need some info/help

[haasma]

My 97 ex. xlt 4.0 v6 controltrac , with its brand new transmission, took it in because i was having heater / overheating problems. shop says heating/ cooling is fine they are pretty sure its the heads. ran down the former owner and he had had head problems and put some kind of sealer in it , well it worked long enough for me to buy it and fix tranny .So my questions is heads $800.00 or complete motor used of course $650.00 thats with my boys doing the swap. What will swap without a bunch of changes and how do i avoid the head issue again, since this seems to be a real issue with this year. I am really trying to like this truck!! Any help i would be forever greatfull

 

[Cobraguy]

Used motor could give you the same problem. You don't say how may miles are on this. If the short block is still good, I would go with a good set of heads. If it's getting up there in age, I would go with a good quality long block.

 

[haasma]

Okay, it has 121000 and it has a tick that i am not sure what it is. It is at idle and speeds up with the motor. not sure if it actually motor or if it could be exhaust .
but that is why i am considering a swap . i just dont want to buy the same problem. There is an auto place here that sells recoverd wrecks , they have several in the 85000 mile range, which is about where this one started having the problem according to former owner, yard says we can start and hear them, and yes, youre right there are no answers, just more questions