I'm pretty sure these have chains not belts for the timing. i'm positive that they are a chain you don't need to replace it unless you pass 300k miles. but would be pointless cause it won't last that long.
Factory recommended replacement mileage is: 105,000 miles.
timing CHAINAdded: Check the above answer out carefully - I have an '04 and my engine has a timing BELT. Recommended replacement mileage for the belt is 90,000 miles.
The current factory recommended replacement mileage is 105,000 miles.
The Ford Explorer engines use a timing CHAIN
Actually , it has a timing CHAIN
Engines that have a chain generally about 150,000 miles. Ones that have belts, 60,000 miles.
On a 2002 Ford Explorer : The 4.0 liter Single Over Head Cam , V6 engine has ( 3 timing CHAINS ) The 4.6 liter V8 engine has ( 1 timing CHAIN to each cylinder head , so there are 2 timing CHAINS )
Belt. Recommended replacement mileage: 90,000 miles. Do yorself a favor and replace the water pump at the same time.
It has a timing BELT - recommended replacement mileage is 105,000 miles. CAUTION: This engine is an "interference" engine. If the belt fails while the engine is running it will cause major damage to the engine.
There is no recommended replacement interval given for the chain replacement timing belts are critical, chains are not.
60000 miles
check recommended mileage, DO NOT EXCEED