OHV vs SOHC?

[racsan]

id rather have my ohv 4.0 than a newer ohc motor just because of all the issues ive heard of with the cam tensioners. if i need more power i'll just invest in some lower gearing, for now 3.73s do just fine with the stock-sized 235/15's the biggest issue i get into when towing is wind resistance. my trailer is about 2' taller than the truck, even though it is a v-nose trailer it catches alot of wind. gets the job done though and i couldnt afford to feed a F150/bronco on a daily basis as a commuter vehicle
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Toyota TZ engine picture

 

[Will]

The tensioners were a problem. It's been gone for at least 4 years though. I would own a newer one. The one I took apart was a '97 or '98 Explorer Sport 4x4 with an auto. It had no nylon left at all--except the chunks that had fallen down off the disintegrated tensioners.

I just like the compactness and simplicity of the old pushrod motor, and mostly I'm using it right off idle so it's just as good. I don't tow anything with it anymore except to manuever things around the yard and maybe a log splitter down the road a little.