My 02 ranger with 139,xxx mi is in the shop with what I feared was the timing chain rattle. I watched all the videos and unfortunately I don't think it's a job I can tackle myself. I'm looking at the option to have the shop either replace all timing components, and while the engine is out replace seals and oil pump. Alternatively they said for around ~1500 more then can install a reman engine from Ford that apparently comes with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.

Reading about the engines seems like they're pretty fail-proof aside from the timing chain guide issues. Should I save the money and have them do the timing job, or once I'm already in it for this much put in a reman.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

I would just do the timing chains, 139k miles is not that much for the valves and bottom end, expected is 350-400k

You could call local machine shop and find out how much for a rebuild of your 4.0l SOHC, that would be a reman engine, and local if there is a problem
Difference is that its your engine, so not an unknown, down side is the time it takes to do the rebuild vs just a swap out with another long block

 

See above message

 

If it were me, I would go to a salvage yard and get a good used engine from a 2005 - 2011 Ford Ranger or Mustang for $900 - $1100 … but that's just me.
And if you want a new engine then I would buy one from Jasper.