rear chain noise on 2002 4.0L...chain kit or used motor

[B5in]

Well my wife's 2002 Explorer XLT 2x4 4.0L with 197K has the rattling coming from rear of the motor and has been diagnosed as worn rear chains/guides

Dealer wants $3000...Pfff not gonna happen

Indy gave me 2 choices:
1. Install new parts (chain/guide kit) & labor for $850 but he said he's done it before and it still had the noise so he said he can't guarantee the problem will be gone.

2. He'll source a lower mile used motor and swap it in for $450 + cost of motor.

they both seem like a gamble so I am turning to you guys with experience, which way would you go? Bare in mind I know most will say to just get rid of it, but with the kids in private school we can't afford another car note until my Audi is payed off in 2 years.

 

[B5in]

so no one has a suggestion of which way you would recommend? Get the chains/guides done or just source a used motor?

 

[pkn]

If the source of used engine is Japan - I would go the engine replacement way. Check with your indy. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if Ford engines are even used in Japan.

Japan has much stricter emission regulations, so they replace slightly worn engines quickly and export the used ones to U.S.. I had very good experience replacing engine in Nissan 300ZX with japan-originated used engine for Nissan Maxima. The engine cost me around $1000 delivered, and when I opened the valve covers, I was really shocked: the valves rockers and shafts in this used engine were still *white*, not black as I used to see.