Hey guys,

I'm currently searching for another 4.0 SOHC engine because the other deal fell through.
I need to know if the timing chain problem was taken care of in 2003 or 2004.
I know they had some big issues with the timing chain tensioner in 2001.5 and 2002 so I'm totally avoiding those years.
And I was also wondering if anybody here has had any experience with the Auto Salvages out West like in Arizona or Nevada. I'm looking for a Salvage Yard that has a huge inventory and won't rip me off.

Thanks in advance,

Brian

 

Well, since the engine is out of the vehicle, it would be super easy to replace the timing tensioner, IMO. Besides, my 02 has 146k on it, no timing chain rattle.

 

i beleive they started fixing the problem on some of the 03's but all the 04's the problem was fixed

 

x2, mine has 157k and no rattle.

 

So, basicly this timing chain problem is a hit or miss type deal.
Ok, I have lots of questions ... I hope you guys can help me out here.
Were the engines with the timing chain rattle manufactured at a certain factory?
Does anyone know which serial numbers to avoid?
And how much would it cost to replace the timing chain tensioner? Do you have to have a special tool to do this?

Thanks again,

Brian

 

The hit or miss thing is the same conclusion i came to. My father's 02 Fx4 has had it since 90k (he is now at 140k with no issues) but mine doesn't have it. i should probably check the codes and see if they are off a different plant line.

 

Mine just hardly rattles now at 85k when cold, fine when warm....If it ever goes, time for a diesel.

 

Yeah buddy!! i am constantly jealous of my bro's super-duty PSD, he can pull 22 mpg's highway with that bad boy (chipped of course). kinda makes you think when my ranger is 1/2 the size and only manages the same mileage. sigh...

 

All I've really heard is generally what's been said in this thread.... somewhat hit or miss....and mid '03-mid '04 they "fixed" the tensioner and guide issues. BUT.....I put that in quotations. It'll still eventually wear down and rattle but it'll take alot longer to do so.



Best thing to do is exactly what I did last summer... find the newest, lowest mile engine you can afford. I found a 2006 4.0 with....ready?....................1,000 miles for 1,000 bucks. The water pump pulley was still all painted black. My truck only had about 100k on it but the rattle was unbearable and though I took very well care of it, she's seen better days. The rattle started at about 40k. No sense to spend $1500 on new timing chains, guides, and what have you when the motor has to come out anyway for the rear chain. Why not spend about the same and get a literally BRAND NEW engine out of the deal?? Engine swap FTW.

 

agree with shane....but not everyone can find an engine with 1000 miles on it!

 

car-part.com FTW!! Had to go like 200miles there to get it but it was very well worth it.

 

Dont have to worry about a timing chain rattle if you go with a 5.0

 

Muahahahahhahahaha!!!

 

Yeah, my 7.3 gets the same mileage as the Ranger...What a joke.

 

All Ranger 4.0 SOHC's were made at the same engine plant in Cologne, Germany.

4.0's were improved sometime in 2003MY and you rarely hear of the timing chain issue that was so common in earlier years.

 

yup i got my 03 and put it in mine might have it but whatever lol, next is the 5.0 for my truck. im gonna keep it manual trans and t-case. manual anything FTW! motor swap FTW!

 

Whoot!!!!

 

Well, I guess since they were all made at the same factory. The serial # wouldn't do me a bit of good.
I guess the bad engines were made on Monday ...lol
I'm in the process of looking for a engine at a salvage yard. I found a 2004 with 50K on e-Bay for $800. (They originally wanted $1100) but I need all the electrical components and the person acted a little strange when I told them that. They also said they didn't have the wiring harness for sale.(I thought that was weird)
This is exactly why I need a doner truck and it seems like none of the salvage yards will sell me the whole truck. I found some wrecked Rangers on those re-builable web-sites, but I can't afford to spend $4500 on a rebuildable truck. Does anybody know of a salvage yard that would be willing to sell the whole truck or a place that would sell me the engine and everything that touches it?
I would greatly appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction.

Brian

 

I have my original 2003 4.0L with only 27K on it. It is almost all there. Missing the A/C compressor and some minor stuff.

 

Hey Bob,
Would you be interested in selling your 4.0?

 

PM sent.

 

Bleh..... Add a trans, a tcase, two driveshafts, and the fact that there's no way in hell I'm going to an auto. Manualing a 5.0 4x4 isn't as easy as it seems. Bob knows a little about that I do believe...

Not to hijack....but Bob, how is your truck coming along?

WOW....you still got it. I've always kicked myself hardcore for not making a roadtrip and pick up your engine/trans/tcase when it was all for sale as a bundle(minus tcase linkage or shifter?). And at the time, I needed the trans too. Oh well...live and learn.

 

I really wanted Bob's 4.0 but he has the manual transmission wiring harness. Does anyone have a 4.0 auto trans wiring harness with a Auto PCM?

 

Bump

 

Nobody has a 2 WD auto trans wiring harness for a 4.0 SOHC?