Replacing pushrods and rocker arms, anything else I should do?

[EHeaney]

The rattling has always been there but I pushed the truck pretty hard on a camping trip up the hill a few weeks ago and the clattering was so loud the engine was going to just disintegrate into pieces. I guess I can't put this off any longer. I'm hoping the new pushrods as well as all the new intake gaskets will fix my wavy idle. I'll probably swap the engine mounts too while it's in the garage. I considered new lifters but it sounds like they're not as big of a problem as the pushrods, and significantly more work to change.

Anything else worth swapping out while I'm pulling the top end off? I'm at 160k right now. I don't have as much time as I wish I did to wrench on the old girl so any time I get my elbows dirty I like to do as much as I can. I don't daily the truck anymore and it's basically just used for hauling as needed, so I'm not going crazy with the budget, but I don't mind spending a few extra bucks on something that's not broken yet, I mean I do plan on keeping the truck a while.

 

[gaz]

Inspect them 1st but the push rods and lifters are a very good and simple preventative move. They are a known high wear item on the 4.0 ohv.

To install these, I believe all you will need to do is remove the valve covers, the pull the rocker bosses. That should give you access to both components. May want to consider rocker arm spacers vs the stock rocker arm springs. Your valve train will love you for it!!!

 

[cp2295]

I would not replace the lifters if it was me; they are very expensive and in most cases the oem ford ones are working fine, and the Chinese ones that will go in as a replacement are gonna fail (I’ve had it happen on a rebuild and ended up putting the oem ones back in). I would carefully inspect the rocker shafts for significant wear. They will be shinier where the rocker has been riding but should not have any grooves. Also for gaskets get the mahle kit on rock auto, or at least their valve cover gaskets. They are far superior using a metal backing with rubber. Make sure to peen the valve cover bolt holes to prevent leakage. Other than that just do a tune up and you’ll be good. Use assembly lube.


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[ryanthevan]

I have a 1993 ranger with a tap. Thought it might be lifters. But ordered new pushrods and rocket arms to start there.

I think I have to remove the head to do the lifters. But just the valve covers for the rocker arms. Can I replace the pushrods without removing the head? Thanks!