This is going to be super interesting - all 4.0 lovers :)

[domct203]

Thanks !!!
The question remains why they have it in the first place. I bet you can't tell the difference if you are driving a 4.0 with BS or without it.
But there must be some engineering reason for that.
Anybody guess ?

There are many theories in the thread I linked.

One I agree with is the harmonics from 4L under load setting up a vibration in the driveline.

 

[massacre]

I apologize if this has been explained before, but why did Ford flip the cam backwards in this application? Just seems needlessly complicated.
I have timed a ton of 4.6 sohc and dohc engines and this seems like it might be even more difficult

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Is the balance shaft found in a 4WD Explorer 4.0L engine that has OHV, (non- SOHC) engine?

 

[massacre]

Also the reasons you would pull the followers (rockers) are- removing them assures that all valves are closed so when you have to turn any shafts with chains disconnected, you won’t bend any valves. The other reason is valve spring pressure. When you are trying to line up sprockets and chains the last thing you need is to be fighting valve spring pressure.

After everything is all lined up perfect, then pop the followers back in which is pretty easy and doesn’t take long. It’s one of those things that seems like a waste of time but it speeds up all the other steps so much and makes them so much easier.
At least in my experience

People say removing them is a waste of time but in reality, not removing them really is a waste of time haha

 

[donalds]

 

[Tech By Trade]

Crazy how much easier that front cassette is to do on the later version. If I remember right there is enough room to drop the cassette, gear and chain down pre assembled. No need to pull the pivot pin. There was also far more colourful language in my garage when this was going on. That left hand thread bolt is also the reason I own a beam style torque wrench I have never used since.

 

[massacre]

Wow these videos are awesome thanks for posting them

 

[michael loibl]

Did anyone else get the urge to take a road trip to kick the **** out of the guy who designed that engine after watching those videos?

 

[shucker1]

I have a 5.0L but I watched them anyway just for fun.

Wow!

The design engineer must have caught his wife messing around with an engine mechanic...

 

[massacre]

The 4.0 OHV engine is not as complicated but does have its fair share of design weirdness going on.

I mean I kinda get it but Ford had already made 4.6 engines with 2 front chains since '91 and 4 front chains in '93.
I'm guessing the width of the engine might have been a concern, those heads are wide as hell

 

[Explorer_PL]

The 4.6 are wider since they are 90 degree v8's, the 4.0 is a 60 degree engine.
That's why you have so much room on the sides.

 

[massacre]

I think lincoln LS has 60 degree quad cam, wonder if that would fit?

 

[Explorer_PL]

And if Ford spent a little more time designing and QC-ing:

4.0 tmning or 4.6 spark plugs
5R55 transmissions
front hubs
rear bearings
blend door actuators
thermostat housing on 4.0

(that's already half of the car )

then what would we write and complaint about here ?

 

[Tech By Trade]

This thing was nothing more then a rush to market stop gap for the next gen. They needed power and efficiency. Cheapest way was to up the revs on the OHV by throwing in over head cams. I bet there was something on the drawing board, but it cost to much for how long it would be in production. I mean, the basis for this one has been around since the 60s. My guess is the accounting department had a lot to do with this one.

 

[donalds]