All About Ford Timing Belt And Chain Replacement Intervals

Timing belts and chains are integral parts of Ford trucks. But they don’t last forever. These components also need a replacement after a certain period just like the other components. 

So, what are the Ford timing belt and chain replacement intervals?

For Ford truck timing belts, the replacement interval is about 80,000 to 100,000 miles on average. However, timing chains generally last longer than timing belts, about 100,000 to 120,000 miles on average. The replacement interval of various Ford truck models varies based on the model and year.

You will need more information to know the exact interval of the replacement of these parts. Keep reading as I have discussed everything you need to know here!

What Are The Average Ford Timing Belt And Chain Replacement Intervals? 

Ford trucks’ average timing chain and belt replacement intervals depend on their models. Ford manufactures different models and versions of trucks with different specifications and components.

The range and level of performance of different Ford trucks are also different. So, just like the differences between Monroe and Duralast shocks, the longevity of the timing belts and chains are also different.

You have to analyze different models to know about the correct intervals. Keep scrolling to see the timing belt and chain replacement interval of different Ford trucks and versions. 

Ford Ranger Timing Belt Replacement Intervals 

Ford Ranger trucks have five different versions from 1999 to 2015. The timing belt replacement in these five versions is also different. Have a look at the table below to know the intervals at a glance!

The timing belts in Ford Ranger can last for about five to six years on average. In terms of kilometers traveled, the belt can withstand 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers. The 105 kW and 115 kW models have more long-lasting timing belts.

Ford Ranger Timing Chain Replacement Interval

All Ford Ranger interference engines have a timing chain from 1993 to the present time. The replacement interval for timing chains of Ford Ranger is usually a lifetime, or after 120,000 Kilometers. The engine specification includes- 

• 4.0L V6 160 hp and 207 hp
• 3.0L V6 145 hp, 146 hp, 148 hp, 150 hp and 154 hp
• 2.3L 4 Cyl 112 hp, 143 hp and Turbo 270 hp
• 2.5 4 Cyl 119 hp

The timing chain lasts more than the timing belt on average. 

Ford Transit Timing Belt Replacement Interval 

Let’s move on to the next model of the Ford Truck. Timing belts for Ford Transit are available in three versions of the Ford Transit model. 

The timing belts in the Ford Transit last for an average of 5 years. It can go through 80 to 90 thousand kilometers of travel. 

Ford Transit Timing Chain Replacement Intervals 

Ford Transit timing chain and timing belt have different replacement intervals. The belt intervals are presented in the previous section. The Ford Transit Timing Chain replacement intervals need to be checked after every 10 years and if needed, you may replace them. 

The timing chains are available in eight versions of the Ford Transit truck. Here are the Ford Transit versions with a timing chain – 

• 1991 and 2000 Ford Transit 2.0 84 kW 
• 2002 to 2006 Ford Transit 2.3 16v 107 kW 
• 2002 to 2006 Ford Transit 2.0 DI and TDCi all variants 
• 2002 to 2006 Ford Transit 2.4 DI, TDE and TDCi all variants 
• 2006 to 2014 Ford Transit 2.3 16v 100 and 107 kW 
• 2006 to 2014 Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi all variants 
• 2006 to 2014 Ford Transit 2.4 TDCi all variants 
• 2006 to 2014 Ford Transit 2.4 TDCi all variants 

Check the condition of the chains after ten years to stay out of trouble.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Timing Chain & Timing Belt Replacement Intervals

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac Timing Chain replacement interval is about 80,000 to 120,000 miles. So, after traveling this distance, make sure to check the condition of the chain.  If the conditions are not alright, the chain might need to be replaced!

There are various versions of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. However, all of the versions from 1991 to 2021 use timing chains for the engine. So, you will need to change it after about 120,000 miles. 

