So i have a 4.0 2011 and I was wondering what the difference is between the older 4.0 (like a 06,07,08) and mine they make the same power but I can't seem to find as many performance part for the engine. I was looking to get headers, exhaust, and larger throttle body and intake to start but I can't seem to find anything. Any advice out there?

 

Welcome to the forum

2001 to 2012 Rangers used the 4.0l SOHC engines
Explorers got this engine first in 1997

All Rangers came with tuned exhausts, for best mid-band power
All fuel injected Rangers came with Cold Air Intakes

You can get headers that change scavenged power from mid-band to low-band, you of course lose the mid-band added power, that's how headers work, the design changes where in the RPM band the lowest pressure occurs at exhaust ports, this lower pressure pulls exhaust out leaving extra power on the crank because exhaust doesn't need to be pushed out.
The engine itself wasn't different from 1997 to 2012 but the tuning and accessories changed, so may be header makers know changing headers won't matter or won't fit because of other added accessories for your year.

As far as the throttle body change I would test if you need it first.
A larger throttle/air flow opening can hurt as well as help.
You need to install a temporary Vacuum gauge in the cab where you can see it easily
A vacuum gauge is a very handy tool to have, in any case, so get one, if you plan on spending money on performance upgrades get the vacuum gauge first.

After gauge is installed and working you will need to find a place where you can LEGALLY get to and maintain a top speed for a few seconds
At WOT(wide open throttle) at top speed engine vacuum should be between 1" and 2", more than 2" would mean a larger air opening would help, there is some restriction.
Too far under 1" will mean air flow might be too much, not enough air/fuel mix is being sucked in to cylinders, floating valves as well.
And if above 2" it may not be the throttle opening, could be MAF or dirty air filter.

Intakes are tuned, so putting on larger intakes can hurt, just like putting on larger headers pipes not made for that engine
When intake valves close there is a sudden stop of air flow which creates a pressure wave that travels up the intake runner, the design or tune for the intake is to get that pressure wave to reflect back to intake valve and to arrive when valve opens again, like a mini turbo charger, to scavenge a bit of power, this is tuned to a specific RPM band, like headers.
Some engines use Intake Manifold Runner Control(IMRC), this changes the "length" of the intake runner so creates the "best refection", scavenged power, for wider RPM band.
So just changing intake can hurt as well as help.

Many have reported having computer tuned can help 4.0l SOHC get a bit more power.

The 4.0l SOHC also runs 9.7:1 compression, which means most Regular gas(87 octane) will ping/knock under load, it has a Knock Sensor because of this so there will be less power when running 87 octane.
Run a higher octane when you want extra power, higher octane doesn't have more power/energy, but computer won't need to advance the spark timing as much to prevent the pinging, and that gives you more power

 

Thanks for getting back. For me it's a ton of great information. I'm new to the relm of auto modification so I have a lot to learn but that gives me a good start point. Thanks again.