the speed down if on the highway the fuel
economy is livable. Get it up over 75, or have a heavy foot off the line and
it guzzles. Let it cruse at 65 and its respectable for what it is. The
things are like the old GM 292s, and the Chrylser slant 6, they run for ever
if you take care of them.

Whitelightning
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
news:3gWUh.2965$nU4.1838@trnddc03...
>
> "Spdloader" <askforit RemoveThis @nospam.triad.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:46242dad$0$5818$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>
>> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
>> news:ZfUUh.1435$xL6.949@trnddc05...
>>> I'm looking to add to my fleet, and I wanted to consider a mid- to
>>> late-'90s F150. I notice that in '97, the latest year that I'm looking
>>> at, that the 6 cyl motors are the 4.2L V6. I think I want a '94 through
>>> "97 or '98 with a V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6
>>> cyl motor.
>>>
>>> I thought that I'd heard bad things about the 4.2L V6 motor, and that
>>> the 4.9L Inline6 is a better choice. Since I prefer the square lines of
>>> the '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines of later models, the V6 becomes
>>> another reason to avoid the later trucks.
>>>
>>> Is there any truth to the rumor I think I've heard regarding the V6
>>> motors?
>>>
>>> I'm really looking for a V8, but I'm also price shopping and the price
>>> might drive me into the 6 cylinder motors.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>> The more squared off body style was available in the F150 through the
>> 1996 model year, and even later in the F250 line.
>> The six cylinder engine change occurred with the introduction of the 1997
>> F150.
>>
>> While I agree with Whitelightnin' about the 4.9 (300) six being the
>> better workhorse, it won't stand up to the 5.0's of the '95/'95 model
>> years that had the factory mass air flow upgrade. "Dem wuz sum tuff-azz
>> 5.0's".
>>
>> Later,
>>
>> Spdloader
>>
>
> I'm currently driving a '95 Bronco with the 5.8L. It is my preference to
> keep the V8, either the 5.0 or the 5.8, but I need a work truck and if my
> budget constrains me to the 6 cylinder, then I need to know how the 4.9
> and 4.2 compare to one another. I don't need freeway manners, but I
> understand that this is mainly what I get from the V8.
>
> I know all about square corners vs. bar-of-soap shapes, and the relative
> affect on aerodynamics. I like square, and can see my way to buying the
> gas needed to support that preference. All I want to know is how much
> better or worse the I6 is compared to the V6. I have anecdotal information
> that the V6 sucks, if that is true, then I have to confine my search for
> those years offerings to the V8 models.


All this is just my observation, take it for what it's worth. I've known
several people to have the same old head gasket problems that the 3.8 had.
The 4.2 is basically the same old 3.8. I know a lot of people who swore
that Ford fixed the design of the head gasket, but I've personally seen and
heard of several premature failures.

On the other hand, the 4.9 is bulletproof. It's not fancy, it's not good on
top end, you won't pass too many people at 70 on the interstate, but it'll
last forever and pull anything.

In a truck that's used as a truck, I'd much rather have a 4.9 than a 5.0

Just my opinion,

CJB
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

This message is not archived
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Spdloader" <askforit RemoveThis @nospam.triad.rr.com> wrote in message
news:46244094$0$8920$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> Jeff, I was responding to the following quotes:
>
> "I think I want a '94 through "97 or '98 with a
> V8 motor, but my budget may limit the options to a 6 cyl motor."
>
> ...and:
>
> "Since I prefer the square lines of the '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap
> lines of later models, the V6 becomes another reason to avoid the later
> trucks."
>
>
> Since you said you preferred the squared lines of the earlier truck, it
> seemed a moot point to even consider the smaller V-6, so, it appeared to
> me you didn't know that '96 was the last year of the engine choices you
> mentioned unless you went for the F250, and the '97 was the first year of
> the V-6 that you were wanting to know about.
>
> It's obvious to me now that you do, and I was just tryin' to help.
>
Sorry. If anybody stood up and proclaimed that the 4.2L V6 was a decent
motor, then I could take the later worn-soap models if the price was right.
If the price was right AND the options were limited to the later truck with
the V6, then I think I'd have to take a pass on the later models.

I can get over ugly lines if there is a good reason ...
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"CJB" <colonyparkwagon.DeleteThis@excite.com> wrote in message
news:pjYUh.1540$xL6.496@trnddc05...
>
> In a truck that's used as a truck, I'd much rather have a 4.9 than a 5.0
>

Really! Can you help me out with that one? I would have thought that the V8,
even the 5.0, would surpass the I6. H don't think I've heard anybody state
your position before.

