Swap a 2001 4.0 Engine low Miles into a 2008 4.0 with high mileage.

[jimoclark]

Hi Support.

I have a 2001 ranger 4.0 4x4 automatic and I would like to place the engine and trans into a 2008 ranger 4.0 4x4 automatic. What are the glitches that I am going to have making this transfer? Thanks for your helpful insights, Jim Clark

 

[Dirtman]

If they are both SOHC engines it should be a very straight forward swap. Id replace the timing chain tensioners and guides on the 2001 engine while its out regardless of the mileage. They are a known failure point in pre 2004 engines and would require removing the engine again if they fail down the road.

 

[97RangerXLT]

If they are both SOHC engines it should be a very straight forward swap. Id replace the timing chain tensioners and guides on the 2001 engine while its out regardless of the mileage. They are a known failure point in pre 2004 engines and would require removing the engine again if they fail down the road.

This. whatever you do, This.

you might have to swap the intake from the 2008 to the 2001 or at least swap some of the snsors/ electronics that come with the engine, as the 2001 probably has different style connectors and readings.

Good luck.



AJ

 

[jimoclark]

If they are both SOHC engines it should be a very straight forward swap. Id replace the timing chain tensioners and guides on the 2001 engine while its out regardless of the mileage. They are a known failure point in pre 2004 engines and would require removing the engine again if they fail down the road.

That is what is wrong with the 2008 it needs the timing chain replaced but it has 180,000 miles on it. The 2001 has 55,000 miles on it. The sensors are not the same and is the tranny? I worry about the computer and the keys will they all work together? Do you feel changing the the timing chain tensioners are needed on a low mileage engine? Thanks Jim

 

[Dirtman]

That is what is wrong with the 2008 it needs the timing chain replaced but it has 180,000 miles on it. The 2001 has 55,000 miles on it. The sensors are not the same and is the tranny? I worry about the computer and the keys will they all work together? Do you feel changing the the timing chain tensioners are needed on a low mileage engine? Thanks Jim

Transmissions are the same. Just double check that the 2001 has the ISS sensor (it should).
Do not try to swap computers, its a headache you do not need and almost impossible. Use the 2008's wiring, sensors, and ECU and just use the 2001s engine as a long block only. Like 97ranger mentioned you may need to swap intakes and other stuff but its way easier than trying to put a 2001 computer and wiring in a 2008.

And yes change the timing set! The 2008 has the "upgraded" timing guides and tensioners and their dead at 180,00 miles... the 2001 has the known bad ones so how long do you think those will last? You'll just be pulling the motor again if you dont replace them now.

 

[jimoclark]

Ok Dm, I had no idea that the timing guides were that fragile and also the intake is a good move for sure. I hope to be using this truck for as long as I am vertical. Appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. thanks Jim

 

[Dirtman]

Some people have early sohc 4.0s last forever without changing the timing set, others blow up at 30,000 miles. Ford never recalled them as far as I know but they started using an upgraded set around 2004 that "reduced" the failure rate. But as you know its its something that if it fails, requires removing the engine to fix so I can see no scenario where I would put a used pre 2004 4.0 in without replacing the guides/tensioners. Get a good set and then be obssessive about oil changes and you "probably" wont ever have to deal with it again... probably... lol. Its still an insane ass backwards setup even with the newer designed parts.

 

[sgtsandman]

Look up Fordtecmakuloco on Youtube. He did a timing chain job on a 4.0 SOHC. That will give a very good idea why Dirtman is pushing the issue.