Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Explorer 2WD V8-4.6LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Connecting Rod, Engine
Connecting Rod Cap Bolts
Discard the bolts.
First pass 43 Nm (32 lb-ft).
Final pass Tighten an additional 105°
Connecting Rod
Clearance-to-pin 0.009-0.023 mm (0.0004-0.0009 in)
Pin bore diameter 22.012-22.024 mm (0.8666-0.8671 in)
Length (center-to-center) 150.7 mm (5.933 in)
Maximum allowed bend ± 0.038 mm (0.0015 in)
Maximum allowed twist (a) ± 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)
Bearing bore diameter (with assembled liners) 53.049-53.027 mm (2.0885-2.0877 in)
Bearing-to-crankshaft clearance 0.024-0.066 mm (0.0009-0.0026 in)
Side clearance 0.5-0.15 mm (0.02-0.006 in)
(a) The pin bore and crank bearing bore must be parallel and in the same vertical plane within the specified total difference when measured at the ends of a 203 mm bar, 105.5 mm on each side of rod centerline.
Discard the bolts.
First pass 43 Nm (32 lb-ft).
Final pass Tighten an additional 105°
Connecting Rod
Clearance-to-pin 0.009-0.023 mm (0.0004-0.0009 in)
Pin bore diameter 22.012-22.024 mm (0.8666-0.8671 in)
Length (center-to-center) 150.7 mm (5.933 in)
Maximum allowed bend ± 0.038 mm (0.0015 in)
Maximum allowed twist (a) ± 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)
Bearing bore diameter (with assembled liners) 53.049-53.027 mm (2.0885-2.0877 in)
Bearing-to-crankshaft clearance 0.024-0.066 mm (0.0009-0.0026 in)
Side clearance 0.5-0.15 mm (0.02-0.006 in)
(a) The pin bore and crank bearing bore must be parallel and in the same vertical plane within the specified total difference when measured at the ends of a 203 mm bar, 105.5 mm on each side of rod centerline.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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