How to remove and install the Timing Chain and Variable Timing Sprocket in the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine on Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

You need special tools to fix this and will need to take out both the engine and the entire vehicle to do the right work. You need specific repair skills to do this job right, since errors could badly harm your engine. First, take out the engine from the car and position it on an engine support. Attach the special tools to camshafts and crankshaft so their engine sets at TDC, then take off the intake manifold, fuel lines, and gas caps on top of the valves. Later, you have two options: either you need to take off all parts like the lower oil pan cover, oil pump pickup tube, and crankshaft reinforcement section, or just the reinforcement section bolts may be removed instead. Take care to keep track of engine placement when removing the block's front cover. This car's camshaft chains and oil pump run from a jack shaft inside the engine. The front side of the left cylinder bank camshaft has a chain conveyor, while the right camshaft turns around when the jack shaft runs at back. Loosen and take out the bolts holding the jack shaft chain tensioner and guide. Remove the jack shaft sprocket and chain. When you take out the large plug at the jack shaft's rear, you need to get a new plug for when you put everything back together. Verify your crankshaft is at TDC before installing the left camshaft timing chain cassette, tightening the chain, and putting on the rear jack shaft sprocket. Hang the jack shaft chain on top of the sprocket, then slip the chain down onto the crankshaft sprocket. Clean and tighten the places where you put the chain guide, then apply RTV sealant to the new gasket. To wrap up, reinstall everything backwards and look for leaks when your car runs, checking for both oil and coolant.

Genuine Ford Explorer Sport Trac Variable Timing Sprocket

Timing Gear Sprocket

Select Vehicle by Model
Select Vehicle by VIN

Select Vehicle by Model

Make

Model

Year

Select Vehicle by VIN

For the most accurate results, select vehicle by your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

4 Variable Timing Sprockets found

View related parts
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Camshaft Position Sensor
Part Number: 3R2Z-6A257-DA
$180.12 MSRP: $263.33
You Save: $83.21 (32%)
Ships in 1 Business Day
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Sensor - Camshaft Position
- Replaces: 3R2Z-6A257-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 8 Cyl 4.6L | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6R80), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 6R60, Four-Wheel Drive (Full Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Left Hand Drive), Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Sprocket
Part Number: 2U3Z-6M264-AA
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Camshaft Gear, Intermediate Gear
- Manufacturer Note: Large Jackshaft Gear
- Replaces: 2L2Z-6M264-AA, F77Z-6M264-BA, F87Z-6M264-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2007-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6R80), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 6R60, Four-Wheel Drive (Full Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Left Hand Drive), Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
- 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission - 5R44E/5R55E, 5-Speed Manual Transmission - R1HD, Four-Wheel Drive, Left Hand Drive, Two-Wheel Drive
View related parts
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Sprocket
Part Number: F87Z-6M264-AA
Product Specifications
- Replaced by: 2U3Z-6M264-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission - 5R44E/5R55E, 5-Speed Manual Transmission - R1HD, Four-Wheel Drive, Left Hand Drive, Two-Wheel Drive
View related parts
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Sprocket
Part Number: 2L2Z-6M264-AA
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer Note: Large Jackshaft Gear
- Replaced by: 2U3Z-6M264-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission - 5R44E/5R55E, 5-Speed Manual Transmission - R1HD, Four-Wheel Drive, Left Hand Drive, Two-Wheel Drive

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Variable Timing Sprocket

The Variable Timing Sprocket of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac optimizes cam timing so that the engine breathes efficiently across the rev range. The component works together with the timing chain, crank gear, and guides. As wear occurs, these should be replaced as a complete set to keep the cam and crank in perfect sync. When it comes to aligning a stock truck, factory alignment marks are generally acceptable. However, a slight miscue of only two to three degrees could rob up to 50 horsepower. Therefore, the Variable Timing Sprocket enables builders to fine-tune position with multiple keyways, offset bushings, or slotted holes. Users can use a degree wheel to advance the cam for a stronger low-end punch or retard it for extra top-end surge, dialing in the Ford V6 or V8 at precisely where power is desired. The Variable Timing Sprocket of every Explorer Sport Trac should be matched with fresh tensioners and chain guides to prevent timing from falling out of alignment due to slack. The later versions of the Explorer Sport Trac utilized the same basic Variable Timing Sprocket concept, though earlier editions sometimes incorporated simpler fixed units. The adjustable Variable Timing Sprocket is thus the clear upgrade major Ford fans tend to seek out. It remains a critical link for maintaining reliable, responsive Ford performance.

We provide a wide range of Ford Explorer Sport Trac Variable Timing Sprocket at the optimal prices. If you need Ford Explorer Sport Trac Variable Timing Sprocket, you can shop with confidence on our website. All our OEM parts come with a manufacturer's warranty and are delivered to your doorstep with a fast delivery service.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Variable Timing Sprocket Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Sprocket
2U3Z-6M264-AA
Q: How to remove and install the Timing Chain and Variable Timing Sprocket in the 4.0L SOHC V6 engine on Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A:
You need special tools to fix this and will need to take out both the engine and the entire vehicle to do the right work. You need specific repair skills to do this job right, since errors could badly harm your engine. First, take out the engine from the car and position it on an engine support. Attach the special tools to camshafts and crankshaft so their engine sets at TDC, then take off the intake manifold, fuel lines, and gas caps on top of the valves. Later, you have two options: either you need to take off all parts like the lower oil pan cover, oil pump pickup tube, and crankshaft reinforcement section, or just the reinforcement section bolts may be removed instead. Take care to keep track of engine placement when removing the block's front cover. This car's camshaft chains and oil pump run from a jack shaft inside the engine. The front side of the left cylinder bank camshaft has a chain conveyor, while the right camshaft turns around when the jack shaft runs at back. Loosen and take out the bolts holding the jack shaft chain tensioner and guide. Remove the jack shaft sprocket and chain. When you take out the large plug at the jack shaft's rear, you need to get a new plug for when you put everything back together. Verify your crankshaft is at TDC before installing the left camshaft timing chain cassette, tightening the chain, and putting on the rear jack shaft sprocket. Hang the jack shaft chain on top of the sprocket, then slip the chain down onto the crankshaft sprocket. Clean and tighten the places where you put the chain guide, then apply RTV sealant to the new gasket. To wrap up, reinstall everything backwards and look for leaks when your car runs, checking for both oil and coolant.