Cassettes

[Npetredis]

I have a 97 explorer eddie bauer 4x4, 4.0 vin e. What year did ford fix their cassette problem?
Is it possible with minor mods to put newer engine in my explorer?

 

[koda2000]

I've read that after 2005 the cassette design was changed, I would fall short of saying Ford ever "fixed" the problem with the timing chains components. It's just not a very good design.

I believe you could install up to a 2011 SOHC engine in any older SOHC Explorer (Explorer, Ranger or Mustang engine) you would use the long-block and transfer over all the peripheral parts from your old engine. That way all your electrical connections/connectors remain the same.

 

[Tech By Trade]

Drive an 07, trust me they didn't fix anything. They made the pin smaller so it would fit through the driver side head so you don't have to pull it. They also put a metal backing on the passenger side cassette that does nothing because the part in the middle that falls apart is still plastic.