I might have found a replacement engine for my 03 v6 4.0l sohc 4wd ranger but the engine I found is the same size it's just 2wd?

 

Yes it will work fine, the balancer shaft didn't matter after all on the 4x4s, it was added for AWD to counter the front drive line always spinning, an "on paper" vibration potential, tuned out it was over kill
In mid-2000's and up Rangers the 4WDs could have either type and some 2WD had balancer shafts, lol, they just started installing the next engine in the assembly line

 

Ok thanks but I think it's a no go!! They are not sure but they think the engine from a 95 or 96 ranger 4.0 and I believe that is still a ohv and mine is a 2003 sohc. I believe Ford started to introduced the sohc engine until 97 or 98 if I'm correct?

 

So I quess I won't know until I go look for myself

 

Correct engine can be ID'ed by 8th digit in VIN number

4.0l OHV was used from 1990-2000 in various Ford Trucks/Vans, VIN X

4.0l SOHC was used as a "option" in Explorers/Mountaineers from 1997 to 2001, base model engine was still the 4.0l OHV, VIN E

Ranger and Explorers both only had the 4.0l SOHC from 2001 and up, Mustangs used the 4.0l SOHC from 2005 thru 2010

List of what vehicles used the SOHC and when
2001–2011 Ford Ranger, VIN E
2001–2010 Mazda B4000, VIN E
1997–2010 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer, VIN X(OHV) or VIN E(SOHC) or K(K was flex fuel version of SOHC)
2005–2010 Ford Mustang, VIN N

You can use the Mustang 4.0l SOHC but it had slightly different cams for better horse power and lower torque, but most can't tell the difference

 

Thanks for the info so a 4.0l ohv will not work for a 03 4.0l sohc!? I just really wish it did only because it's a non interference engine right?

 

Yes it is, but its also 160HP, the 4.0l SOHC is 207HP, so almost 50HP more, or 30% more HP, which is ALOT more

Thats why swapping in a 5.0l V8 into a working 4.0l SOHC Ranger is not a good idea
The 5.0l V8 is rated at 210HP, so big expense for 3HP, lol.

 

Really??? That's it! I never knew that I guess I'll keep searching I'm just afraid of running through the same issues with the timing chains and guides I cant afford a reman engine and I found a reconditioned engine for under $1000 but the problem with that is that it's about 2hours away so it's not like if something wasn't done right on it I can just take it to them or they can come to me. I did find one from a 2002 ranger with 145000mi for $1100 so I don't know if that's a good deal? And when they say that they are pressure tested and all would that mean that they are dependable engines. I guess after pulling a engine out 3times in a lil under 2yrs you get worried and gave trust issues lol!!

 

I would hold out for a 2004-2011 year, timing chain parts were update by 2004

 

Oh ok I did find a 04 for about$1000 but they can't tell me the mileage