Cam shaft synchronizer

[cthudak]

Hi everyone,
Can someone tell me a definite way to determine which length Cam Synchronizer I need for my 1997 4.0 Ranger? Motorcraft, NAPA and Rock Auto both offer the 123MM and the 132mm length part. Being that this part is in a bad spot, I would like to be 100% sure of the part I buy before I start disassembly.

Thanks for the great site and for the help.

 

[Bray D]

I hopped on napaonline.com and searched it just for kicks. That's really weird. Have you talked to anyone in person about the issue? I'd stop by a ford dealership and see what they offer as the OEM replacement.

 

[brinker88]

Do you defintely have a SOHC? I though most '97s had the OHV? The OHV ones dont really have a problem, its the SOHC electonic ones.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/3-0-...or-shaft-replacement-how-do-i-know-needs.html

 

[cthudak]

Its an OHV 4.0 ....using a stethoscope, the squeek is definitly coming from the cam synch / sensor ( can barely see it)

 

[brinker88]

Well I called ford about 3 months ago and they do not carry it anymore. Your ONLY option is a junkyard or the internet

 

[Bray D]

Yeah, I know what you're sayin. I guess if its over 10yrs old they discontinue it. Ripoff. They may still be able to get it though, if another parts department still has one on the shelf.

They should be able to tell you which one it is even if they can't get one. Maybe not?

 

[Snoranger]

I can tell you that both my 95 and my 96 had the 123mm. The 2000 I bought had a 132mm.

 

[Bray D]

I guess you could just pull the synchro and measure it? I know its a PITA, but at least you'd know for sure. Sucks spending money on something to find out its not what you need.

 

[Snurfer]

your ranger being a 97 will have the two piece cam sychro/sensor design. it should have the black sensor housing with two bolts securing it to the top of the synchro shaft. this is the longer version of the synchronizer. the shorter version of the synhro assembly came in the earlier trucks with 95 being the last year i believe. it uses an integrated one piece sensor/ shaft design.

 

[brinker88]

Good info dude thanks!

 

[Snoranger]

I have 4 cam syncs on my desk at work. (I have these because I'm machining a custom cam sync for my SOHC EEC-IV swap) Heres what I found:

-They all use the same outer housing. (same part number on the casting, from 95-2000 maybe more)
-The gears are in the same location on either length.
-The extra 9mm is just an extension at the bottom of the shaft where the oil pump drive goes.
-The extra 9mm is smaller outer diameter then the part of the shaft that locates it in the block (and the gear presses onto).
-The SOHC (oil pump drive only, never came with a cam sync) did away with the extra 9mm. (checked both 97 and 01 SOHC)

Not that this really helps you with your question, but I figured it may help someone else if they figure out how to use the search button!

 

[brinker88]

OHV though...what about them...I've never really heard they go bad very often

 

[Snurfer]

let me know when you go to change out the sensor and ill send you the directions to correctly get in back in proper timing.

 

[acs_97ranger4l]

I can tell you that both my 95 and my 96 had the 123mm. The 2000 I bought had a 132mm.

I have 4 cam syncs on my desk at work. (I have these because I'm machining a custom cam sync for my SOHC EEC-IV swap) Heres what I found:

-They all use the same outer housing. (same part number on the casting, from 95-2000 maybe more)
-The gears are in the same location on either length.
-The extra 9mm is just an extension at the bottom of the shaft where the oil pump drive goes.
-The extra 9mm is smaller outer diameter then the part of the shaft that locates it in the block (and the gear presses onto).
-The SOHC (oil pump drive only, never came with a cam sync) did away with the extra 9mm. (checked both 97 and 01 SOHC)

Not that this really helps you with your question, but I figured it may help someone else if they figure out how to use the search button!

I know this thread is old, but using the search I couldn't find anything conclusive on whether the 1997 4.0 OHV needs the 123 mm camshaft synchronizer or the 132 mm before going ahead with my repair. It seems like 1997 is the transition year. Enter 1996 and older on a parts finder and it recommends the 123 mm, 1998 and older and it recommends the 132 mm, but 1997 it shows both with no indication as to which is correct.

So now that I have new information that I couldn't find here, this was my experience: my 1997 4.0 OHV (built in 05/1997 in case that's relevant) had the 123 mm one in it, and I replaced it with another 123 mm, the Motorcraft DA2099, which is still available elsewhere online for about half what the dealer is asking. Hopefully this helps someone's search.