Worth it to replace engine?

[mixwhit]

In a previous thread I was looking for input on an engine noise. Consensus is that it's the timing chain guides and the the chain will go soon.

While I've done my own wrenching in the past I'm not able to do something like a repair or swap at this scale. So my options are:

1) have someone fix the timing chain problem (and hope that's it)
2) have someone replace the engine with a remanuf. or used
3) get a different truck
4) ?

I'm trying to figure out if options 1 or 2 are worth it for this particular truck. The truck is an '03 Ranger ext cab 4.0L SOHC 2WD, AT, power everything, with 175k miles. Body is in excellent shape, interior is good (door lock switches don't work, back door light switch sticks but thats bout it). It has new tires, new brakes, new radiator, new lower thermostat housing.

Quotes to replace the timing chain assemblies run about $2800. To install a used engine is about $3000, and to go with a rebuilt warranty engine $4500+.

I paid $5500 for the truck in '08 when it had 155k or so miles.

Given all that, is it crazy to put another $3-5k in this truck? Even if I go with a rebuilt engine, it's still mated to a trans w/ 175k, and other old components. On the other hand, 3-5k doesn't buy as much truck these days.

Anyway I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[--weezl--]

why not go buy yourself a 200$ toolkit, borrow a cherry picker, and replace them yourself in a week or so... after all said and done, if it's done in a week, you can probably buy tools, parts, and even rent a car for the time the truck is off the road, for the price it's going to cost you to have someone do it...

if you say "i don't know how" well, that's what TRS is for

 

[mixwhit]

wish i could, but i'm dealing with severe carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in both arms. it's just not an option for me right now. i can't open a jar of pickles let alone wrench an engine out of the truck.

 

[nutpantz]

Spending 3000$ to fix a truck that cost $5500 is personal preference.
I would sell the running badly truck for as much as you can, and use all the money to buy your self a good running replacement. I've seen 03 rangers for sale for $4000 and less.fantastic deals can be had in the used car market.but very few fantastic deals at the repair shop.

I have swapped in a 300$ engine (from the wrecker) myself even though it took a month (or longer),
Was it worth it? Maybe...

 

[RangerSVT]

Nope, totally not worth it. I think you should sell the poor old truck to me and buy another ranger where are you located? I'm sure a capable fellow TRS brother wouldn't mind helping you out and saving you some coin...


SVT

 

[kryptonitecb]

If it wasn't for the carpal tunnel I'd say do it yourself. Pulling the old one out and putting in a newer one is easy. Hell you would have to do the same to fix the chain guide.

12 in one hand a dozen in the other

Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[bigredscowboy]

what part of the country are you in?

 

[john93rangerstx]

i have sever carpil tune in both arms i do this for a living muscle problems and never problems in my hand they give me 5 years left to work i wont be able to hold stuff in my hand very well

they hurt all day im 28 years old so just deal with the tunel and get it dune

i have day i can bearly wipe my a$$