4.0 SOHC to OHV?

[KRCT-2585]

So i'm looking to get a new motor in my 02 ranger. I've seen the issues with the complex timing on the 4.0 SOHC engines. This being said i've got a few questions.
-Is the 4.0 OHV easier to build and set timing?
-Can I still use the 5r55e trans from the SOHC on the OHV?
-If not, what trans should i use?
-Are the motor mounts and wiring harnesses similar between the 2 engines so there won't be an issue dropping one in?
I'm brand new to swapping engines and any input is welcome.
Thanks in advance TRS!
-Bridger M

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

No, not an easy swap
Only similarities are the motor mounts and trans bolt pattern

Computer and wiring harness are different

4.0l SOHC had faulty tensioners in 1997 to 2003 model years, this was fixed and 2004 and up didn't have the problems, but any OHC engines with long timing chains will have more timing chain issues that say the 2.8l, lol, no timing chain
And if updated to the new tensioners the 1997-2003 worked just fine after that, so not a bad engine
I think you need to change the tensioners every 70k miles but just my opinion

The 4.0l OHV did used the 5R55E from 1998 to 2000 so you could use engine and computer(from automatic) with wiring harness from those 3 years in your 2002

Not a good swap IMO, you lose 40-50horse power, 4.0l OHV is rated at 160HP, SOHC at 207HP

Fixing yours or getting a newer 4.0l SOHC would be a better option, but still change the 2 tensioners, and use motorcraft not 3rd party tensioners

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

agreed

 

[Mike Tonon]

I would drop a 2.9 in, mod it, tune it and enjoy the raspy throaty sound of it.

 

[19Walt93]

I was a Ford service manager from 1982 until 2017, so before Rangers until after Rangers. The 4.0 ohv had oil leaks everywhere for years,then they upgraded the gaskets and fixed the problem.Later ohv's would come in with coolant in the oil and hairline cracks in the heads under the valve covers. While I like the OHV better than the SOHC engines in both the Rangers I bought new because the SOHC is over complicated, I would never replace an engine with a less powerful one. If you can find a used SOHC with reasonable miles and no sludge(indicating lack of maintenance),that would be the least expensive and easiest fix. Every engine has it's faults.