Ford F150 - 4.2L V6 Compatible All Years?

I have a 4.2L V6 in a '99 with a destroyed bottom end. Rather than rebuild, I am just going to swap in a used motor. I am wondering if all years of the 4.2 are identical and can be used with the same ECU/wiring harness.

I see that in in '99 and 2000, the engine codes are 2-255. In 2001 through the end of the V6 years (2008) they are coded 2-256. Is there any significant difference, or will a 2004 drop straight into my truck?

If there is no difference, then actually we should be able to drop in a V6 from a Windstar, Freestar, Mercury Monterey, or Econovan.

Any help appreciated!

David in San Diego

The 4.2L 1997 through 2008 have the same internals. The 2005 to 2008 have a throttle by wire and plastic intake runners, but other than that, it is the same. This engine is based on the 3.8L car engine and you can interchange the blocks. The only difference is the 4.2L has a longer stroke crank shaft. Also read the posting on adding horsepower 10-26-09 for links, to parts and techinal info. You can even make a 4.3L with long connecting rods. The ecu and compresion are what differ in the two engines that you mentioned. The latter has higher compression (about 9.75 to 1), 1 more cubic inch, and might require higher octane with the older ecu knock control. A ECU programer might compensate. But the heads may also have a larger combution chamber, so the latter may be a mute point.

Thanks, I'll let you know how the swap goes.