Don't buy 3rd Gen with 4.0L

[Viper9087]

Opinions are fine. Of course everyone has one and they all stink right? My issue with the post was the tone, it was disrespectful and added no value to the topic. The same conversation could’ve been had with different words and it wouldn’t of been disrespectful. Especially consider the person that was being talked about and how beneficial they’ve been to people on this forum

What tone?
Did I raise my voice and Shout?
Have you nothing better to do than be offended for absolutely no reason by something that wasn't even directed towards you?

People like you are what's wrong with this country, I just gave my opinion. That's all there is to it.
There was no tone. If anything your comment is disrespectful and adds no value to this conversation. I gave reasoning and examples to backup my opinion about the topic of this conversation, you are simply just complaining

 

[94Eddie]

What tone?
Did I raise my voice and Shout?
Have you nothing better to do than be offended for absolutely no reason by something that wasn't even directed towards you?

People like you are what's wrong with this country, I just gave my opinion. That's all there is to it.
There was no tone. If anything your comment is disrespectful and adds no value to this conversation. I gave reasoning and examples to backup my opinion about the topic of this conversation, you are simply just complaining

My father gave me very good advice over the years. There is one thing he told me regarding communication with people. He said in many cases where verbal conflict arises is not due to what your point is but HOW your stated it. This advice has served me well personally and professionally over the decades. In the age of the Internet, I think this philosophy has been lost a great amount. There are times where I have ignored this advice from my father and have almost always regretted it in the end. Personally, I don't think you or 2000StreetRod were wrong in the points you were making. If I were to critique your post it is not regarding what you said but more so how you said it. The "Come on man", "...Holy trash talk!!!", "This post is just infuriating.", "...it's absolutely ridiculous and childish to expect that." remarks could have been left out and you still would have made your point. Then you doubled down by saying "People like you are what's wrong with this country...", "If anything your comment is disrespectful and adds no value to this conversation."etc. in response to Number4. Number4 used the term "mildly disrespectful" and you went to Defcon 1 status in your response.

You're a new member so maybe you haven't picked up on the general decorum of how most people communicate here. You probably don't know the history and credibility of the members who have been here for 10-20 years either. What you did is looked at by many here is similar to a person walking into someone's home, then telling them they suck at interior decorating and then proceeding to tell them what they should do about it. We are here mainly to seek advice and to help people who need advice. It will be a much better experience if you leave out the intense hyperbole and sarcasm in your posts. Lastly, it doesn't help that you become a member and then your first post is inflammatory in a thread that has been dormant for over five years. I am not saying you are trolling but one could reasonably think this.

 

[StabyCrab]

All Right, since this thread was rehashed and I have an '04 V6 with 211k on it and I have already spent the money on a rebuilt transmission and for living in Pennsylvania it has very little rust, what would you guys recommend I do? From the time I have owned this Ex I have been a member of this forum and never noticed anyone talking about this issue before. If I'm reading everything correct there are no warning signs for this and of course, now I'm paranoid as I am single and this is my only vehicle. Do I get an estimate and save for the fix as soon as possible or should I just bee looking for another vehicle?

I got a 02 with 164 k on it for 600 bucks had it for 7 years never left me sit on 1/25/22 the timing jumped a tooth due to broken tensioner guide and trashed the motor left me sit a mile from home with 215 k on her i wasn't mad just upset to see my baby go. A week later i bought a 06 with 143k Eddie Bauer for 4 k put it shop had all diff fluids brakes ball joint’s full tune up and some other odds and ends i get it out the shop drove it three days i go to start it up for work in the morning and bam timing jumped cuz plastic ****ty guides broke trashed the motor so now i have two explorer with the same issue new crate motor i was quoted everything all said and done out the door 7500 so yess no warning at all just bam death rattle

 

[joney]

If you are going for a V8 then I suggest making it a 4th gen model. The reason is the transmission the V8s are mated with. It is a 6R60 (2006-2008 models) or a 6R80 (2009-2010 models) in the 4th gens. These transmissions are extremely reliable when maintained properly by dropping the pan, replacing the filter and refilling every 40k miles. Since a 3rd gen V8 still has the 5R55 transmission, you could be paying for a replacement transmission sooner than you would want. Also, the 4.6L 3V V8s in the 4th gens have quite a bit more power and gets better gas mileage than the 3rd gen V8s.

Which is better, the 6r60 or the 6r80? Since my Ex gets mileage like a v8 with a 6, decided if my 2nd gen fails, will look for a 4th gen based on what I read here on the forum. (your post most helpful!) Of course, having always had full synthetic, my 2nd gen might NOT fail before I quit driving from old age!

 

[TechGuru]

I'm at 240K.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Which is better, the 6r60 or the 6r80? Since my Ex gets mileage like a v8 with a 6, decided if my 2nd gen fails, will look for a 4th gen based on what I read here on the forum. (your post most helpful!) Of course, having always had full synthetic, my 2nd gen might NOT fail before I quit driving from old age!

