2001 4.0 compatability

[smith11c]

Hey everyone, have a quick question. Need to replace the 4.0 in my 2001 ranger 2wd xlt, will there be any problems using a 2007's? Computer issues etc?

 

[RonD]

No problem
2001 is a 4.0l SOHC and 2007 4.0l SOHC

2000 and earlier wouldn't work, they are 4.0l OHV engines

 

[smith11c]

No computer compatability issues?

 

[RonD]

No, as long as you keep your current computer.

You are just swapping the block and heads for the most part.
You may want to install a new Knock sensor, these can fail and are a pain to get to being under the intake.
Also front and rear main seals......for the same reason.

 

[smith11c]

Appreciated, are there any other parts prone to fail in that year? I'm assuming they fixed the timing chains and tensioners?

 

[RonD]

I think around '04/'05 most the bugs in the timing chain cassette setup were worked out, but you really never know what you are getting with a used engine.

Not sure if it is a common issue but the thermostat housing can leak, good write up on that here:
http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/
I would give both of yours, '01 and '07, a good look and pick the best one

 

[smith11c]

Probably use the one off the 2001, just had it replaced before a third party messed the timing uup. There aren't any differences on how the motor connects to the tranny are there?

 

[adsm08]

There aren't any differences on how the motor connects to the tranny are there?

No.

 

[RonD]

If you have an automatic trans and you have never done an automatic install before there is one thing that can ruin your whole day.

The Torque converter powers the front pump(main pump) for the trans, the torque converter has splines and slots that lock into the front pump.
You need to put the torque converter onto the input shaft of the trans then spin it while pushing it in, you will feel/hear it click into the front pump drive, there are usually 2 or 3 slide-ins/clicks.
Failure to do this will result in a broken front pump when you bolt the bell housing to the block and tighten it up, and you won't know it is broken until everything is back together, you start the engine and you put it in gear and nothing happens, zip, 0, nada, then you spend 1/2 a day trying to troubleshoot what you know is a good transmission.
Key word there is "is", it is now a "was", as in it was a good transmission.

 

[smith11c]

The tranny is auto, 2wd. Does the engine have to be from an automatic truck, 2wd truck, or both to make correct connections?

 

[RonD]

No, engine will be the same regardless of transmission type or 2WD/4WD.

Although some 4.0l SOHC engines did have a counter balance shaft in 4WD models, was said it was added to reduce vibration when in 4WD models, counter balanced was for front drive shaft vibration, 4.0l SOHC engines were only used in Live axle Rangers, so front drive shaft was rotating any time vehicle was moving, regardless of 2WD or 4WD selection.

Many have put non-counter balanced engines in 4WD models with no issues at all, and visa versa.
Only real concern is the fact you would have an extra part that is not needed and it could go bad.
So 4WD vehicle would have extra part, 2WD would not, trans doesn't matter