Hi all. Now that Ford announced the 4.0 SOHC is going into the 2001 Ranger, I will hold off until they become available. My only question, how reliable is the 4.0 SOHC? Any comments...
Thanks.

 

I AM LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE THAT THE SOHC IS NOT ALL IT IS CRACKED UP TO BE. I HAVE ONE IN MY '97 XPLORER AND I'VE HEARD THAT THEY HAVE HAD ALOT OF PROBLEMS. MAYBE IT IS JUST THE YEAR I HAVE. SORRY TO DISCORUGE YOU!

 

The SOHC engine has numerous problems
#1 The intake manifold o-rings go bad causing the check engine light to come on. If the vehicle is not under warranty then you have to pay out of your own pocket
#2 The camshaft tensioners go bad (sometimes on a brand spanking new engine).

 

Both of which had their warranty extended by Ford to 6 years/72K miles. I have 86K miles on my '97 SOHC and it still runs like new.

 

I also have the SOHC in my '99 and love it. It has problems just like every other engine and most if not all are covered by Ford in some way or another. I had the OHC(V6) in my '95 Ranger and in my '98 Sport Explorer and my dad currently has the V8 in his '00 Explorer XLT. If I had the choice of the OHC(V6), SOHC(V6) and the V8. I would choose the SOHC everytime... it is like the best of both worlds IMO.