4.0L SOHC balance shaft. Why/what if?

[ncranchero]

1. Why does the 4.0 SOHC have a balance shaft in the 4x4 and not in the 4x2 ?

2. What are the consequences of replacing a balance shaft engine with a non-balance shaft engine?

I have a '01 4.0L in a Trac and a guy wants it to put in an '03 Explorer 4x4. I told him there was a difference but he still wants it.

Help me out with some explanation please.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Interchangable

Balance Shaft myth debunked!!

Personally, I would be comfortable interchanging balance shaft and non-balance shaft engines. Some members have replaced their balance shaft engines with non-balance shaft engines with no later problems. The engine should be more responsive to throttle change with less rotating mass.

 

[ncranchero]

Okay, that works. Now, is there any differences in the long block in a flex-fuel '03 and a non-flex '01?

Thanks for the help, Dale! Long days this week and haven't had much search time.

 

[J08248]

Balance shaft

Yes I too am on this venture. I have a 99 explorer 4x4 and looked at a 02 4.0 motor not knowing it was from a 4x2. Are the blocks the same? What makes the blocks different? Can I take the balance shaft from my motor and put it in the other motor? Thanks for any help?

 

[mr2fix2it]

I put a non balance shaft motor in my 98 and its been 7,000 miles no issues at all runs great .Flex fuel is different

 

[mr2fix2it]

also check out this link http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244859 The mustang 4.0 engine is another option and more readily available.

 

[SteFin]

I installed an 02 engine in my 01 I had to use the 01 intake/plentium because of the wiring and sensor's loactions the coil bracket and wiring on the 01 is in the rear 02 up front.