06 Ranger 4.0 v6 sohc 4x4 engine compatibility

[shields1973]

My name is Jon and I'm contemplating putting a new engine in my 06 extended cab 4x4. I was wondering what other years are compatible with this? I've been trying to find something definitive online but no clear answers...i appreciate any help you can give me to point me in the right direction.

 

[Snoranger]

Any 4.0 SOHC will be the same basic engine...
Depending on the year and what it comes out of you’ll need to use parts from yours (intake, sensors, accessories, etc). Stay away from the early engines, they had timing chain issues. 03+ will have the updated timing chains and cassettes.
Ranger, Explorer, or Mustang 4.0l... they’re pretty much all the same.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

The 4x4 engines have a balance shaft in the front timing chain assembly. not sure why, or if its necessary for a 4x4 model truck, but its there

 

[Snoranger]

The 4x4 engines have a balance shaft in the front timing chain assembly. not sure why, or if its necessary for a 4x4 model truck, but its there

It was for NVH in 4 low. They stopped using it eventually, but I don’t recall what year (at least in the Explorer). There are plenty of swaps that used a non balance shaft engine in place of a balance shaft one.

 

[G8orFord]

My 2001 4x4 doesn't have the balance shaft. I suppose it's possible that the engine was swapped prior to my ownership at 258k, but if it was they did a good job. It didn't appear that the engine had ever been removed before I did it.