I believe the 6r80 is a little better, but neither are problematic like all the other automatics that have plagued the V6 Explorer since 91.

 

[Number4]

The issue with the 4.0 is that the guides will break but operate with no noise. You may put 20k on the engine with already broken guides. So when they finally let lose, there’s no warning.

I just replaced them in an engine with 150k, no noise at all. Was a donor engine and I decided to look before putting it in. Almost every guide or tensioner (upfront) was broken.

 

[sport trac jr.]

unbelievable

So after reading through the original post and quite a few of the follow up posts I really cant understand your conclusions. Are you saying that people shouldn't buy this vehicle because It had timing issues at 200k miles? Because thats mostly what I saw. People with 200k plus complaining about timing problems. Yes its a pita to do the repair but any engine with the original timing components at this stage in its life is bound to have issues. Its not a flaw in design, it's wear and tear. Don't get me wrong, I did see a couple people mention somewhat lower mileage but nowhere near something that requires a consumer warning.

If these timing components were failing under 150k then I might second guess a purchase dependant on what my mechanical and financial abilities are. but 200k? Come on.

Btw....My 02 sport trac has 128k and I'm replacing timing components. But I love my truck and I have the ability and skill to do the job.

Partsman48210
I have a sport trac I looked for 2 year for a manual trans....found one....I flip, flop on putting a 4.0 OHV in ..........with headers
might 25HP off??????????? or what ever...........Im not sure if the engine now might have been factory changed it runs so well at 190K
with of course replaced tensioner....on it...now...

​

 

[94Eddie]

Which is better, the 6r60 or the 6r80? Since my Ex gets mileage like a v8 with a 6, decided if my 2nd gen fails, will look for a 4th gen based on what I read here on the forum. (your post most helpful!) Of course, having always had full synthetic, my 2nd gen might NOT fail before I quit driving from old age!

The 6R80 is slightly better as it has a small increase in the torque rating. I think it also has a revised solenoid pack. There are a couple of reasons to buy a 2009-2010 model over the 2006-2008 models. The 2009-2010 models do not use the two piece plugs that have a problem of breaking off in the cylinder head when being removed. If the original plugs have been removed and replaced with the updated design then this isn't an issue. The main reason I suggest buying a 2009-2010 model is they don't seem to have the wiring harness issue that the 2006-2008 model suffer from. The problem is the insulation on the wires can degrade over time and this causes electrical shorts and the resulting problems are very hard to diagnose.

 

[Easypoints23]

I contend that the X is a pretty reliable truck if you take care of it. I've owned some GM and Mopar vehicles and they were not so great, with the exception of a 3.8L bonneville that was a tank

I had 2 3.8L Bonnevilles. 2nd one was supercharged. Car was stupid fast. Both were killed by replacing motors. But awesome to drive.

My 04 EB 4.0 is in currently plagued by the death rattle so checking some info but I noticed your post and had to reply.

Loved my bonns tho. Was hard on them My 95 ssei crushed a lot of cars light to light on the street. Also outran a crown vic interceptor although I had a good lead.

 

[Easypoints23]

Would anyone one know the approximate life expectancy of the 4.0L once it starts to rattle? Or does it just depend?

My 04 EB V6 rattles constantly while running. I think it started around 182k miles. My brother drove it for about a year and it started in him. It was after he swapped my synthetic blend oil back to conventional tho. I told him to do it. Has the harmonic balancer issue also and the synthetic was leaking fast.

I have about 185k on it now. It rattles from start up to shut down. I don't drive it much but I did use it to haul trailers and what not. I don't think I'm fixing it. I'm a novice mechanic so I would most likely have to take it somewhere. I wouldn't mind tearing into an engine swap but not I don't think its worth buying a rebuilt one. Would have to be junk yard engine which would potentially have the same problem. Exterior isn't in great shape and I'm like the 4th owner with no idea how it was maintained. First owner to wash it in 18 years so I assume not well.

I have been using it as a spare. My 02 honda sat for 2 years before I bought it and is prone to a monthly break down and I'm putting new suspension on my 12 Lincoln. I just don't want to be stuck in the explorer when the other 2 are down also. If I drive it occasionally, what kind of time does anyone think I have have on the 4.0?

Definitely gonna miss the truck. And that 4.0 design is a shame. That engine was a hoot if you put youre foot down.

Side question if anyone know and has time...
I was looking at parts cars for my MKZ and found a few wrecked for cheap. I need lights and body panels for mine. Would I be able to swap the 3.5L duratec with tranny in for the 4.0L.? Kill one Ford to save two. MKZ is AWD and weight isn't much different. They use the 3.5L in the new ones. Plus the 6 speed in the Lincoln seems like a better tranny. Remember novice mechanic but I have space and time and have been maintaining the Lincoln myself for years. If anyone has heard anything about this please let me know. Thanks in advance.
Lloyd

 

[Mbrooks420]

If it rattles all the time you either have very little time left, or it’s something else rattling.

