4.0 vs 4.6?

[5whiskey]

157k vs 160k is a tie. You're in the realm where you cannot hope to predict which will last longer, you should just be thankful for every full tank you empty with no major problems. You could get 200k+ out of either, or you could replace the motor and the tranny in either over the next 10k.

For me I would lean on the confidence of the known. You've driven the Ex you currently own for a while now. You should have developed a certain amount of confidence in it. Are there any shudders, shakes, crazy engine noises, tranny slips, rear end roarings, or other general things that don't feel quite right? If there are and they've been progressively worse then I wouldn't have a high degree of confidence in what I have and I would be more likely to be willing to take the trade. If you have a lot of confidence in what you already have, I would keep it. Better the devil you know...

 

[Joe in NY]

The 4.0 needs to be serviced just like any foreign motor. It has 4 timing chains. And the chains and tentioners should both be replaced around 90K just like a timing belt needs to be. Why do DOHC Toyotas last so long? Because people get the maintenance done. People with V6 explorers ignore it and get past 100K miles then start to hear the chains rattling and its a big mystery as to why it ever starter to fail. If you put off the maintenance its going to fail.

Our friend has a Toyota SUV around the same size as an explorer. Has over 200K miles and still runs strong and gets good mpg. She just got her 2nd timing belt done by Toyota. She has never had one problem. She just gets the maintenance done and its treated her very well in return.

 

[jd4242]

The 4.0 needs to be serviced just like any foreign motor. It has 4 timing chains. And the chains and tentioners should both be replaced around 90K just like a timing belt needs to be. Why do DOHC Toyotas last so long? Because people get the maintenance done. People with V6 explorers ignore it and get past 100K miles then start to hear the chains rattling and its a big mystery as to why it ever starter to fail. If you put off the maintenance its going to fail.

Our friend has a Toyota SUV around the same size as an explorer. Has over 200K miles and still runs strong and gets good mpg. She just got her 2nd timing belt done by Toyota. She has never had one problem. She just gets the maintenance done and its treated her very well in return.

Again there is TWO different 4.0.....the ohv has NONE of these timing chain problems and only has one chain...the 96 the OP has ""should"" be OHV NOT SOHC....the ohv will outlast any of sohc 4.0 or the 4.6 given you have good heads (typically a 90-93 problem) ive seen ohv with 300,000 miles plus and nothing been done but oil change and plugs..

 

[Joe in NY]

This is the 3rd gen 2001 - 2005 Explorers. 3rd Gen Explorers were only equipped with the SOHC 4.0L V6 or the SOHC 4.6L V8 Modular/Triton.

So if we are in the 3rd gen section. We are talking about the SOHC V6 which has all the problems.

If not, go to the right forum.

 

[jd4242]

This is the 3rd gen 2001 - 2005 Explorers. 3rd Gen Explorers were only equipped with the SOHC 4.0L V6 or the SOHC 4.6L V8 Modular/Triton.

So if we are in the 3rd gen section. We are talking about the SOHC V6 which has all the problems.

If not, go to the right forum.

Im sorry maybe you need to read the original post..and I dont need to put it in bold..here ill even explain it for you in case you dont understand. ..the 4.6 is a 2004 which would be in the right section but his current ex is a 96.....do you understand or do I need to put it in BOLD..

I have a 96 explorer with 157k 4.0 4x4...looking at a 04 4.6 160k 4x4...I hear the 4.0 will do 300k if not more..how about the 4.6?? Major issues? Should I trade..or walk away? Reason for looking is looking to pull a camper next gold prospecting year

 

[Joe in NY]

Look,

I am simply pointing out the 4.0 SOHC. He is asking if he should he go for the 4.6 over the 4.0 SOHC. I am stating the problems with the 4.0 SOHC.

I'm trying to turn him towards the 4.6L V8. I am not talking about his 1996 Explorer. I am stating that the newer SOHC 4.0L is no where near as good as his OHV 4.0L.

We are in the 3rd gen forum and I am talking about the 3rd gen V6.

 

[jd4242]

Look,

I am simply pointing out the 4.0 SOHC. He is asking if he should he go for the 4.6 over the 4.0 SOHC. I am stating the problems with the 4.0 SOHC.

