If memory serves, Great Plains sells reman 4.6 engines in the $6k range with a 3 year/36000 mile warranty.

That's a lot of money, but if it sorts the truck indefinitely it might be worth it. With all the block issues (of which there are at least a few), I've resigned myself to buying a reman when the time comes.

 

Haha,
Hilltopper - you are correct!!!
Sell them both and get an '04
I like it

 

I would part/scrap the 03, but the wife and 04 and keep the 02 for wheelin. If its already a little best you've nothing to worry about!

 

not sure why but when searching for engines, i was told that 99-02 engines will interchange but 03-04 are on their own. Any ideas why?

 

read #2

 

That was a doh moment, 4.0 / 4.6. what would be an acceptable mileage range for a used engine to consider running the risk?

 

if you keeping the truck obvoiusly the lower the milage the better. But I would put head gaskets on any engine you get.