4.0 SOHC Rebuild; how far to go?

[RALEIGHthe3RD]

First some background. I have had my truck for about six months and have really enjoyed it. More that enough power for what I need and use it for. My only slight complaint would be the MPG that I seem to average. I have done all the normal tune-up items and still only see 15-17 and I drive like a an old lady most the time.

During the above mentioned tune-up, my #1 spark plug threads were messed up. I don't know if it was from the previous owner cross-threading the plug into the head or something else. I tried chasing the threads and that worked for a while. Now, 10,000 miles later the threads in the head are gone. The compression of the engine ended up shooting the plug out of the head and there is nothing left to thread the plug back into.

So I am pulling the engine and replacing the RH head. My engine has 120,000 miles and is an '03. I am planning on doing the following:

Sealed Power Re-ring kit with new mains (and required machine work)
-includes head gaskets
Complete timing set (cassettes, chains, tensioners... everything)

My question is, am I doing everything I should? I expect to have this truck at least another 100k miles if not more. I though about doing an oil and water pump at the same time, but not sure if that is necessary yet. Neither seem that hard to do with the engine in the truck. Any input would be great!

PS - before everybody gets on me and tells me just to source a low mileage engine, I would love to. The closest thing I have found so far is well over a grand and is 500 miles away. I have not been able to find a decent engine, much less one for cheaper that the rebuild is going to cost me.

PPS - If anybody has a timing tool they want to sell/loan me I will trade/pay anything up to and including my soul for one.

Cheers!

 

[James86]

If you lived nearby (Central MN) I have a timing light I'm not using right now....

 

[stegomon]

i would just take the head off and re-thread the head for a plug. that engine has alot of life. also if u want more mpg i would have a lower gear ratio in the rear like a 3.55

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

You can install a helicoil with the engine in place and simply put in a new plug.....

 

[RALEIGHthe3RD]

Sounds like I might be thinking too much about this. I thought about the helicoil, but don't totally trust them. That and it would be next to impossible with the clearance on the right bank. Plus, all those shavings possibly falling in the cylinder, I don't think so. I sourced a used head, I might just do that and new gaskets. No need for chains or tensioners at this mileage? Everything I have ever had calls for a new chain at 100-150k miles?

I was thinking of doing new gears, maybe when I do the explorer rear end.

Should have been more clear, the tool I am looking for is for timing the cams on the SOHC motor. It is expensive and from what I gather necessary. Thanks anyway James86.

Cheers!

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

We used to helicoil every 4.6 and 5.4L that popped out a spark plug...never had any issues with them after one was installed....in place.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

http://www.timesert.com/html/triton_repair.html

Here is what is entailed, and their kits are the ones to use to repair them properly in place.