The Best 4.0L replacement?

[TomJenks]

Hello to all.

Got some bad news on the ranger last nite.

Had a coolant leak that started last week. Went to check it out and an hour later I found it was the freeze plug on the passenger head.

I figured i would replace it(freeze plug), then I got to thinking about just swapping in another 4.0L OHV instead.

The main cause of all of this is because of rusty coolant. So, my reasoning for replacement is that I'm sure the other freeze plugs are not too far behind this one.

I got the truck as a beater/3rd vehicle with 4wd and a 5spd for $600 so I figure I can spend a little money on it.

Now, which would be the best year to look at for a replacement( the truck is a '92 btw)?

I can live with switching some parts(intake/exhaust manifolds, etc.) although I would rather stay away from long block disassembly if I can.

Any info from some with experience/advice with this would be greatly appreciated. Or if someone could point me to a good resource on the topic that would be great also.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

Same year would be the simplest...

 

[AllanD]

Personally I'd look for a 1993-94 engine and swap all your controls
and sensors onto it.

the 1993-94's are less prone to cracking.


That all being said... if the engine runs good simply replace ALL the plugs...

Though you have to drop the trans to get the last two...

BTW, "Rusty coolant"?

where did you get the water to mix with your anti-freeze?

In some parts of the countey I wouldn't put the water in my cooling system

AD

 

[TomJenks]

Personally I'd look for a 1993-94 engine and swap all your controls
and sensors onto it.

the 1993-94's are less prone to cracking.


That all being said... if the engine runs good simply replace ALL the plugs...

Though you have to drop the trans to get the last two...

BTW, "Rusty coolant"?

where did you get the water to mix with your anti-freeze?

In some parts of the countey I wouldn't put the water in my cooling system

AD

"Rusty" coolant(or at least thats the term used here anyway) is where antifreeze is hardly ever, or never, been changed, which leads to a breakdown in the antifreeze(or the anti-rust inhibitors to be more exact), basically causing a chemical reaction between the water and the engine. As for myself, I've always used distilled water to mix with antifreeze, not tap water. Although, it seems to me Fords are more succeptable to rusty coolant though.

I don't think you're supposed to use straight antifreeze in vehicles. I'm not exactly sure why, though. I think it also could cause corrosion problems because of the chemicals in it. I always use about 60/40 coolant/water mix.

 

[Kona]

straight anti freeze in -50 is funny as hell, green slushy!!