I have read and watched videos on replacing the tensioners on my 2001 ranger 4.0 but I cannot remove the sensor that is underneath the intake manifold any help would be great

 

The tensioners were what caused all the problems in the 1997 to 2004 4.0l SOHC engines

They would allow the chain to loosen up and then chain would wear down(rattling) and then break the guides(real bad rattling)

Tensioners have a spring inside but tension is really oil pressure based, so after removing a tensioner, unplug the Coil Pack, so no spark and no start.
Then crank the engine that should push oil out, and any clogs, in tensioner's oil hole, then install the tensioner.

You have to remove the Thermostat housing to get drivers side upper tensioner out.

 

Yes, there is a sensor behind the thermostat housing that is in the way of removing the front tensioner. I ended up having to remove the upper intake manifold to get that sucker out. That is a lot of work but I don't know how to get around it. If you find a way to do it without removing the intake, I am sure many people would like to know your trick. I know I would.

I think I tried to remove the entire (upper and lower) thermostat housing without removing the upper intake but ran into a problem. I don't recall that problem.

 

I was able to do my drivers side tensioner by removing the thermostat housing. Wasn't a lot of room, but it worked.

Word of advice though, be careful with the thermostat housing bolts. They like to seize in the intake. I ended up braking one of them off and played hell getting it out.