1998 Explorer Sport help

[nadorp]

Hi,
New member here. I just bought my son a 1998 Sport 4x4 with the 4.0 sohc that needed a timing chain and found out what a pain it will be to fix. My question is, would a 2003 4.0 sohc work? I found another engine for the same money it would cost to replace the timing chains. I just found out it has to be from a 4x4 to work but I also read something about it being a sport too. What exactly am I looking for if I replace the engine?
Thanks for all your help!

 

[koda2000]

the SOHC engine had timing chain issues until Ford redesigned the cassettes. that wasn't until 2005. if you get a 2003 engine, unless the cassettes have been upgraded, it will likely have or develop the same problem. a 2005 Mustang SOHC engine would be a better choice for a swap. figure on swapping over you intake and fuel injectors from your old engine to make sure everything will be compatible with your wiring harness and PCM. the Mustang engine will not have the balance shaft that your 4x4 engine has, but that's not that big of a deal.

 

[1992fordgreen]

You might just want to sell the truck altogether and then buy your son another one...

 

[nadorp]

Would I be better off fixing this engine? It only has 85,000 miles. I found a complete Cloyes kit for $340. I'm not sure which gaskets I will need and I also need a valve cover too. When it went it blew a hole in the left cover.
Thoughts?
Thanks guys!