Here we go again

[MattyT406]

Well gents Im back at it. I recently sold my 89 and slid into this bad boy for $1000. 2003 FX4 4.0 manual. It's in pretty rough shape and has a blown head gasket, but at least the frame isnt bent this time!

The only question worth asking is do I rebuild the 4.0 nightmare timing battle, or just 5.0 swap for the smiles? Cast your votes fellas!

 

[Snoranger]

5.0 swap

 

[SenorNoob]

Do with this what you will:

Ford Ranger 4.0L SOHC Specifications​
Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches)	245 CID
Type	SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Bore x Stroke	3.95 x 3.31 inches
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Fuel System	Sequential Fuel Injection
Fuel Pressure	64 – 75 PSI
Horsepower	207 @ 5250 RPM
Torque	238 @ 3000 RPM

Ford introduced the 5.0L V8 as an option for the Explorer in 1996. It was only available in the 2wd models that first year, and had 210 hp and 280 ft-lb of torque. For 1997, revised cylinder heads increased output of the 5.0L V8 to 215 hp. The 5.0L became available in the AWD Ford Explorer in 1997.

 

[sgtsandman]

For the additional 3 to 8 horsepower, shoe horning a 5.0 into a Ranger that originally had the 4.0 SOHC seems like a lot of work and headache, but that is just my take on it.

I would rather rebuild or replace what you have. Since it will be plug and play and the majority of the issues with the earlier engines have been addressed. Just make sure to change the hydraulic chain tensioners every 70,000 - 100,000 miles and make sure the oil passages that feed them are clear.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

2.3 Ecoboost with a tune and upgraded spinny things…

Or a 5.0 with Torque Monster headers…

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Cheap beater - find a used engine, rebuild timing system, just swap it in and run it until you get tired of working on it or looking at it.

Keep forever and ever - 5.0. Gain a couple ponies, 30lb-ft of torque and a much simpler less troublesome engine with a far superior transmission (4R70W). A manual tcase to hang on the back of said transmission is easily found as well.

 

[Shran]

Nice truck, that's my favorite color on those.

As much as I hate to say it I would probably lean towards keeping the 4.0. There are still enough of them around that you could pick up a couple Explorers real cheap to part out and keep a spare engine in stock. 5.0 Explorers seem to be disappearing fast and the word is out that they are good parts donors... so they usually go for way more than I am willing to spend.

 

[MattyT406]

Nice truck, that's my favorite color on those.

As much as I hate to say it I would probably lean towards keeping the 4.0. There are still enough of them around that you could pick up a couple Explorers real cheap to part out and keep a spare engine in stock. 5.0 Explorers seem to be disappearing fast and the word is out that they are good parts donors... so they usually go for way more than I am willing to spend.

I've been thinking the same thing. With proper maintenance the 4.0 is definitely a good engine, and the upside to a 5.0 is negligible. After watching a YouTube series on 4.0 timing last night im actually kind of excited to give it a shot. Kind of a bummer to spend a couple hundred on some special tools ill use once, but oh well. Either way the 4.0 with a manual wos a stout unit with more than enough power to cause trouble!

BTW I'm calling this ranger "the master chief". If you know, you know.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Timing chains are much simpler/cheaper and are pretty much bulletproof on the SBF.

And yes, I am familiar with the name...

 

[MattyT406]

Update,

I have the motor out and tore down on the stand. The bottom end is in good shape, the heads aren't warped, and everything seems to be good for a quick rebuild.

Does anyone have recommendations on rebuild kits/timing sets? There are so many to choose from and I've had trouble pinning down an option that I love. I also searched through the tech library but can't find anything helpful other than timing instructions and general info.

Its time to start throwing money at this thing!

 

[Snoranger]

Do with this what you will:

Ford Ranger 4.0L SOHC Specifications​
Engine Displacement (Cubic Inches)	245 CID
Type	SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Bore x Stroke	3.95 x 3.31 inches
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Fuel System	Sequential Fuel Injection
Fuel Pressure	64 – 75 PSI
Horsepower	207 @ 5250 RPM
Torque	238 @ 3000 RPM

Ford introduced the 5.0L V8 as an option for the Explorer in 1996. It was only available in the 2wd models that first year, and had 210 hp and 280 ft-lb of torque. For 1997, revised cylinder heads increased output of the 5.0L V8 to 215 hp. The 5.0L became available in the AWD Ford Explorer in 1997.

I’m not sure where you got this information, but it’s wrong.
Yes ‘96 was the first year of the 5.0 in the Explorer, but it was not only available in 2wd. It was also available in AWD. I was working at a Ford dealer in the receiving and prep dept doing PDIs in late 95-96 when the first V8 Explorers started rolling in. It was a huge deal for them to get the 5.0L and we couldn’t keep them on the lot. I must have driven a few hundred 96 V8 AWD Explorers in that timeframe before I started working in the other shop as a mechanic.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Update,

I have the motor out and tore down on the stand. The bottom end is in good shape, the heads aren't warped, and everything seems to be good for a quick rebuild.

Does anyone have recommendations on rebuild kits/timing sets? There are so many to choose from and I've had trouble pinning down an option that I love. I also searched through the tech library but can't find anything helpful other than timing instructions and general info.

Its time to start throwing money at this thing!

From what I've heard... Cloyes

Damn shame what has happened to the parts suppliers. Everything is a buyer beware kinda thing.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I just looked and I bought a DNG timing set, I've used their parts before with good results but Cloyes is probably as good or better... who knows anymore

 

[bobbywalter]

4.0 ohv and sohc are stout.


the truck version 302 has 40 to 50 ft lb on it though not 30 and its lower. this is not insignificant....for that time period. the typical more flat top reg gt motor with gt 40s has another 40 pounds....which is definitely in breaking stuff all the time territory..


but thats it...280-310 hp 330-350 tq is about it with a N/A 302....and thats not overly cheap. which makes living with a 4.0 pretty easy.

we are in a weird time. depending on where you live you can actually buy built running windsors for less than the cost to buy a set of afr heads for said windsor to build yourself.

of course...that is just matching a stock 5.3 with a cam and spring swap.

i sure as hell would not spend any money on sohc tools...just buy a running engine and roll the dice. but if your ok with the stock power, then buy the tools, because its still cheap to do yourself.




then save for a ls swap or the new new ls swap(coyote) when it dies again....in 10 years.

 

[SenorNoob]

I’m not sure where you got this information, but it’s wrong.
Yes ‘96 was the first year of the 5.0 in the Explorer, but it was not only available in 2wd. It was also available in AWD. I was working at a Ford dealer in the receiving and prep dept doing PDIs in late 95-96 when the first V8 Explorers started rolling in. It was a huge deal for them to get the 5.0L and we couldn’t keep them on the lot. I must have driven a few hundred 96 V8 AWD Explorers in that timeframe before I started working in the other shop as a mechanic.

Came from our own tech article.

1996-2001 Ford Explorer 5.0L V8 Specifications​