1997 XLT SOHC to OHV swap

[binaryrotary]

Hell first post here.

I just recently bought a '97 Explorer from a buddy for $300 dollars, XLT, SOHC.
I'm pretty sure the timing chain cassettes or tensioner took a dump and destroyed the motor.

I've been reading nothing but bad things about these SOHC motors between '97 and '01 and want to know if swapping an OHV motor from a Ranger or Explorer will work without much issue.

They're much cheaper to buy and I don't have to worry about buying a $300 timing kit and a $150 dollar tool to do the work.

 

[binaryrotary]

I just did some more searching but really couldnt come up with an answer.

Would a 2002 4.0 SOHC motor be a direct swap into my 1997?

 

[binaryrotary]

Wow, these 4.0 SOHC motors are pieces of ****.

So, seems like starting in '02 they changed to a different fuel system. You'd have to change out the fuel pump also along with the PCM.

Anyone have any experience using an '02 long block and swapping electrical and sensor stuff?

 

[99ex22]

I don't have an answer to your question but I thought I would let you know I have 163,000 trouble free miles on my sohc. I with you on that one though....I would much rather have a OHV.

 

[binaryrotary]

I don't have an answer to your question but I thought I would let you know I have 163,000 trouble free miles on my sohc. I with you on that one though....I would much rather have a OHV.

Seems like '99s have the least amount of problems out of the whole '97 - '01 range.

I can get a '99 motor with 100k for 600 bucks but spending $150 on a tool and $300 on a timing set it just ridiculous.

I just want to buy a motor, pop it in and let it run for 50k with regular maintenance.

 

[binaryrotary]

Well, I'll be doing an '02 motor swap into my '97. I will be documenting the swap so other people can find the right information a lot easier than I did.

Only a couple of people seems to know any good information about the late model swap and they don't post anymore.

Mod should be making those posts a sticky.

 

[hworksinc]

Despite the issues with the SOHC, the timing chain problem still only happens with a small portion of the engines. I'm a fan of it myself despite it's shortcomings - it's a much more powerful engine than the OHV version. I personally like the idea of doing a timing chain replacement - it'll give me a good excuse to mess around with my engine.

The 2002 engine should work great - as you discovered, you will have to swap the fuel system and some electronics. However, that's not too difficult. Good luck!