i recently bought a 3.0 2002 ranger with automatic for my teenage grandson

[tedrichard]

the truck runs perfectly and has 178,000 miles on the odometer.
my question simple, should i replace the camshaft synchronizer even though there are no symptoms whatsoever it is failing?

all engine functions are excellent and no tell tale noises or running conditions which might suggest a faulty synchronizer exist.

thank you

 

[pjtoledo]

at the least put a few drops of oil in it. pull the plastic cap off, oil around the shaft base. this does not mess with any timing issues.
it's not a bad idea to pull the sync unit and check for wear on the gear.




the second pic is the shaft pulled out a bit, you can see the bushing that gets dry. ignore the center hole, I got carried away with the drill press and created an oil reservoir.

 

[JeremyS]

Did the truck come with any service records indicating that it had ever been replaced?

You can buy a Motorcraft replacement for around $100 shipped on Amazon, I would replace it just to be safe.

 

[91stranger]

That's kind of an odd "first thing I want to replace when I get it" question. Most people go for the basics like the air filter or spark plugs lol. It wouldn't hurt to replace it though. With that many miles it may have been replaced already but you don't know unless you know. If you feel like the investment is worth it then yes you can replace it. Not having any symptoms or codes though I would safe to say it is fine for the time being. Most people suggest every 100k replace and check it every 50k. With this being for your grandson you could do it for the sake of knowing it will be fine down the road. I would first check the leaf spring hangers and steering components with that many miles.

 

[tedrichard]

thank you.

i have restored 1940's-1964 english sports cars for 40 years so i am comfortable around broken or faulty cars. i checked the frame and all the known rot an rust areas these trucks are infamous for and found it quite sound and especially so for a new england truck.

previous owner said it had not been changed since he owned it from mileage 42,000.

apart from small exhaust pipe leak under the bed and the ususal upkeep this part stood as maybe suspect due to age/mileage.

i have a new synchronizer and the plastic alignment cap just in case. given the responses a new one for peace of mind will be installed.

 

[eREdge]

what does a bad cam sync sound like or how do i know when to change it? My Ranger has about the same mileage. i don't know if it has ever been replaced