There was several recalls on them for awhile. And if youd ever saw the plastic chain tensioner parts man they just arent too sturdy. Plus i personally have fixed a bunch of them.
My kids Ranger has 189,000 on his 4.0 and all we ever did was plug wires,runs like a top,and he beat the snott out of it.
that cant be any worse then the plastic timing gear about every company used in their V-8's in the 70's and 80's
My son had an '02 Sport Trac with a 4.0 in it throughout his college years. He hauled just about everything there was in it. He never used it for towing, though. If you are on level ground, it would probably be fine, but I would not want to be going up or down steep grades towing anything. I towed several Mav/Comets with my Explorer with a 302. However, when I towed anything heavier, it pushed me around a bit and the bearings in my rear end went away due to my towing. Jim
I used to have a 2001 Sport Trac with a 4.0 in it and towed some with it, I towed a 88 Mustang GT to Wyoming with it and had no problems although I know the v8 would be better, I dont plan on towing much or far with it. I have 2004 Ford Lightning that I primarily use for towing, never had an issue with it except going too fast , my trailer has brakes that helps alot.