 

[Number4]

Would anyone one know the approximate life expectancy of the 4.0L once it starts to rattle? Or does it just depend?

My 04 EB V6 rattles constantly while running. I think it started around 182k miles. My brother drove it for about a year and it started in him. It was after he swapped my synthetic blend oil back to conventional tho. I told him to do it. Has the harmonic balancer issue also and the synthetic was leaking fast.

I have about 185k on it now. It rattles from start up to shut down. I don't drive it much but I did use it to haul trailers and what not. I don't think I'm fixing it. I'm a novice mechanic so I would most likely have to take it somewhere. I wouldn't mind tearing into an engine swap but not I don't think its worth buying a rebuilt one. Would have to be junk yard engine which would potentially have the same problem. Exterior isn't in great shape and I'm like the 4th owner with no idea how it was maintained. First owner to wash it in 18 years so I assume not well.

I have been using it as a spare. My 02 honda sat for 2 years before I bought it and is prone to a monthly break down and I'm putting new suspension on my 12 Lincoln. I just don't want to be stuck in the explorer when the other 2 are down also. If I drive it occasionally, what kind of time does anyone think I have have on the 4.0?

Definitely gonna miss the truck. And that 4.0 design is a shame. That engine was a hoot if you put youre foot down.

Side question if anyone know and has time...
I was looking at parts cars for my MKZ and found a few wrecked for cheap. I need lights and body panels for mine. Would I be able to swap the 3.5L duratec with tranny in for the 4.0L.? Kill one Ford to save two. MKZ is AWD and weight isn't much different. They use the 3.5L in the new ones. Plus the 6 speed in the Lincoln seems like a better tranny. Remember novice mechanic but I have space and time and have been maintaining the Lincoln myself for years. If anyone has heard anything about this please let me know. Thanks in advance.
Lloyd

By the time you hear it rattle, it’s probably been broken for some time. A year of driving is just pure luck. These go with no warning, because it doesn’t make noise when the guides brake.

 

[TechGuru]

By the time you hear it rattle, it’s probably been broken for some time. A year of driving is just pure luck. These go with no warning, because it doesn’t make noise when the guides brake.

What if the rattle comes and goes?

 

[Easypoints23]

Thanks guys. I'll keep my fingers crossed any time I need to drive it. Lincoln should be done soon so I'll just park the old girl until I figure out what to do with her.

Anyone have any thoughts or info on the 3.5L swap idea?. I can pick up a salvage MKZ for $500. Spare body parts for mine and a new power plant for the X. I've only ever done motor swaps with Pontiacs and they don't fair to well. If its probably not gonna run I'm not going to waste my time. Thanks again.

 

[Number4]

What if the rattle comes and goes?

That will occur with the tensioner at start up.

Actually, my sons rattled bad, so we put in new tensioner, went away 99%. I suspect it has broken guides as well though.

 

[CDW6212R]

Thanks guys. I'll keep my fingers crossed any time I need to drive it. Lincoln should be done soon so I'll just park the old girl until I figure out what to do with her.

Anyone have any thoughts or info on the 3.5L swap idea?. I can pick up a salvage MKZ for $500. Spare body parts for mine and a new power plant for the X. I've only ever done motor swaps with Pontiacs and they don't fair to well. If its probably not gonna run I'm not going to waste my time. Thanks again.

I don't think that particular 3.5 V6 is a good choice, I think that's one of the type with an internal water pump. Avoid all internal water pumps, that's a far worse problem than the weak timing chain system on these 4.0 SOHC V6's.

But the idea to swap a later engine into the 2nd gen trucks, I'm planning to try that some day. The cost would be a good $4k or more due to the requirement of a ring gear change front and back, plus drive shafts, and adapting a transfer case(plus its cost). I like the 2017 F150 3.7 NA version, which is the first of the improved DI engines. If you could find that in a 4WD version with the mated 6R80 and all wiring, PCM etc, then it may be possible. Nobody is in a rush to spend $4k to upgrade the SOHC 4.0 that I've seen here.

 

[TechGuru]

That will occur with the tensioner at start up.

Even at start up sometimes it does it and sometimes it don't.

 

[Number4]

Even at start up sometimes it does it and sometimes it don't.

My son’s was random. At start, not at start. While driving, not at all while driving. Has 207k.
The 150k motor made no sound at all. But as it was out, we pulled the valve covers to inspect it. All guides were broken.

I’m expecting the 207k engine that’s making noise on occasion, will be worse.

Also, the rattling noise the 4.0 timing makes is not the same as the 4.6.

 

[donalds]

Even at start up sometimes it does it and sometimes it don't.

I'd try a manual tensioner