best replacement for a 4.0?

[snibblez]

I recently bought a 98 explorer 4x4 xlt for $300. It has a really straight body and good axles. I think they 8.8 rear and d35 front. The interior is really nice as well, just one problem... timing chain.

I have Looked into many swaps since I just don't like the 4.0s 4 timing chain set up. As you can tell by how much I paid, budget is a little bit of a factor but not much (under 5,000?). my mechanical ability is just below the average joe. However I do work in a chrome plating plant that makes a lot of their own parts. I just do the chrome plating though so I would have to have one of the other guys make a bracket if needed.

Now onto the main question hoping that I have provided enough for you to give some good thoughts into my blunder. What motors will bolt right into the 4.0s place or with just a little work needed? I was looking into the 4.2s since our shop truck runs one and it just keeps putting along. I don't want to take it to a shop this is something I want to build myself as a learning process. so something extreme like a 4.6 v8 is kinda far out there. Maybe a 4bt since the wiring of an older mechanical diesel is simple?

I have been looking into swaps for this explorer and my other 89 b2s for months now and just cant come to a decision on the mater. So much information that my brain is melting lol.

Thanks for your time

 

[swynx]

Basicly another 4.0 or a 302.get a 302 explorer and swap it all over. I don't think there's any thing wrong with the timing chain. I mean your supposed to change it every 60k. If that happened there wouldn't be many problems. Ya it might be more finicky than others but that's where preventative maintenance comes in.

 

[snibblez]

True but pulling the motor every 60k miles seems like a hassle. Unless there is a better way without removing it? All the research I have found on it seems to point at doing a total rebuild if one fails. Don't get me wrong I like the 4.0 just not the timing chain in the back.

Do you know of somewhere that has more information on the 4.0 to 5.0 swap? I just keep running across 2.9s to 5.0s.

Thanks for the fast reply.

 

[swynx]

There's a lot of info around. I know you need the very early year 5.0 pre pats. You'll also need a transfer case unless you want awd. Its like the first 2-3 years. Know where one is for sale here in lewiston for 400$

 

[swynx]

The tech section also has a ton of info. Somebody here will chime in for the 5.0 swap.

 

[snibblez]

I was kinda wanting to avoid buying yet another parts truck lol. I already have way to many. If there isn't a bolt in upgrade I might just have to rebuild it.

 

[swynx]

I think you also have to make a transmission crossmember and custom length drive shafts. Honestlybid rebuild that sohc with good quality parts. Maybe even some power addidtives so it gets along just as a v8. You'll probably sell it before the chain breaks.

Any one know if there is a fix to the sohc chain breaking?

 

[snibblez]

Its starting to look like that would be the better option for now and it would also give me some much needed experience. Since its already at 177k miles I might as well do a full rebuild then just a chain swap.

Would running full synthetic oil help the chains last longer?

 

[swynx]

Probably couldn't hurt

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Any one know if there is a fix to the sohc chain breaking?

Yeah, the early ones (up to 02 or 03) had a crappy tensioner design. The updated design should fix it.

You change timing belts every 60k. IMO timing chains should last until the engine needs rebuilt.

A 4.2 requires the same amount of work as a pushrod 5.0/302 but without many of the benefits. A 5.0 out of another Explorer will nearly drop in, it was designed to. The 3.8/4.2 also have a not really great record of hitting the antifreeze bottle too often.

 

[snibblez]

Yeah, the early ones had a crappy tensioner design. The updated design should fix it.

You change timing belts every 60k. IMO timing chains should last until the engine needs rebuilt.

A 4.2 requires the same amount of work as a pushrod 5.0/302 but without many of the benefits. A 5.0 out of another Explorer will nearly drop in, it was designed to.

What year range did they improve the tensioner?

 

[swynx]

I just read a thread here on trs. It said in 2003 the problem was very rare to see.running a thicker oil makes the noise go away.

 

[swynx]

So he can go buy a updated design tensioner and put it in? And that fixes the problem.

 

[snibblez]

Would the updated one fit? I haven't seen blue prints on the 2 different ones. If not and I have to buy a newer 03+ would my current ecu power it or would that need to be replaced by the one from the donor. Would the gauge cluster still work? I know a lot of questions and I appreciate all the help so far thanks guys.

 

[swynx]

At some point pats was introduced.it'll be easier to avoid this.