Replace balance shaft chain tensioner w/o pulling motor?
 

I’m in the middle of replacing the timing chains on my ’98 4.0L SOHC 4x4 Explorer. I was going to ignore the balance shaft chain but a piece of the broken jackshaft chain tensioner broke the balance shaft chain tensioner too. Now I have to pull the upper pan/ladder frame. Of course, the manual says I have to pull the motor to remove the upper pan/ladder frame on a 4x4 but I have heard there may be a way around this.<o></o>

Has anybody figured out how to avoid pulling the motor and still be able to replace the balance shaft chain tensioner?

Well I don't see how the right head is the reverse of the left head.
Da chain is in de back.

I asked about the balance shaft chain. Not the camshaft chain...

The balance shaft chain is on the front of the 4.0L SOHC motor used in 4WD applications. The 4.0L SOHC used in 2WD Explorers does not have a balance shaft chain.

As far as I know the balance shaft is used on the stick shift only?

No. 4WD vs. 2WD is the determining factor, not automatic vs. manual transmission or transfer case. 4WD motor has the balance shaft and 2WD does not.

Has anybody done it without removing engine ? Maybe drop the pan just enough ? Slide new parts on old bracket ?

I am in this situation
 

Has anyone done this successfully?

I have heard that the tensioner for the balance shaft can be finageled in without taking engine out, but I wouldn't risk it. Some just cut the chain off and roll on without the balance shaft spinning at all. Also, I have the engine from a 2wd explorer in my 04 Mounty and it has a balance shaft. Our 2wd 2010 Mountaineer also has the balance shaft. It is a bit more than just a 2wd/4wd thing. Although I am not certain what criteria they used to determine what gets one and what doesn't.

What is the purpose of the balance shaft chain? what does it do? My wifes 2008 Explorer with automatic 4wd has a noise that sounds like a chain rattling only between the rpms of 2500-3000. It has the V-6 4.0l engine and just turned 106,000 miles.

It appears the bolts holding the tensioner are vertical which, are only accessible with the pan removed.

Here's the only article I could find which, might be helpful...
Balance Shaft Timing Procedure | Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

Hope this helps!




For the curious, this here's where the balance shaft is located...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...531385054d.png

And the tensioner/balance shaft mounting bolts...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...1956d3e6d1.png

The entire balance shaft assembly...


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...cec4cb2fbe.png

Possible Solution
 

If the metal part of the tensioner is in good shape you can remove the plastic tensioner from the new part and place it on the old part. There is a u tube video which shows it.

Story goes like this:
~ Before 2002, Ford used V6~4.0L~SOHC with Balancer in 4WD models to counteract vibrations from the 4WD components.
~ After ~2002, Ford decided the Balancer was just another "Rube Goldberg" design & actually had little\no effect.
~ What engines with Balancers were left in stock got scattered amongst both 4WD & 2WD 2002+Later models.
My 2001 V6~4.0L~SOHC still has original Balancer+Chain;
next time TimingCover is off, BalancerChain will be removed & Balancer left static in place.
Decomplicate the engine & may gain just a few HP.

I did it
 

I just replaced upper oil pan on my 2003 4.0 SOHC without pulling engine. You need to drop the diff on the passenger side. It can be finagled out. My balance shaft tensioner broke and am replacing that too. Cleaning mating surface for gasket is a major pain way up there but can be done.