I’m working on a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, V6 4.0L.
I need to replace the camshaft synchronizer assembly but the Ford Motorcraft part has been discontinued. Part #F37z12a362a
Motorcraft DA 2077
I found an aftermarket made by Dorman, but the reviews are not good. This part is not easily accessed to replace so I definitely don’t want to put a questionable substitute in and have it fail in 6 months. Does anybody have experience with the Dorman replacement or other suggestions? I really appreciate any input.

 

Made by Dorman is code for "broken". Just spring for the OEM part, especially in something that's buried so deep for replacement.

Edited to add that I failed to see you noted it was discontinued.

Rock auto lists these

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...hronizer,10722

 

Those are only the alignment kits or sensors. The only actual synchronizer Rock Auto offers is the Dorman. Thanks for the input though.

 

The last part number for the 3 wire Cam sensor and synchro was F67Z-12A362, can end with AA, AB or AC, these are revision numberc so AC would be last one released by Motorcraft in 3 wire model

Ford part numbers are pretty straight forward
For 1998 and older the first 2 digits are the year the Part was last changed
E9 = 1989
F1 = 1991
F3 = 1993
F6 = 1996

You can find a 1985 part number in a 2019 vehicle if the part hasn't changed since 1985

3rd number 7 = Ranger/explorer
4th number Z = Ford service department

Actual part number is 12A362, but this number is not model specific any Ford with a synchro/sensor setup would use this part number

Last set of numbers is the revision, it starts with A, then AA, then AB, each time there is a small change revision is changed

F67Z-12A362 is the updated part number and will work on 1990-1998 4.0l OHV engine, I think 1999 is when these changed to 2 wire

Never read about Dorman issue with these but if you have then look for OEM


How-to is here if you need it: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...hronizer.shtml

 

Not having much luck finding an OEM replacement. Several sites reference parts that replace # F3TZ12K073A. Any idea, if that is correct? Also, tried to take an up close photo of my part while still in the truck. Interesting is says Made in Germany.

 

Its a Cologne V6 engine, originally designed and built at Ford MoCo Plant, in Cologne, Germany, so..........not so odd

Yes, F3TZ-12K073-A would be 1993 Part Number(F3) used in 4.0l Rangers from 1993-1995, newer part number should be backwards compatible up to 1998(F8)

Ford part numbers are not year specific, there may be a F3(1993) part in a 2019 Ford car or truck, if its still the same or no major revisions were done

 

And really, if you can only find the Dorman replacement that may be your only choice. Some Dorman stuff is not well made. Others seem to be ok. If I have a choice, I usually don’t get the Dorman. Sometimes that’s all there is.

 

Finally getting around to working in this Ranger. After reviewing the synchronizer install procedures I just wanted to make sure I understand what I’m doing. When the engine is at TDC the leading edge of the C shaped piece lines up with the mark on the clear window. This will be the position of the synchronizer at the start of insertion. As it is inserted the C shaped piece will rotate coming to rest with the trailing edge lining up with the clear window mark when it is fully in place. This rotation is why the engine must be rotated 34mm before beginning to insert the synchronizer. Correct?

 

yes, that reads right, but.........................

Much easier to just pull the sensor off the old one so you can see inside, rotate engine manually to line up the vane with housing and mark it
You can manually turn engine to TDC mark if you want and mark housing and vane
Pull out the housing
Mark the new one the same as old one and reinstall, remembering the vane will move as you lower it because the cam gears are at an angle, you can pull it up move the vane and lower it again to get it are the right spot