I'm in the process of searching for a used Ranger for my son's first car and I've been reading the horror stories about the 4.0 SOHC timing chain issues. Should I even consider buying a used 2001+ Ranger with over 150k miles on it, or just look for nicer condition OHV models instead. I really don't feel like spending a couple grand on replacing the chains on a truck that I paid $5000 for.

Is it really that bad or like other things on the internet you see the horror stories of a few and not the success stories of thousands? Any way on a used truck to see if this is something that will need to be done (other than getting a shop to do an inspection)?

I'm budgeting around $4500-5500 for a 4x4 (preferably manual trans), reliable truck. That means total junk Tacoma, or a pretty decent Ranger, having owned a 4cyl 98 2wd years ago I really like the ranger, but the thought of a repair being 50% of the value is scaring me away.

 

Welcome to the forum

The 4.0l SOHC engine was first used as an optional upgrade in the 1997 Explorer, and used as the only 4.0l engine in 2001 - 2011 Rangers

The 1997 to 2003 4.0l SOHC engines had long chain tensioners that got weak or broken springs, they used oil pressure once engine was started so this was just a start up issue
When a spring failed the long chains would beat on their guides on start up until oil pressure took over
Eventually this would cause the guides to break away from their mounting, and you now could hear a rattle on startup and at mid-RPM, damage was done
Yes, you have to pull out engine to change rear guides

Ford redesigned the tensioners and they were first used in 2002/2003 engine assemble plants, so 2004 and up would for sure have the new tensioners, probably 2003 as well but............

These were NOT a 100% failure rate, just a known issue that came up more frequently than it should, which is why it took so long to find the issue and correct it

If the 2001 engine has no rattle then its probably OK for now, I would budget for changing the 2 tensioners, get Motorcraft brand ONLY, if you decide to get it
If you can hear a rattle on startup or any RPM then pass on it
There are videos on this rattle so you know what to listen for

These tensioners are not hard to change, rear one is easy, like changing a spark plug, front one is harder but much less work than changing a water pump for example
Again do not use the cheap ones, get Motorcraft brand, they are way more expensive, but much less than pulling out the engine, lol

Does this guarantee you won't have a timing chain problem, NO, not at all, this engine has 2 long timing chains, so can have timing chain problems just like any other engine with long timing chains, it goes with the territory of using over head cams, which gives better power and performance

The 4.0l OHV has 160HP, SOHC 207HP, so 33% more power with same displacement

 

Hey OP,

I had the same concerns and was being very picky when looking at trucks. Checked out a couple of used SOHC engines and after looking at some with a decent amount of miles you can hear when there is an issue with the timing chain somewhat easily (Sounds like a clicking sound and more noticeable at start up). Was also looking at Tacomas and Rangers but the 2 most important things I was reading about the older rangers is the timing chain and the frame. I ended up purchasing a 2001 Ford Ranger 4X4 Supercab with the 4.0L SOHC engine. Spent $5,000 on it with 120,000 miles on it but I am prepared to eventually put out money to get the timing chain fixed. Frame is clean and my mechanic said the chain still has a good amount of life on it so I'm hoping to have this truck for a while and just running it into the ground. Have had it for about 2 months and it still starts and runs great just gotta keep looking till you find a good deal. Defiantly wanna keep an eye on craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and car gurus (took me about 2 months of checking trucks out till I found a deal I felt good with).

 

I have a 2004 Ranger, 320k miles on it and engine has been great. 4.0l v6 with 5-speed transmission, to date no issues with the engine itself, but the plastic housing that holds the thermostat is the most poorly designed thing I've ever seen. I had to put a new clutch in around 200k miles, had to replace wheel bearings a couple times, and had to replace rear brakes and a rear axle around 275k. Only thing I don't like is gas usage, I have thought about buying a small car to commute to work with for that reason, it gets around 17k and I drive mostly highway.

 

We ended up finding a nice low miles 1999 (142k) 3.0l manual trans 4WD. I know the 3.0 isn't going to win any drag races but it's a truck if we wanted fast we'd be looking at different cars. This should last him a while with hopefully minor maintenance. And do well in snow and the mountain roads

 

Sounds good

Yes, the 3.0l Vulcan engine was reliable, used from 1986 to 2008 in Ford vehicles, in Rangers from 1991 to 2008
It is a HIGH RPM engine by design, makes best power/torque at 3,500rpm, most engines do that at 2,500rpm, so to get best power when needed REV it up that its DESIGN, so don't think you are over REVing the engine when in the 3,500-4,000 range

The Cam synchro tower was a common failure, makes a squeaking noise when bushing wears out
And the water pump has 2 pass thrus on the timing chain cover, these gaskets would start to leak behind the cover

It has the M5OD-R1 manual transmission(M5R1), super reliable, it uses ATF, yes, automatic transmission fluid in a manual trans, transfer case does as well

1999 was the 1st year Ranger V6 models got PATS(passive anti-theft system)
This means it has/needs transponder keys to start engine
So if you only got 1 key with it then you should get another one made, may be 2 more, and have them added to the PATS memory
Most locksmiths can do this using a laptop connected to the vehicle