This unit is 
Order before 3PM EST and receive your order in 2-3 business days! – some exclusions apply. 
12 months of coverage
1-Year
No-Fault Warranty
$99.00
- One-time free replacement, no matter the cause of failure.
- Unlimited miles during the 1-year term.
- $50/hr labor coverage using Mitchell or AllData book time.
4.0L SOHC V6 · Trusted since 1961
Remanufactured 4.0L Ford SOHC Engines
Built to outlast the original. Fraser offers premium replacement 4.0L SOHC V6 engines for the Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Ranger, Mustang, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda B4000 and related Ford-family applications. The 4.0L SOHC delivers solid torque and broad coverage, but its timing chain cassettes, guides and tensioners are the platform's well-known weak point, and high mileage, overheating and oil leaks eventually require complete engine replacement.
- Zero-Mileage Remanufactured Build
- All-New Front & Rear Timing Cassettes
- Timing Cassette TSB Fixes
- Up to 5-Yr / Unlimited Warranty
- VIN-Based Fitment
Quick Answer: Where to Buy a Remanufactured 4.0L Ford SOHC
Fraser Engines, trusted since 1961, sells zero-mile remanufactured 4.0L Ford SOHC V6 engines for the 1997–2010 Explorer, 2001–2010 Explorer Sport Trac, 2001–2011 Ranger, 2005–2010 Mustang, 1998–2010 Mercury Mountaineer and 2001–2009 Mazda B4000. Every engine gets all-new timing components front and rear (cassettes, chains, guides and tensioners), remanufactured heads with machined valve seats, and new pistons, rings, bearings and oil pump.
The OEM-Spec Reman Engine includes a 3-year / unlimited-mile warranty. The Fraser Advantage™ option adds an upgraded block, updated heads and every TSB update including the timing cassette fixes, with a 5-year / unlimited-mile warranty plus 1 year of free No-Fault. Call 800-731-3177 (press 1 for sales).
The 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Rattle, Explained
Why the rear cassette sends so many engines to the scrapyard
The 4.0L SOHC drives its two camshafts with a jackshaft and three timing chains running through plastic guides and cassettes, held tight by hydraulic tensioners. Over time the plastic cracks and breaks and the tensioners lose pressure. The chains start to slap, producing the notorious rattle at startup or idle, then cam timing codes, and eventually a jumped chain.
The catch: the rear cassette sits at the back of the engine and can't be serviced without pulling the motor. That's why so many owners choose a complete engine instead of a timing job. Many budget rebuilds replace only the front components and reuse the rear. Every Fraser 4.0L gets all-new timing components, front and rear.
Which Configuration Should I Choose?
Both configurations fit the same applications. The difference is how far the build goes and how long it's covered.
Option 1
OEM-Spec Reman Engine
Fully remanufactured to OEM specifications with:
- All-new front and rear timing cassettes, chains, guides and tensioners
- Remanufactured heads with machined valve seats
- New pistons, rings, bearings and oil pump
3 Yrs / Unlimited Miles
Option 2 · Fraser Advantage™
Advantage 4.0L SOHC
Everything in Option 1, plus:
- Upgraded block and updated heads
- Every applicable OEM and aftermarket TSB update
- Timing cassette fixes built in
- 1 year of free No-Fault coverage
5 Yrs / Unlimited + 1 Yr No-Fault
Keeping the vehicle long term, towing, or want maximum protection? Fraser Advantage™ is the better choice. Fraser handles warranty claims directly with engine specialists, not call-center reps; labor is reimbursed using Mitchell or ALLDATA book time. Optional No-Fault upgrades from 1 to 5 years are available on either option. Coverage, eligibility, exclusions and claim procedures are governed by Fraser Engines' written warranty agreement.
4.0L Ford fitment matters
Vehicle Applications and VIN-Based Fitment
Ford used the 4.0L SOHC V6 across SUVs, pickups and the Mustang from 1997 through 2011. Fitment varies by VIN, model year, emissions package, accessory setup, sensor layout and transmission pairing, so Fraser matches every order to your VIN before shipment. Both configurations on this page fit the same applications.
Ford Explorer 4.0L
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L
Ford Ranger 4.0L
Ford Mustang 4.0L
Mercury Mountaineer 4.0L
Mazda B4000 4.0L
| Make | Model | Years | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | Explorer | 1997–2010 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | Includes 2001–2003 Explorer Sport 2-door; confirm by VIN |
| Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | 2001–2010 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | No 2006 model year |
| Ford | Ranger | 2001–2011 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | Confirm by VIN |
| Ford | Mustang | 2005–2010 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | Base V6 |
| Mercury | Mountaineer | 1998–2010 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | Shares Explorer platform |
| Mazda | B4000 | 2001–2009 | 4.0L SOHC V6 | Shares Ranger platform |
VIN-specific matching: have your full 17-character VIN ready so our team can match the exact 4.0L Ford replacement engine for your vehicle. Earlier 1990–2000 Rangers and Explorers used the 4.0L OHV (pushrod) version, which is a different engine.