PS
Thanks on the part you posted about the 4.2. That's what I was thinking was
lurking around in the back of my mind.
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:LhfVh.1274$Qp.924@trnddc07...
>
> "CJB" <colonyparkwagon.DeleteThis@excite.com> wrote in message
> news:pjYUh.1540$xL6.496@trnddc05...
> >
> > In a truck that's used as a truck, I'd much rather have a 4.9 than a 5.0
> >
>
> Really! Can you help me out with that one? I would have thought that the
V8,
> even the 5.0, would surpass the I6. H don't think I've heard anybody state
> your position before.
>

Having owned both, I'd never buy another 300 six. The 5.0 outperforms it and
gets better mileage. My 300 four speed got 17 on the highway empty. At least
it had two tanks:)

Al
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"Whitelightning" <white.lightning2.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:y7XUh.8956$h8.4075@trnddc06...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:3gWUh.2965$nU4.1838@trnddc03...
>>
>>>
>>
>> I'm currently driving a '95 Bronco with the 5.8L. It is my preference to
>> keep the V8, either the 5.0 or the 5.8, but I need a work truck and if my
>> budget constrains me to the 6 cylinder, then I need to know how the 4.9
>> and 4.2 compare to one another. I don't need freeway manners, but I
>> understand that this is mainly what I get from the V8.
>>
>> I know all about square corners vs. bar-of-soap shapes, and the relative
>> affect on aerodynamics. I like square, and can see my way to buying the
>> gas needed to support that preference. All I want to know is how much
>> better or worse the I6 is compared to the V6. I have anecdotal
>> information that the V6 sucks, if that is true, then I have to confine my
>> search for those years offerings to the V8 models.
>>
> If fuel economy is not a consideration, then the 4.9 is the way to go.
> Its got gobs and gobs of bottom end torque. The only weak point might be
> the rear main seal. It doesnt crack heads, it doesnt throw rods. There
> were some issues with exhaust manifolds, better designed better flowing
> ones are available aftermarket such as offered by Clifford Research.. If
> you can keep your foot out of it, and keep the speed down if on the
> highway the fuel economy is livable. Get it up over 75, or have a heavy
> foot off the line and it guzzles. Let it cruse at 65 and its respectable
> for what it is. The things are like the old GM 292s, and the Chrylser
> slant 6, they run for ever if you take care of them.
>
> Whitelightning
>

Thanks. I have trouble with the 75 ceiling, but I haven't a heavy foot
otherwises. Since I'll carry loads on occasion, I think I'll prefer the
torque. Sounds like I have to take the I6 from pre '96, or the V8 of '96 and
later.
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

On Apr 16, 11:47 pm, "CJB" <colonyparkwa....RemoveThis@excite.com> wrote:
> "Jeff Strickland" <c....RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
....
> >>> I thought that I'd heard bad things about the 4.2L V6 motor, and that
> >>> the 4.9L Inline6 is a better choice. Since I prefer the square lines of
> >>> the '95 over the worn-bar-of-soap lines of later models, the V6 becomes
....
> All this is just my observation, take it for what it's worth. I've known
> several people to have the same old head gasket problems that the 3.8 had.
> The 4.2 is basically the same old 3.8. I know a lot of people who swore
> that Ford fixed the design of the head gasket, but I've personally seen and
> heard of several premature failures.

I believe since 99+ the 4.2 and 3.8 motor head gasket issues are
finally resolved. The main issue was the composite material head
gasket would fail near the rear coolant passage on the heads, allowing
coolant to come into contact with the fire ring. As the coolant aged
and the corrosion additives wear out, the fire ring would be corroded
until the ring failed.

In 99 or 98, Ford went to a Multi-Layer Steel head gasket. This
required a much smoother deck and head surface but does not have the
coolant passage failure areas. Felpro has a Permatorque version of
this MLS gasket that has a coating on it that helps it seal properly
on older, not quite as smooth decks.

> > On the other hand, the 4.9 is bulletproof. It's not fancy, it's not good on
> top end, you won't pass too many people at 70 on the interstate, but it'll
> last forever and pull anything.
>
> In a truck that's used as a truck, I'd much rather have a 4.9 than a 5.0

The inline 6 is going to pull better than the 4.2, but it's going to
have lower fuel economy almost all the time. If pulling is the
important part, I'd get the inline 6 and a manual 5 speed. If fuel
economy is required, and pulling a full load isn't, then the 4.2 will
be one of the better options.
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr DeleteThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
news:LhfVh.1274$Qp.924@trnddc07...
>
> "CJB" <colonyparkwagon DeleteThis @excite.com> wrote in message
> news:pjYUh.1540$xL6.496@trnddc05...
>>
>> In a truck that's used as a truck, I'd much rather have a 4.9 than a 5.0
>>
>
> Really! Can you help me out with that one? I would have thought that the
> V8, even the 5.0, would surpass the I6. H don't think I've heard anybody
> state your position before.

Sure. The issue to me is torque and durability. The 302 tends to develop
intake gasket leaks at the rear of the intake. This is a PITA to fix
considering all the junk on a fuel injected engine. Also, I've had worse
rear main leaks on 302's subjected to hard work than I've experienced with
300's. Lastly, while the 302 is a fine engine, it won't outlast an average
300.

I agree that the 300 is a gas hog, and that it's not gonna pass too many
people at 70 on the interstate, but for grunt work, I prefer it.

CJB
 >> Stay informed about: Considering a new Ford Truck