Are the axles and differentials in the v-6 trucks the same size as in the v-8 trucks? I am thinking of buying a new XL v-6 4X4 and just replacing the engine and transmission when the warranty runs out.

 

The V6 and 4.6 V8 share a 8.8" rear axle and reversed cut 8.8" front. The 5.4 usually has a 9.75" axle and a 8.8" front. But there are always exceptions depending on how the truck is ordered. I know some people who have ended up with a 4.6 and a 9 3/4" rearend. And then there are a few 5.4s that have the 8.8 (i think)...so you really never know. Best thing to do is check before you buy. However, althought the warranties aren't as long as some of the others on the market, why would you upgrade to a new engine and tranny when the warranty runs out? why not just get it from the start and not worry about it for 50,000 miles? You shouldnt need to replace it when the warranty runs out anyways...it would cost a considerable amount more to change it later than to order it that way now...just a thought. Hope this helps...

 

I can't really afford a V-8 right now. I thought I could get a cheap v-6 and sell the engine and transmission at 36,000. That would help cover some of the costs of a 351 auto swap. Im not a huge fan of the mod motors.

 

You will end up spending 3 times the amount for the swap and have a real headache doing a 351 swap. Also Id imagine the resale would be shot.

The 4.6 is a cheap option.

 

Don't mean to burst your bubble, and I'm not trying to say it can't be done, but these are just my initial thoughts on your plan.

A used V-6/tranny is probably not going to bring you too many $$ on the open market. I'm sure someone can find a "crate" motor that will have some sort of warranty for $1000 or so. Most people would rather do that, then buy a used one. JMO, however.....

OK, lets just say you get the deal of a lifetime for your used V6. Even if you were to get a 351 for free, I just can't see how you can make this swap happen for a price that is cheaper then just buying a V8 now.

There has been many posts basically asking the same thing. You'd have to fabricate everything to even get the motor installed. A 4x4 just complicates matters even more. Now, you have to deal with the transfer case. And no, you won't be able to use the existing tranny from the V6. Then, you will have the problem of all the electronics. You'll probably have to rip the entire wiring harness out of the truck and replace it with whatever system the new motor will require. It's just that everything on these new trucks depends on the computer, that I'm sure even the lights have some link to it somehow (I know the computer does not actually contol the lights, it's just that I'm sure something is tied to it.)

There was a guy some time ago that was going to swap a 5.0 from a Mustang into his truck. Kept us all up to date on his progress up until he got to the fuel system and the tranny. Never heard from him again. With all the "no way you can make it happen" advise he got from us, and him replying back "I've done that, or already thought of that....."., I'm sure we would have gotten a "I TOLD YOU SO" from him if it had worked.......

Hot Rod Magazine covered a story where they installed a 426 HEMI into a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. While they were able to make this happen, they did not mention cost at all. I'm sure it was being funded by Dodge, so they basically had a blank check to do it.

Can it be done in an F150? Sure, if you have unlimited resources and any tool in the world necessary.

I'm just trying to bring up some issues that I see with this project. If saving money is your motivation, then it won't happen with this one.

Good Luck and oh yeah, WELCOME to the site!!