4.0L Ford SOHC V6 Specifications
| Specification | 4.0L SOHC V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4.0L / 3,996 cc / 244 cu in |
| Configuration | 60-degree V6, single overhead cam per bank, 12 valves |
| Bore × stroke | 100.4 mm × 84.4 mm |
| Block / heads | Cast-iron block, aluminum heads |
| Timing drive | Jackshaft with three chains, front and rear cassettes |
| Factory output | About 205–210 hp, 238–255 lb-ft depending on vehicle |
| Years | 1997–2011 |
Know the warning signs
Common 4.0L Ford SOHC Engine Problems
The 4.0L SOHC is a strong, simple V6, but the rear timing chain cassette sits behind the engine and can't be serviced without pulling the motor, which is why so many owners end up shopping for a replacement engine once the rattle starts.
Timing chain cassette failure
Plastic chain guides and cassettes crack and break, causing the notorious 4.0L SOHC rattle, cam timing faults and eventual chain jump.
Tensioner and guide wear
Hydraulic tensioners lose pressure and guides wear through, producing startup rattle and drivability concerns.
Oil leaks
Valve cover gaskets, timing cover, oil pan and rear main seal leaks are common at high mileage.
Overheating damage
Cooling system problems warp cylinder heads and damage gaskets and internal sealing surfaces.
Low compression and internal wear
Worn piston rings, valves or bearings lead to rough running, oil consumption and power loss.
High-mileage fatigue
Many surviving Explorers, Rangers and Mustangs now carry well over 150,000 miles of daily use and towing.
Diagnose first
Repair or Replace? Signs You Need a 4.0L Ford Engine
Some 4.0L issues can be repaired externally, but a failed rear timing cassette, severe overheating, low compression or internal engine wear make replacement the smarter long-term repair.
- Timing chain rattle at startup or idle
- Cam timing codes or a jumped chain
- Persistent overheating or coolant loss
- Low compression or failed leak-down test
- Oil pressure warnings or metal in the oil
- Knocking, rattling or internal noise
- Heavy oil consumption or drivability concerns
- Replacement recommended by a licensed repair shop
True remanufacturing, not a budget rebuild
How Your Fraser 4.0L Ford Engine Is Built
Every Fraser 4.0L SOHC V6 is torn down to the bare block and rebuilt in a controlled, multi-step process. Choose the Fraser Advantage™ option and every applicable OEM and aftermarket Technical Service Bulletin update is applied, so known weak points are corrected before the engine ships.
- Complete teardown to the bare block and industrial cleaning.
- Precision-machined block built to OEM or tighter tolerances.
- Remanufactured cylinder heads: pressure tested, resurfaced, valve seats machined.
- New pistons, rings and bearings installed to factory-clearance specs.
- New timing components: front and rear cassettes, chains, guides and tensioners.
- New oil pump for proper lubrication and oil pressure.
- New gaskets and seals throughout to prevent leaks.
- Balanced and tested rotating assembly and final quality inspection.
Used engines
Unknown mileage and timing cassettes you can't inspect without a teardown.
Cheap rebuilds
Reuse marginal parts and skip the updates. The same failure comes back.
Fraser remanufactured
Fully remanufactured, VIN-verified fitment, and up to a 5-year warranty with free No-Fault on Fraser Advantage™.
The Fraser Advantage™
A Better Alternative to Another Used 4.0L Ford Engine
A used 4.0L SOHC may already have cracked timing cassettes, overheating history, oil leaks or internal wear, and the timing problem can't be seen without tearing it down. Fraser remanufactured 4.0L Ford engines are a cleaner, stronger long-term repair with professional remanufacturing, VIN-based fitment support and warranty options, so Ford, Mercury and Mazda owners can repair the vehicle correctly the first time.
