I bought an 04 Ranger 4.0 with 156k on it.
Now it makes this noise when the engine is warm and in gear. It doesnt seem to do it in park. Or not when you first start it.

I havn't really looked into it yet but I figured I'd let you guys hear it.

 

sounds like the motors getting sloppy...rod knock...doesnt sound like a t-chain problem

 

Yeah, I hate to say it, but you got a rod about ready to go out the side of your block.
You need to overhaul the engine and replace the wrist pins or put a good used engine in there.
You can get a good used 4.0 SOHC for about $750 at a salvage yard.

 

why put another 4.0 in...5.0 FTW

 

Well I hope your wrong lol. but i wont be able to really get into it till next week. But i did call a junk yard around here and I can get a 4.0 with around 100k on it for about 550.

 

I guess because it would cost around $1700 to do that.
I'm all for the 5.0 swap but it cost a lot of money and you really need to have a doner Explorer unless you buy all the accessories with the 5.0 and that can be a nightmare.

 

Yeah just look at how much trouble Mlw024 or whatever it is is having with his swap. Its not just drop it in and go easy.

 

if you gotta replace the motor, go big or go home. swap to a 4.0L then take the old one and build it up

 

Start by checking if any of the plugs have backed out, but if I were a betting man my money would be on the bottom end of your motor. Rod, piston, or bearing would be a very good guess. Whatever it ends up being is going to cost you some major bucks.