When did SOHC become stable?

[David in NC]

I'm looking to replace the X I wrecked last year and was wondering about the SOHC engine. Is there a production date after which they are good engines? If one has been repaired correctly with the right parts, is it good for the duration or is it liable to fail again? I would really rather have a V8, but there seems to be so many more 6s to choose from. Also, did Ford ever make a decent trans for the 4.0? Thanks.

 

[marragtop]

I'm in the same situation. Looking forward to comments about when the SOHC timing chain problem was resoved for Ford.

 

[Eagleisx]

They became better in late 1997,i have 221,000 Klms (137,000 miles)on mine and so far it works good.

 

[XLT]

They became better in late 1997,i have 221,000 Klms (137,000 miles)on mine and so far it works good.

Thats incorrect. I am not sure but i thought around 2001-2003 was when they finally got the kinks worked out of them. I bought my 98 with 114,000 on the clock and so far it has been good to me. Thats with the sohc. Just make sure if you check out a v6 that it doesnt have the death rattle.