Identifying a block

[RonSerling]

Hey I was looking thru the forums and tech pages but couldn't find what I think is a pretty easy answer. I know how to identify cylinder head castings and the numbers for them but what I need to know is the engine block casting numbers for the 4.0's and where are they located. Im asking as I have a guy who lives about 100 miles away from me and he has a 4.0 long block he is selling and I want to know what I am buying before I make a trip all the way out there to find it is not something I want. Can anyone help with these years and numbers for the blocks so I can ask him to check them for me. Any info would be appreciated, thanks

 

[Dirtman]

Ford casting numbers are generally left side between the freeze plugs and oil pan. There's no magic block or numbers of the 4.0 that really matter though. Its either a ohv or ohc. Not sure what exactly your looking for.

 

[RonSerling]

In an article posted here I read that the earlier blocks, up to 94, are the strongest while the second gen cylinder heads are the best as they have a smaller combustion chamber and the same port sizes as the 1st gen heads. My only issue right now is, and I have heard this from others that own early versions, the oiling system is weak on them. It can cause the lifters at the back of the engine to starve for oil. But then I also read an article that said Mellings has an updated oil pump that has a higher output capacity at a higher pressure that will cure it. So I am mainly looking for the strength in the block as I am going to try and make some extra HP with the new build.