I drive a 2000 with the 4.0 SOHC. It’s pretty old, but the timing chain is starting to rattle. I know fixing it will cost a couple of grand, or a lot of my own time and effort, to deal with it before it completely fails and leaves me with a useless brick in the driveway.
I’m considering an engine swap instead, but what are my options besides the 5.0? Has anyone swapped in a newer Ford engine or maybe even an LS? I know you can get new timing components to fix the reliability issue, but it’d be nice to add a little more horsepower since there aren’t many options for this engine. I’m okay with paying extra for a new engine and transmission if there’s a solid swap worth doing. What do you guys think?
It might be time to let this truck go. With its age and how tricky the repair is, you really need to weigh your options carefully.
You could find used V6 engines, but who knows what issues they might come with. A 5.0 V8 is out there as an option too.
Your priciest route is a remanufactured engine from companies like Powertrain Products or Jasper. Those engines run over $4,000.
The big challenge with pulling the engine is the labor cost (around 20 hours at $100+ per hour). Plus, once the engine is out, you’ll feel compelled to replace everything else you can while it’s accessible to avoid pulling it again later.
And don’t forget about the transmission. If it’s original, it might be the next thing to fail.
These Explorers weren’t really built for speed or power, but if you want to go with a V8 swap, make sure you evaluate all your options. Just my two cents—do what feels right for you.
Try replacing the tensioners first. They’re external and might help reduce the rattle. It’s way cheaper and easier than replacing the timing chain guides, and sometimes the tensioners are the main issue.
That said, it’ll probably cost you more to replace the whole vehicle than to fix this one. The hardest part about getting the guides replaced is finding someone willing to do it. If you do decide to swap the engine, please, for the love of god, don’t put a Chevy engine in it.
