4.0 engine for off road question
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
4.0 engine for off road question
Is it possible to take all the computer aided crap off the 4.0 and all of the environmental crap and run the engine mechanically?
I mean is there any way to convert the 4.0 to run without the computer and all of the sensors?
I mean is there any way to convert the 4.0 to run without the computer and all of the sensors?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
I think a big hurdle would be the ignition, if you could even find an intake that would take a carb (not sure they exist for the 4.0). As far as I know, the 4.0 never came with a distributor and certainly not with a carb. However, its roots go back to the 2.9/2.8/2.6 motors, which did come with distributors and carbs. If you look at the 4.0, you'll notice the cam position sensor in what appears to be a location where a distributor would go. Whether or not a distributor would fit, I don't know. There would be a lot of stuff to figure out unless someone has done it. I didn't see any 4.0 carb conversions on The Ranger Station, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been done.
I would have to ask why you would want to do this. I'm old school, but I have come to accept fuel injection and the required electronics. It works really well. Gone are the days of engines that run badly when cold, eye-watering emissions and the stink associated with carbed engines. Driveability is great. I think OBDI was a pretty good compromise between technology and practicality, in my opinion. Post OBDII added sensors to monitor sensors and the complication increased.
If you really want an old school motor, drop in a 302. Or, it might be easier to go back to an older 2.8 that already came with a carb.
I would have to ask why you would want to do this. I'm old school, but I have come to accept fuel injection and the required electronics. It works really well. Gone are the days of engines that run badly when cold, eye-watering emissions and the stink associated with carbed engines. Driveability is great. I think OBDI was a pretty good compromise between technology and practicality, in my opinion. Post OBDII added sensors to monitor sensors and the complication increased.
If you really want an old school motor, drop in a 302. Or, it might be easier to go back to an older 2.8 that already came with a carb.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,534
Likes: 2,835
I've seen carb setups for the 4.0 OHV motor, but not the SOHC.
One of the smog items is the evap system. Don't go hacking that off without securing a vent with a rollover valve etc. somewhere outside the engine compartment. Ditto the thoughts on the lack of a distributor. Not going to be able to make that work without the ECU methinks....
One of the smog items is the evap system. Don't go hacking that off without securing a vent with a rollover valve etc. somewhere outside the engine compartment. Ditto the thoughts on the lack of a distributor. Not going to be able to make that work without the ECU methinks....
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
I think you could get a distributor from a mid to late 1980's 2.8/2.8 and make it work. It would have to have its own mechanical advance. As for the intake, you would probably have to build one. Maybe leave the lower intake and build an upper to adapt to a carb. It would have to offset away from the distributor (like the 2.9's did). You are talking about alot of work though.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,534
Likes: 2,835
4.0 SOHC intakes are plastic.
Also, the jack shaft does not have a distributor drive gear on it. Blowed up illustration can be seen here:
http://www.wholesalefordparts.com/sh...sembly=1133204
Also, the jack shaft does not have a distributor drive gear on it. Blowed up illustration can be seen here:
http://www.wholesalefordparts.com/sh...sembly=1133204
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BigScaryTrux
2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 4.0 & SOHC 4.0 V6
47
Jan 9, 2022 03:44 PM
RacinNdrummin
2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 4.0 & SOHC 4.0 V6
1
Feb 1, 2005 07:40 PM
rayzor
Performance & General Engine Building
4
Sep 22, 2000 12:54 PM
