I have a 1995 F150, 5.0 automatic trans standard cab. I would like to get my truck running but I'm told that it likely has a bad rod bearing. Can I pull the motor and just remove the pan and take out the crank and have it ground and replace the bearings? Is it likely that the bad bearing's rod will need to be replaced? Will the rods come out of this motor with the crank removed or will it require removing the heads? I would like to spend as little as possible due to lack of funds and I don't want to start something I can't finish. The motor does not seem to have any real bad valve problems such as lifter noise and it does not smoke at all. It does have the blame rod knocking and the sound seems to be both down low in the motor as well as a knock that sounds like something hitting thin metal that is intermitant. Is there a place to get the proper procedures for pulling the engine? Also is there a place to get the procedures for pulling the crank and having it gorund to replace the bearings. I just feel lost but I'm also kind of pumped to tackle the problems and get my truck running. Thanks for any help.

 

Based on experience from older engines, you can pull the crank without removing the top end. Do not move the pistons in their cylinders and put rubber hose over the cap bolts when putting the crank back in to protect the crank journals. Make good use of the plastigage to make sure you get the right oversized bearings.

 

X2

Most performance machine shops will grind your crank and set the bearings.....yes definitely use plasti gauge.

 

depending on mileage, it might make more sense to pull the motor and rebuild it, personally i think your looking at one big headache trying to do the crank while with the engine in the truck. imo

 

Personally I think you should read the entire post. Not once but twice he talks about pulling the engine.

I would have to take a careful look at the miles and possibly do a compression test on all the cylinders before making a decision.

 

I have no idea how much you want to spend on this truck. From the sound of your note you personally do not have the experience to rebuild the engine yourself. paying to have this done will exceed the value of your truck. I think the best option for you would be a used engine. The 302 V8 is a very common engine so finding a good one should not be hard.

 

Thanks for all the help. I agree that a used motor is probably the best way to go.

 

For what its worth...
I had a 84 f150 6 cyl that spun a rod bearing.I dropped the pan..dropped the endcaps and found the bad bearing and then just emery clothed the crank and polished it..did the same to the rod.Plastic gauaged it..put in an oversized bearing..oh and make sure you use a good assembly fluid or STP..and drove the truck for another year.
Keep in mind I paid 500 bucks for this truck from a guy at work so it was no cream puff but it was solid which is why I didn't get too involved but didn't want to junk it either.If it would of still had the knock I would of run it into the ground and got rid of it.But as it turned out it ran fine for another year and I sold it and got my money back.
If its gonna be a keeper I wouldn't suggest the shortcuts..but it can be done depending on how it plastic gauges..do multiple spots to see if its out of round..and then make a decision based on it. sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do depending on your needs and wants..I just needed a work truck.