I'm trying to turn him towards the 4.6L V8. I am not talking about his 1996 Explorer. I am stating that the newer SOHC 4.0L is no where near as good as his OHV 4.0L.

We are in the 3rd gen forum and I am talking about the 3rd gen V6.

Who is ""he""?? Because noone said anything about a sohc but you in the second post...you assumed he had a sohc and this whole thread got of topic because of it being centered around a sohc not ohv which is a TOTALLY different motor...how can you give opinions or input about a TOTALLY different motor..

His original question was about if he should trade his 96 ohv for a 4.6..come on guys read first and give proper and accurate information/suggestions..all im saying

 

[Limited02]

Who is ""he""?? Because noone said anything about a sohc but you in the second post...you assumed he had a sohc and this whole thread got of topic because of it being centered around a sohc not ohv which is a TOTALLY different motor...how can you give opinions or input about a TOTALLY different motor..

His original question was about if he should trade his 96 ohv for a 4.6..come on guys read first and give proper and accurate information/suggestions..all im saying

The OP's question can be confusing depending on how you read it. It's obvious he has a 1996 4.0 and asking if he should step up to a 3rd gen with the 4.6. However, the part where the OP mentions the 4.0 can go 300K easily, one may think he might be referring to the 3rd gen 4.0 since it follows after the 4.6 comment.

OP - I already commented earlier, but never answered the question directly. I think you should trade for the '04 if it's clean and well taken care of. '02-03's had more problems that started to get resolved around '04-05. The 4.6 is a solid motor and I'm getting close to 200K in mine and I drive it very hard and runs just as smooth as it did when I got it 8 years ago.

The 4.6 will tow far better than your current 4.0 and with the extra width and length, the 3rd gen will be more stable for towing. Lastly, take the '04 out for a spin and see if you even like it.

 

[mrtim4u]

very good guys..sorry to get cause a small bit of "hey post this over here" crap haha..My 96 has been good to me..but she is starting to rust out..shake..shimmy..and after a 4hr drive the tranny seems slugish..I know now the 04' would be a good buy..so ill keep looking for an 04+ v8 Just had mine detailed...ohhh man she looks sexy! I bought it with 130k and I hear no chain noises..guy before put lots of attention into her tho..Thanks again for all the support! Let ya guy know what I jump on!

 

[mrtim4u]

Drove the 4.6 today

well..165k on her..I noticed there is no spark plugs! but coils on each cyl..sounds like an expensive tuneup? also a front wheel bering is going..but, nothing new to me..BUT it has the electronic throttle..laggy when i hit the gas, maybe im just not used to this setup? Also after it warmed up i did a U turn to head back to the dealer..I put pedal to the floor and although the tranny did its job it seems to shift funky from 2nd to 3rd..by funky it just shifted faster then Im used to..like it shifted before it ran the power band out..is this normal to you 4.6 owners? Im not used to all this fancy electronic ignition and such!

 

[Limited02]

well..165k on her..I noticed there is no spark plugs! but coils on each cyl..sounds like an expensive tuneup? also a front wheel bering is going..but, nothing new to me..BUT it has the electronic throttle..laggy when i hit the gas, maybe im just not used to this setup? Also after it warmed up i did a U turn to head back to the dealer..I put pedal to the floor and although the tranny did its job it seems to shift funky from 2nd to 3rd..by funky it just shifted faster then Im used to..like it shifted before it ran the power band out..is this normal to you 4.6 owners? Im not used to all this fancy electronic ignition and such!

You have COPs (Coil On Plugs) and the spark plugs are under them. It won't cost any more to do a tune-up. If you change the spark plugs, I like to remove the COP, use compressed air to knock any debris out and then remove/reinstall a spark plug. Make sure you use anti-seize on the threads as well.

As far as the lag, I think you can fix that with a tune. PM James Henson and ask him about that (jah81592). This can also assist in improving your transmission shifting.

 

[mrtim4u]

ahh so it does have plugs! just didnt see plug wires and such..that makes sense tho..I may still jump on the deal 3,500 for the beast..it is an eddie B ..everything but sunroof and 3rd row..haha again thanks for the info..still not sure about letting my 4.0 go..but ill keep you posted