4.0 Balance Shaft & Timing

like2build · #1 12-24-2022, 10:33 PM

2003 Ranger ext cab, 4.0L, Auto, 4x4

The truck was bought cheap to use for my sons summer business doing gutters, power washing, and general clean up. We knew it had issues and never started it but previous owner showed us a video with wicked timing chain rattle. The engine is out, we have a CLOYES kit and the installation tool kit. My son is doing all the work on it and we're stumped on a couple of things.

1) The engine has no balance shaft. I'm pretty baffled because I thought all 4x4 trucks have a balance shaft but it's non-existent on this truck. I don't have the full history so this could be a swap for all I know. Will this be a problem in a 4x4?

2) The timing appears to be off. We try to put the timing tool on the crankshaft damper and install the cam locking tool on the passenger side. At no point will the cam locking tool set in place when the damper tool is against the block. The front and rear cassettes were in terrible shape so we're wondering if the chain may have slipped a tooth. I know this is an interference engine, but will 1 tooth off cause major issues?

Given all this, is best to pull the heads and do a full inspection before installing the timing kit? If it might be okay, what's the best way to ensure the cams are in time? I've searched all over and I can't seem to find a PDF with instructions for setting the timing from scratch.

Thanks,
Kevin

12 Deg North Industries · #2 01-02-2023, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by like2build

2003 Ranger ext cab, 4.0L, Auto, 4x4

The truck was bought cheap to use for my sons summer business doing gutters, power washing, and general clean up. We knew it had issues and never started it but previous owner showed us a video with wicked timing chain rattle. The engine is out, we have a CLOYES kit and the installation tool kit. My son is doing all the work on it and we're stumped on a couple of things.

1) The engine has no balance shaft. I'm pretty baffled because I thought all 4x4 trucks have a balance shaft but it's non-existent on this truck. I don't have the full history so this could be a swap for all I know. Will this be a problem in a 4x4?

2) The timing appears to be off. We try to put the timing tool on the crankshaft damper and install the cam locking tool on the passenger side. At no point will the cam locking tool set in place when the damper tool is against the block. The front and rear cassettes were in terrible shape so we're wondering if the chain may have slipped a tooth. I know this is an interference engine, but will 1 tooth off cause major issues?

Given all this, is best to pull the heads and do a full inspection before installing the timing kit? If it might be okay, what's the best way to ensure the cams are in time? I've searched all over and I can't seem to find a PDF with instructions for setting the timing from scratch.

Thanks,
Kevin

- https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...0rebuild.shtml