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4.0 cam synchronizer

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Old Jun 17, 2022 | 05:14 PM
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4.0 cam synchronizer

Replacing the cam synchro on my 2000 Ranger.. The new part I received has up and down shaft movement of around .050 , the old one has very little movement at all. Is there a limit to the up and down shaft movement. I see there are shims under the gear. Thanks
 
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Old Jun 18, 2022 | 09:37 AM
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58 reads but no replies yet, so will see if I can get things started. Is the replacement part OEM New, or Reman OEM, or Aftermarket New or Aftermarket Reman???
It's been a loooong time but if I remember right, I think the sync shaft assy is supposed to have a Thrust Washer to properly work load the assy, after its lubricated & clamped into position.
So maybe the replacement part assy is damaged, thrust washer flattened, missing or otherwise mucked up??? Some initial thoughts for consideration, let us know what you conclude & how it goes.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2022 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
58 reads but no replies yet, so will see if I can get things started. Is the replacement part OEM New, or Reman OEM, or Aftermarket New or Aftermarket Reman???
It's been a loooong time but if I remember right, I think the sync shaft assy is supposed to have a Thrust Washer to properly work load the assy, after its lubricated & clamped into position.
So maybe the replacement part assy is damaged, thrust washer flattened, missing or otherwise mucked up??? Some initial thoughts for consideration, let us know what you conclude & how it goes.
Thanks for the response. It is a new aftermarket from Parts Geek. I haven't been able to find any specs for shaft play. I was thinking about using distributor shaft play as a number to use. Thanks again for the input. I guess some thinking left to do.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2022 | 11:19 AM
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After sleeping on it, .050 seems like too much play. I am going to return this item and try a different one.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2022 | 02:23 PM
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Ok let us know how it goes.
 
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Old Jun 21, 2022 | 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Ok let us know how it goes.
Received new aftermarket from Autozone. Very little up and down movement. Maybe .005 inch. Might not matter, but I feel better about it. Thanks
 
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Old Jun 21, 2022 | 08:42 AM
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Ok good feedback, that preload endplay sounds right. Don't forget to soak the gear/bearing end in engine oil just before installing, so to get it off to a good start, as it only gets oil misting lubrication, so it would take a while for a new part to get a lube job put on it if not first given a good oil soaking!!!
 
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Old Jun 21, 2022 | 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Ok good feedback, that preload endplay sounds right. Don't forget to soak the gear/bearing end in engine oil just before installing, so to get it off to a good start, as it only gets oil misting lubrication, so it would take a while for a new part to get a lube job put on it if not first given a good oil soaking!!!
Copy that Pawpaw..Thanks
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 08:49 AM
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So, I am confused about the articles I am reading as far as installation of the cam synchronizer. I am treating this just like a distributor as far as removal and installation. Marking and reinstalling in the same position. However, the sensor on my engine is pointing straight back to the firewall. I centered the tab, TDC, and plan on installing the new one in the same position. All the articles state to have the synchronizer at 15 or so degrees off center. Why would I offset the new one, when the original wasn't offset? Thanks for any info/input. Tommy
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 10:14 AM
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Maybe the assy in the past has been removed & reinstalled by someone that didn't pay close enough attention to the necessary details???
#1 piston / passenger side front, @ TDC on the Compression stroke. Then the pre-lubed 4.0L cam sync assy is installed at a Seated ccw, (toward the passenger side) 60 deg angle to the engine center line, using a sync alignment tool.

EDIT: We have to start the installation a little off center so as the sync gear teeth engage, the shaft will rotate & line up at the specified angle when fully seated & ready to be clamped in place.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Maybe the assy in the past has been removed & reinstalled by someone that didn't pay close enough attention to the necessary details???
#1 piston / passenger side front, @ TDC on the Compression stroke. Then the pre-lubed 4.0L cam sync assy is installed at a Seated ccw, (toward the passenger side) 60 deg angle to the engine center line, using a sync alignment tool.

EDIT: We have to start the installation a little off center so as the sync gear teeth engage, the shaft will rotate & line up at the specified angle when fully seated & ready to be clamped in place.
That would have been my thinking too, but, truck is original to me, and cam sync original to engine. Anyway, I am going back the way it came out. Been working that way for 20 years. Must be a Friday made truck. Thanks for input pawpaw. Tommy
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 03:20 PM
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Ok I agree, if you're the original owner & know its OEM factory installed & never been out & has been ok, put that new replacement puppy back it there just like the OEM one came out & let us know how it goes
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Ok I agree, if you're the original owner & know its OEM factory installed & never been out & has been ok, put that new replacement puppy back it there just like the OEM one came out & let us know how it goes
Update FYI..All is back together and running great. I don't know if there are performance factors that are effected and not noticeable with the way my cam sync is installed, but general driving is just fine. Thanks and good night.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2022 | 03:59 PM
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Good feedback & great to hear it seems to be performing fine.

This is the First 4.0L cam sync assy & sensor replacement I can remember since posting on this board.
We all have likely heard about the 3.0 L Vulcan dry cam sync bearing protest squeak warning, atop the engine, passenger side, back by the firewall. So, might be helpful to share with the forum what happened to cause it to need to be replaced??? I have one of these pushrod 4.0L puppies thats just turned 100K miles, so am keen to hear what happened so I can be on the lookout too, if need be.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2022 | 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by pawpaw
Good feedback & great to hear it seems to be performing fine.

This is the First 4.0L cam sync assy & sensor replacement I can remember since posting on this board.
We all have likely heard about the 3.0 L Vulcan dry cam sync bearing protest squeak warning, atop the engine, passenger side, back by the firewall. So, might be helpful to share with the forum what happened to cause it to need to be replaced??? I have one of these pushrod 4.0L puppies thats just turned 100K miles, so am keen to hear what happened so I can be on the lookout too, if need be.
That is where I am at 100K...It was the squeak. Mine is pushrod also. I thought it was a pulley initially, so didn't think much of it. When I went to track down which pulley it might be, the noise was coming from the back of the motor. What in the world would be squeaking at the back of the motor. Now I know. No other problems with mine except the noise.and it was very intermittent. All is well now. Thanks for all the help. Tommy
 
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