2000 Ford ranger 4.0 Cracked head

[stuman7981]

I am looking at a 2000 Ford Ranger with a 4.0 V6. The guy claims that one of the heads by the valve is cracked. I thought 4.0s did not crack heads normally? Where is a good place to get a set of new heads and what do they cost? Would this be a an overhead camshaft engine or pushrod engine like my 1994 ranger? I know 2.9s had a rep for cracking heads and the aftermarket ones they made were better than the ford oems. Thanks for all the help

 

[Big Jim M]

heads

I am looking at a 2000 Ford Ranger with a 4.0 V6. The guy claims that one of the heads by the valve is cracked. I thought 4.0s did not crack heads normally? Where is a good place to get a set of new heads and what do they cost? Would this be a an overhead camshaft engine or pushrod engine like my 1994 ranger? I know 2.9s had a rep for cracking heads and the aftermarket ones they made were better than the ford oems. Thanks for all the help

As long as the coolant system stays FULL, no FORD heads crack! Most cracked heads and blown headgaskets occur from a small exterior coolant leak that isn't repaired. As the coolant gets lower and lower the hottest part of the engine (the heads) loses the coolant first. As the heads heat up the air pocket in them includes the temperature sender.. so with that being out of the coolant the driver does NOT know the engine is too hot... untill it is too late.

If someone told me they had a bad head I'd be very suspecious of them! I would allow for a complete new engine when bidding on that ride. HOW does the guy know what really is WRONG with that engine? No way to know unless it is already apart and on the bench.
Big JIm

 

[stuman7981]

Yes they do crack heads.

My Dad owned 2 rangers since new and they both had the 2.9 in them and they both needed heads, never ran low on water or overheated. 2.9s were known to crack heads.

 

[Psychopete]

My Dad owned 2 rangers since new and they both had the 2.9 in them and they both needed heads, never ran low on water or overheated. 2.9s were known to crack heads.

Those heads do suck. I had a nice heavy set for my 2.9L when I rebuilt the engine. Fortunately it's not as common with the 4.0L heads, but doesn't hurt to check - any heads can crack.

 

[Rudie Del Rude]

Would this be a an overhead camshaft engine or pushrod engine like my 1994 ranger?

I think they did away with the pushrod engines in the late 90's.

 

[MountainMike]

You could still get the OHV engine in the Ranger until 2001, when they switched the front clip and gave it the SOHC engine. In the Explorer the SOHC engine was introduced in 99 and you could get both 4.0L's until 2001 when the OHV was completely phased out from both vehicles.

 

[exbass94]

In the Explorer the SOHC engine was introduced in 99 and you could get both 4.0L's until 2001 when the OHV was completely phased out from both vehicles.

1997 was actually the first year for the SOHC in Explorers. 2001 was the first year it was in Rangers.