Prospective Buyer - Timing Chain Guides Really Fail All the Time?

[96eb96]

You might also consider a 4.0 OHV / 5-speed manual combo if driving a stick is an option. The M5R1 was a fairly durable and reliable gearbox and certainly less troublesome than the 4R55E / 5R55E automatics. Some say the 4.0 OHV has top end oiling issues and is prone to head cracks - all I can say is I've owned two of them (one since 2006) and never had engine issues. The 98 I owned is still being driven by my brother with over 230,000 miles.

Also i've found that the fuel economy of the 4.0 / M5R1 to be very reasonable. My 2WD sport has averaged 20.67 mpg over the last 90,000 miles (yes, I've kept receipts). The 98 4-door / 4WD did about 2 mpg less average due to the 4WD equipment and more aggressive rear end ratio.

OHV is quite easy to repair too. Even if you need heads replaced. The head crack issue is not widespread.

SOHC requires an engine pull. I know shady used car dealers here that won't sell them (97-01 SOHCs). He said it is a pretty much guaranteed unhappy customer down the line.

 

[beach]

IMO 5.0 is the way to go, not a matter of if but a matter of when with the sohc timing chain. Plus the trans is more solid and mpg is wash in real world. Actually sister had a sohc 4dr 2001 for years and mpg was slightly worse than my 5.0

Still have the 5.0 even though have had other vehicles and just turned in a '13 Sport. Been fixing her up and going to pry lift her and keep around.