Justin DeKezel , Today 04:52 PM
Junior Member
Hello.

I got a 2008 b4000 that the timing chain guide blew up in so the shop suggested a motor swap.
I sourced a motor from a 06 Ford ranger.

It's my understanding that everything except the front clip is identical on these two trucks. (08 Mazda b4000 and 06 Ford ranger). The shop I have it at to do the swap is questioning the compatibility.

Can someone with experience in these matters please tell me if the motor would work?

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the forum

Yes, a 2001-2011 Ranger 4.0l or Mazda B4000 will swap into your 2008 B4000 with no issues

Be sure to put in a new rear main seal and 2 new motorcraft timing change tensioners, tensioners should be changed every 100k
Other things while its out
New water pump
New METAL thermostat housing, the factory one is plastic and WILL crack and leak

You could also use a 4.0l from these
2004–2010 Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer
2005–2010 Ford Mustang

Just FYI, the timing chains don't go bad on this engine, the tensioners do, that's was always the issue

 

Thank you for your prompt response. And thank you for the extra information about the motor.

Do you think it was a wise move to replace the motor? Or should I have just had the mechanics fix the timing chains. The motor only had 130,000 km on it but argued to me that the labor was more intensive it was easier just to put a new motor in. He argued that he found metal in the oil pan and was concerned it would of got through the oil pump into the motor.

 

If you are having a shop pull and install the engine then labor to do that is the same if you fix the old engine or put in another engine

The metal bits wouldn't be there until engine was barely running so wouldn't be too big of a concern, you were not driving that way

Its a devil you know or devil you don't with a used engine, you roll the dice and takes your chance with either option