I just found a 2001 Ranger Edge for sale and it says that is has a 4.0L
Would it be safe to assume that it's a SOHC?
I'm waiting for the seller to get back with me on this. I've never heard of any Ranger Edge having a 4.0 OHV, but I guess stranger things have happened.

 

All 01+ 4.0s are SOHC. 2000 and before are OHV. No half year crap like the 2001 2.5L turning into a 2.3L halfway through the year.

Watch out with pre-03 4.0 SOHCs. Timing chain tensioners need replaced before 100k.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me Kevin.
I know all about the pre-03 4.0 SOHC timing chain tensioner problems, so I'm going to install a new tensioner after I pull the engine. I'm also going to change the spark plugs while the engine is out.

 

I did not know that, thanks :D

 

Not totally true, my '01 has not had the tensioners worked on or replaced and I am currently sitting @125k miles. Granted I have owned it since new , so...

 

well man you just got lucky thats all.

 

I'm still going to replace the tensioner while the engine is out. I'd be a dumb a** not to.

 

I have over 108X and not timing chain rattle whatsoever.

 

What are timing chain tensioners? My 01 has 79k miles.

 

My 4.0 SOHC is at 117,000 miles and has had zero problems with the chain tensioner.

 

the problem is hit and miss

 

^X2^

 

I am sitting at 102,000 miles. What would be the signs of the tensioner going bad just for future reference?

 

sounds like marbles in a can when you start the engine cold

 

haha alright then. thanks.

 

Timing chain tension problems plagued all pre-03 4.0 SOHC vehicles. That would be 01-02 1/2 Ranger and pre-02 1/2 Explorers.

It is defiantly a hit or miss. Sometimes putting stress on the engine like towing, off roading, or driving like a teenage can aggravate the problem. Sometimes 01-02 Rangers will have no problems with it what-so-ever. Other times around 70k the engine will go out of time and it will be junk. Ask Shane about his.

It's totally random (though sometimes aggravated). I would recommend changing it out if you ever get access to it. For whatever reason. Preventative maintenance is the best maintenance.

That means you Alex. Should have done it before you put that SOHC in. Tard. HAHA

 

My friend just had his replaced in his 02 expo. Almost $1K repair bill

I try to take good care of my truck. I hope I won't have to deal with this, at least until my 5.0 swap

I thought the problem was taken care of for the 02+ models?

 

it was supposed to be...whether it was or not nobody knows...my buddy sold his 01 ranger with 106k because of the tchain problem and one of my other friends has an 01 and has never had to touch it and hes pushing the 100k mark

 

Most of the SOHC problem Rangers were in 01. There were still a few in 02 but considerably less than 02. Even 03 still had a few but less than 02.

 

Seems more of a maintenance and driving style problem then a year issue. My 01 is @ 159,000 so far no problems. I tow a pwc haul my quad and 4 wheel when needed I am not ricky racer with it but I am not easy on it either. I use synthetic oil and change it when I remember to usually around 7-8000 miles. So far no issues. Knock on wood!