Did you change the timing chains on your 4.0 SOHC for maintenance?

[Saddle Tramp]

I was wondering if anyone changed out the timing chains and at what mileage did you do it? My 2011 is near 125,000 miles and I am wondering if I should plan on having it done in the next 25,000 miles or less? (I'd like to have the truck last another 10 years.)

 

[Brain75]

In the family we have a 2007, that has most likely not had it done... I have advised everyone that if you hear any noise during startup or "death rattle" - the tale tell sign, that is an immediate right now, not 1000 miles later.... just too much labor to jump on it ahead of time.

 

[JoshT]

Dad's '02 is at 23 years on the original chains. I'm not sure on mileage, but it's got to be getting close to the 200k mark. He's aware of the potential problem, but isn't ready to dig in yet.

 

[JohnnyO]

Since the engine has to come out I'd say just wait until they make noise or break and get a new engine from Jasper if the rest of the truck is okay.
I got my old '08 Sport Trac new, changed the oil with synthetic every 5k, it blew a head gasket at 212k but the timing chains were still fine.
The fix is the same, engine has to come out, so I opted to dump some Bar's Leak Head Gasket Sealer in the radiator and trade it in on a new Ranger. I'd already put a lot of money into it the previous two years.

 

[PatrickB1]

The new chains I got are rated for 400k. My cassettes broke so I swapped it all out at 270K.

 

[gw33gp]

Yes, the chains normally outlast the engine. It is the tensioners and cassettes that need to be replaced. I replaced all those components including the chains and sprockets at around 250K miles. That is a complete cam timing chain system rebuild. It is a good idea to replace the tensioners every 100K to 150K miles with quality replacements.

 

[Roert42]

I’ve don’t tensioners as a maintenance item on a few trucks but not chains.

Brother has over 250k on his and original chains.

if I had the engine out for whatever reason, I would do them since most of the work is already done.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

It is a good idea to replace the tensioners every 100K to 150K miles with quality replacements.

Are Cloyes good quality?

 

[sgtsandman]

Are Cloyes good quality?

They have a reputation for being good. If I remember correctly, their warranty is better than Motorcraft. I have a set in my 2011 that have been fine for about 50,000 miles.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Nice! Thank you.

 

[rubydist]

You can do the tensioners pretty easily about every 100k, but on one as new as yours you should not have to replace the chains or cassettes, assuming you change the oil with reasonable frequency.

 

[Roert42]

Are Cloyes good quality?

It’s my go to.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I change the oil every 3,000 miles with full synthetic in hopes that it preserves the cassettes and chains.