Estate sale: Two 94 Ford 4.0 4x4

[GroupExploder]

Since I probably will make the plunge mainly the price is right.

One 94 has a new trans, alleged to have a crack head. But the estate administrator said that info about the cracked head came from the smog shop (test only), Ford passed--but tech said it had a cracked head.

#2 has a bad motor, EA said you can hear it and it heats up.


OK---I own a 99 and a 98 4.0. What is the difference, if any, between the 1st gen and the 2nd gen motors?

What am I buying?
What quirks do the 1st gen have?
What am I looking at if a head has to come off? The same as 2nd gen?

Where are parts available?
Used or rebuilt?

Thanks!

 

[Mbrooks420]

You’d want new heads. If the one heats up, you may as well assume it’s been overheated substantially and has blown head gaskets at the least, or warped/cracked heads itself.

The biggest issues with the first gen autos are the transmissions and heads.

 

[GroupExploder]

Well this one has a new trans, I am off later to see what its all about.
In regards to heads:

New? Used? Rebuilt? Places to purchase?

 

[Mbrooks420]

You’d want new heads. They typically crack with age.

 

[ExploreHudson]

Get a running motor from a junkyard donor?

 

[roscoe 0202]

new heads king cyl heads
roscoe

 

[GroupExploder]

Is it possible to swap in new heads on either 94 and or a 99 4.0 without the motor coming out?

 

[Mbrooks420]

You can swap heads with the motor in the vehicle. It’s much easier to get everything clean enough and minimizes mistakes if it’s out on a stand.