Differences in 4.0 engines

[brianhood]

I've looked into replacing my 2005 Sport Trac's blown engine with several different ideas. Today, I bought a 2002 4.0 from a wrecked Sport Trac. According to Rockauto the long blocks are the same from 2000 to 2007. However, car-part lists the engines as separate engines. Im guessing that the block and heads are the same. Im planning on taking the fuel system, Intake, and all of the electrical parts from my original 2005 engine and putting it onto the 2002 engine. Any suggestions? Does anyone know what the differences are?

 

[sd359]

Look at the TRS tech library. The engine tech section is filled with alot of knowledge on the 4.0

 

[RonD]

Yes, the 4.0l SOHC long block will be the same, so as long as you swap over your intakes and valve covers you will be fine
Most likely the same oil pan but give it a look

Parts to change
BOTH long chain tensioners, use motorcraft only replacements(2002 still had the old models, so check the guides for looseness, i.e. broken)
Check Knock sensor wires, they would get brittle and break, its under the intake
Replace rear main seal, on any engine when its out
Inspect the thermostat housings, closely, they cracked and leaked on the 4.0l SOHC
Inspect the oil pan gaskets, there are 2, any sign of a leak replace both while engine is out

Oil pump is up to you, not a known issue at all, so should be fine on this model

 

[DILLARD000]

Consider replacing
~ stock Plastic TStatHousing with Aluminum version,
~ stock PlasticTanked 1Core Radiator with AllAluminum 2Core or better..
especially if you still have the factory originals.

 

[Otis413]

I'm currently rebuilding an '03 FX4-L2 using parts from a '02 XLT Ranger and a '97 Explorer. My Bro-n-law brought up his '01 sport Explorer to work on at the same time.

One of the first thing we noticed is that the two Explorers have a "air box" (air/oil separator) under the intake that the PVC goes into, (all of the Rangers I'v looked at don't have this, it goes into a hole in the top of the block that on Rangers motors a "freeze plug" is blocking the hole) and the Explorer alum valve covers don't have a place for a PVC like the plastic Ranger valve covers do.
We ended up putting the 02 ranger long block in the 01 Explorer with the Ranger valve covers for the PVC, it's not finished yet but I don't think there'll be a problem.

As for other differences, it seems that the '03 Rangers didn't have an EGR (?) but had the place for one, just blocked off.

Maybe someone with more experience than me can fill in some details.