- Zero-mileage build, not a questionable salvage engine
- Built for Ford, Mercury and Mazda with VIN-based fitment
- Professionally remanufactured block and cylinder heads
- Updated wear components for long-term reliability
- Fraser Advantage™: upgraded block, updated heads, every TSB
- Timing cassette fixes built in
- Powertrain specialists: engines and transmissions every day
- Free commercial shipping and core pickup
Know the difference
Used 4.0L Ford vs. Low-Cost Rebuild vs. Fraser Remanufactured
A used 4.0L SOHC may come from a donor with unknown mileage, previous overheating, worn timing cassettes, poor maintenance history, oil leaks or internal damage. Even if it currently runs, hidden timing or bearing wear may already be developing. Instead of gambling on another high-mileage used engine, you receive a professionally renewed replacement backed by Fraser's powertrain-focused support.
| Feature | Used Salvage Engine | Low-Cost Rebuild | Fraser Remanufactured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal mileage | Prior service mileage; unknown | Varies | Zero miles since remanufacture |
| Factory updates (TSBs) | None | Rarely | All applicable updates applied on Fraser Advantage™ |
| Timing cassettes, chains & tensioners | Unknown wear; rattle likely | Front only, rear reused | All new timing components, front and rear |
| Cylinder heads | Unknown overheating history | Often reused | Remanufactured, pressure tested and resurfaced; updated heads on Fraser Advantage™ |
| Internal components | Existing wear | Reuses marginal parts | New pistons, rings, bearings, timing, oil pump, gaskets and seals |
| Machine work | None | Minimal | Precision-machined block; heads pressure-tested and resurfaced |
| Fitment verification | Varies | Varies | VIN-based verification before shipment |
| Warranty | Varies / none | Short-term | 3-Yr (OEM-Spec) or 5-Yr + 1-Yr No-Fault (Fraser Advantage™) |
| Core return | Varies | Varies | Free commercial pickup with Fraser support |
4.0L SOHC Installation Tips to Protect Your Warranty
- Flush or replace the radiator
- Replace the water pump, thermostat and hoses
- Check the fan clutch and shroud
- Replace worn motor mounts
- Prime the oil system before first start
- Use the correct oil grade to protect the tensioners
- Watch the temperature gauge during break-in
- Change oil after the first 500 miles
The hydraulic timing tensioners rely on clean oil at the right pressure, so oil changes on schedule are the best way to protect your new timing system. Your engine ships with Fraser's installation guidelines; follow them closely and keep your receipts to keep your warranty in force.
How to Order Your 4.0L Ford Engine
- Send your VIN. Use the Fast Quote form, call 800-731-3177 (press 1), or text (586) 284-4941.
- Pick your configuration. A product specialist confirms fitment and helps you choose OEM-Spec or Fraser Advantage™.
- Ship to your shop. In-stock engines ship the same day when ordered before 3 PM EST.
- Install and return the core. Fraser coordinates free commercial core pickup after installation.
Answers before you order
4.0L Ford Engine Replacement FAQs
Which configuration should I choose?
Both fit the same vehicles. OEM-Spec has all-new timing components front and rear and a 3-year / unlimited-mile warranty. Fraser Advantage™ adds an upgraded block, updated heads and every TSB update, with a 5-year / unlimited-mile warranty plus 1 year free No-Fault. For long-term ownership or towing, choose Fraser Advantage™.
Is the 4.0L Ford SOHC engine reliable?
It's a strong, simple V6, but its plastic timing cassettes, guides and tensioners are a known weak point. The rear cassette can't be serviced without pulling the engine, so many owners replace the whole engine.
What vehicles used the 4.0L Ford SOHC engine?
1997–2010 Explorer, 2001–2010 Explorer Sport Trac, 2001–2011 Ranger, 2005–2010 Mustang, 1998–2010 Mercury Mountaineer and 2001–2009 Mazda B4000. We confirm by VIN.
What causes the 4.0L SOHC timing chain rattle?
Plastic guides and cassettes crack and hydraulic tensioners lose pressure, so the chains slap, especially at startup. It leads to timing codes and eventually a jumped chain. Fraser replaces all timing components, front and rear.
What are common 4.0L Ford engine problems?
Timing cassette failure, tensioner and guide wear, oil leaks, overheating, low compression and high-mileage fatigue.
Does Fraser help verify 4.0L engine fitment?
Yes. Fitment varies by VIN, year, emissions, accessories, sensors and transmission, so we match every order to your VIN.
Can Fraser ship my 4.0L Ford engine to my repair shop?
Yes. We ship directly to commercial repair facilities, free in the continental U.S., and coordinate free commercial core pickup after installation.
Is a No-Fault warranty upgrade available?
Yes. Optional No-Fault upgrades from 1 to 5 years are available on either option, and Fraser Advantage™ already includes 1 year of free No-Fault coverage.
Get Your 4.0L Ford SOHC Engine Today
Talk to a product specialist Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM EST, or request a quote online 24/7.
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