2007 Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 Ext. Cab Pickup NEEDS ENGINE

2007 Ford F-150 Ext. Cab Description

Very nicely kept truck, traded in by original owner, I bought it last July.The truck itself is outstanding. No rust, only minor fender-benders in the CarFax, probably $1,500 in fancy chrome wheels, power everything. Tires are fair to decent. I'd replace them before going into next winter. Keypad entry on the door, two keyless remotes. Line-X bedliner. Usual dings & scrapes of a 9 year old truck with 122,000 on it.
However, the engine began having problems late last fall and has spent since October in two independent shops and one Ford dealership. The final opinion is that either the engine has to be torn down and figured out, or just replace it with another 5.4 'V-code' engine. After spending over $3,000 on trying to figure it out, I cannot afford another $3,000 or so to do an engine swap. I do have a source for (at this point) two engines, both $2,200, plus about another $1,000 labor to swap it out. Cat converters were burned up in all the engine weirdness, one of the available engines can also supply the Y-header pipe, converters, and sensors.
I have set the reserve at what I owe the credit union. Truck drives great, we got 16 mpg pulling a pop-up camper with it last Labor Day.
One could buy the truck for what I owe on it, pay for the engine swap, and still be easily under the NADA book. Screenshot of that is attached.
I will winch the truck onto a trailer and meet the buyer within a reasonable distance of here (Zip 63461, Hannibal MO / Quincy IL area) Credit Union has the title, they have to be paid and release lien. I will provide a bill of sale noted 'clear title to follow within 10 days'. The buyer could also transmit the funds direct to the credit union and they can mail the title directly.