(OT) miserable job...

Bob · Aug 27, 2018

<img src = "http://oi63.tinypic.com/4fxwkg.jpg">

Replacing intake gaskets on an old Ford Ranger 4.0.

LOTS of plumbing and wiring to get out of the way!

used red MN · Aug 27, 2018

That makes my back hurt just looking at that situation. I got out of full on auto repair about 30 years ago, then worked on delivery vans 9 years. Then I changed careers. I don?t mind working on cars, but like now I have a ?97 Buick Lesabre that needs valve cover gaskets sometime soon. I?m sure I?ll have a sore back a couple days after completing that project. One time when I was back in the mechanic field either a salesman came by or I saw some literature about a device that you rolled up the the car or truck and it had a suspended pad that you could lay on over the engine bay. If I had to go back to auto mechanics I would certainly look into buying or building one. Seems like it had a rough height adjustment and then a hydraulic jack type system that you could make finer adjustments to the height while working. The main sell point was for 4x4s and 2 ton trucks without a flip front.

4play · Aug 28, 2018

I used to do tons of work on those, we nicknamed them "4 leakers". After resealing the valve covers, intake, pan and rear main they wouldn't leak too bad haha. I would probably change the spark plugs while you're there, maybe the wires too. PRetty clean engine BTW.

johnlobb · Aug 28, 2018

I had to replace the cylinder heads on that exact same truck and 4.0 motor when I got back from Las Vegas in 2009. The heads would crack internally and you would have a chocolate milk shake in your oil pan. My son found a pair of brand new heads made in Australia from a guy in West Virginia for a lot cheaper than the local machine shop wanted for a new rebuilt head, and to machine the one "good" head. Supposedly these heads were cast better so they would not crack. I also bought the gasket set, and the rocker arm gaskets were cork which had to be replaced. I put over 100K on that job and it was good except for the cork gaskets. These heads were bolt on, and were completely assembled including valves, springs, keepers, etc. My Ranger was a 2000 model.

1970-1655 · Aug 28, 2018

There are some stand up creepers that have adjustable height but you have to adjust them before you get on. Then there is one brand that is completely different. Expensive too!!

https://www.redlinestands.com/catalog/shop-equipment-c-327/automotive-c-327_328/topside-creepers-c-327_328_274/elevator-overthetop-topside-truck-creeper-p-2195

"Only" $924.50!

Sprint 6 · Aug 28, 2018

Can't believe there is a Ranger still worth doing that to. Most Rangers, and full size, around here don't have any spring shackles or rear frame rails left.

JMOR · Aug 28, 2018

(quoted from post at 10:03:55 08/28/18) Can't believe there is a Ranger still worth doing that to. Most Rangers, and full size, around here don't have any spring shackles or rear frame rails left.

think there is some kind of climate difference between Minnesota and Arizona.

juniur · Aug 28, 2018

you think thats miserable you should put timing chains in an over head cam 4.0L. one one the chains is on the back of the engine.....

Bob · Aug 28, 2018

Yep, a few months ago I almost bought (cheap, but not cheap enough, apparently) a NICE newer Explorer with that issue.

Said he'd throw in the parts on the deal. Thank GOD I did some research BEFORE buying it!

(OT) miserable job...

Bob

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used red MN

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4play

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johnlobb

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1970-1655

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Sprint 6

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JMOR

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juniur

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Bob

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