I have a 2000 Explorer with the 4.0 OHV. My Ford factory service manual lists two different torques for the connecting rod nuts. In one spot it says 18-24 lb/ft. In another spot in the same manual it says to torque in two steps 15 lb-ft then torque an additional 90 degrees. Does anyone know what is right? Is one based on whether the bolts are new? If its the two step process do I need to replace the bolts like the head bolts? I don't want to get this wrong and have a rod cap break or come loose.

Thanks,

Jim

 

The the last two OHV 4.0s I was into I did not replace the rod bolts. I torqued em down to 25 ft lbs and called it good, haven't had a problem yet... that engine has over 12k on the rebuild with no problems yet. That's in the ol lady's 90 Ranger, she drives at least 40 miles a day... not to mention she does get a bit rowdy with it from time to time.
John

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I checked my Haynes manual and it too offers the same two different torque setting. However in this manual it says the 18-24 lb/ft torque is for the earlier 4.0 OHV (I think 90-96) and the later engines have this two step torque process.

I just don't know what is the correct torque for a 2000 4.0 OHV. Has anyone done a later model OHV?

Jim

 

You might try consulting with your local Ford garage, otherwise I think you can download the info you need from Mitchell auto repair manuals (they seem to be the most accurate to the factory specs). If I had to guess I would say you have to go by the 2nd torque sequence you mentioned. As for replacing the rod bolts, when in doubt do it anyway... concider the alternative.

 

Great thought. I checked with my local ford dealer and the chief engine mechanic did recommend going with the two step (torque to yield) process and he recommended changing the bolts.

Thanks again,

Jim

 

The torque specs I got were 22 ft/lbs first pattern and then 52 ft/lbs second time around...

 

I just pulled up the "Connecting Rod" section in the Ford factory service manual for the 2000 pushrod engine. The factory torque is listed as the following:

Install the nuts and tighten in two steps.

1. Tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).

1. Tighten an additional 90 degrees.

Additionally, the manual makes no mention in the disassembly or reassembly section about discarding the nuts, so it sounds like they can be reused. It does mention the caps and rods are a matched set and must be installed in the correct position.

When I pulled up the same section in the Ford factory service manual for the 1996 4.0L engine, the torque spec is the single "Tighten the nuts to 25-32 Nm (18-24 lb-ft)" statement so I suspect the comment above about the difference being dependent upon model year is accurate.

-Rod

 

I know this is an old thread, but if anyone is still around what is the "book" saying for the '98 4.0 OHV (pushrod) engine? I was advised (by machine shop) to replace the bolts and do the two torque method. The problem is Ford does not have these bolts available and so far haven't found anywhere. Can the old bolts be used in the two torque method, or what is advised? Thanks.

<<I just pulled up the "Connecting Rod" section in the Ford factory service manual for the 2000 pushrod engine. The factory torque is listed as the following:

Install the nuts and tighten in two steps.

1. Tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).

1. Tighten an additional 90 degrees.

Additionally, the manual makes no mention in the disassembly or reassembly section about discarding the nuts, so it sounds like they can be reused. It does mention the c.aps and rods are a matched set and must be installed in the correct position.

When I pulled up the same section in the Ford factory service manual for the 1996 4.0L engine, the torque spec is the single "Tighten the nuts to 25-32 Nm (18-24 lb-ft)" statement so I suspect the comment above about the difference being dependent upon model year is accurate.>>

 

This site might be some help.
https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...4_0_Page.shtml


Pete.