Hi! My son has a 2002 4.0 ranger. we just found out the intake manifold is cracked and has to be changed. Is this a project that we could tackle or is it that bad that we should send it to the shop. and what would be a good one to go with (brand)? Thanks for any help. much appreciated!

 

Outside of the torque required for bolts and the torque pattern, which are available on the "net", all the work is just wrench work, no special knowledge required.

It will take a few hours to pull it apart because there is alot to remove, take lots of pictures, they are free, lol, and if possible have a work bench or table where you can put pieces as they come off(with their nuts and bolts), so first off is farthest away and last off is closest.
It will help you get things back together.

You will also want to change the Knock sensor, under the intake, common failure on the 4.0l SOHC, and hard to get to.
Also you may want to change the thermostat housing when reassembling, originals have a tendency to crack and leak.

Rangers had the 4.0l OHV engine from 1990-2000, in 2001 they got the 4.0l SOHC engine, the two are not related, so any parts you get make sure they are for the 4.0l SOHC

 

thanks so much for getting back with me. This helps a lot and we are ready to get it fixed. all help is much appreciated. have a great day!