Ford F-150 Timing Chain & Timing Belt Replacement

The Ford F-150 Timing Chain replacement interval is about 120,000 miles while the timing belt replacement interval is between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. So, the chains are much more long-lasting than the belts.

Ford F-150 with timing chain for different years include – 2021–23 Ford F-150, 2015–20 Ford F-150, and 2008–14 Ford F-150.

Ford F-150 with timing belt for different years include – 2004–07 Ford F-150, 1997–2003 Ford F-150, and 1992–96 Ford F-150.

Situations like disengaging of transmission on Ford F-150 can happen if the belts and chains are out of order. So, be careful about your belt or chain intervals.

Ford F-250 Timing Chain & Timing Belt Replacement

The Ford F-250 Timing Chain replacement interval is 80,000 to 120,000 miles for the above trucks.  And the Ford F-250 Timing belt replacement interval is between 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

The Ford F-250 comes after the F-150 model. It also comes in different generations. Except for the first generation (1999-2007), all other generation trucks have a timing chain. The first-generation trucks include a timing belt. Here is the list – 

• 1999 – 2007 Ford F-250 (1st Generation)
• 2008 – 2010 Ford F-250 (2nd Generation)
• 2011 – 2016 Ford F-250 (3rd Generation)
• 2017 – 2022 Ford F-250 (4th Generation)
• 2023 – Present Ford F-250 (5th Generation)

Follow this table to select the required timing element of your Ford F-250. Be very careful as selecting the wrong one can endanger the engine of the truck.

Ford F-350 Timing Chain & Timing Belt Replacement

The Ford F-350 Timing Chain replacement interval is about 120,000 miles. On the other hand, the Ford F-350 Timing Belt replacement interval is between 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Just like the F-250, Ford F-350 also has several generations. The timing belt and chain replacement interval are the same in all the following generations. 

However, while the first generation from 1999-2007 trucks have a timing belt, all the other generations included a timing chain. 

• 2020 – 2022 4th Gen (P558) Ford F-350
• 2017 – 2019 4th Gen (P558) Ford F-350
• 2011 – 2016 3rd Gen (P473) Ford F-350
• 2008 – 2010 2nd Gen (P356) Ford F-350

Ford F-350 with a timing belt is as below-

• 2005 – 2007 1st Gen (PHN131) Ford F-350
• 1999 – 2004 1st Gen (PHN131) Ford F-350

Follow this table properly to select the timing belt or timing chain for your Ford F-350. Be careful while finding the generation of your Ford truck as it is very significant for the engine.

Ford Maverick 2022 Timing Chain & Timing Belt Replacement Intervals

Let’s check out the timing chain replacement of the latest Ford Maverick 2022. The Ford Maverick 2022 Timing Chain replacement interval is between 80,000 to 120,000 miles.

As Ford Maverick 2022 is a new-generation truck, it comes with timing chains only. So you don’t have to worry about the timing belt replacement of this truck.

Ford Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Cost

Just like Jeeps not starting when hot, ford Trucks won’t run well with faulty belts and chains. So, they need to be replaced. But there is confusion about the Ford timing belt and chain replacement cost. I will try to clear up all the confusion regarding this matter here.

You will have to replace the belt at your own expense once the Ford timing belt warranty is over. However, the cost varies with the model. Here is a probable analysis of the cost for this task.

This is a cost analysis for the timing belt replacement cost of Ford Trucks. For the timing chain replacement costs, check out the table below.

You can see that the cost for the replacement of timing belts and chains are not the same for all the models. Both the labor cost and the part price varies with the model of the Ford Truck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

Can a timing belt last more than 10 years? 

Yes, a timing belt can last more than 10 years if you are lucky. Most manufacturers recommend 7 years as the maximum lifetime for a timing belt. The belt fails to work after this time no matter what the mileage is. More timing belts fail to work because of their age instead of the miles traveled. 

What is the symptom of a failing timing chain?

The symptom of a failing timing chain is a misfire. The chain gets stretched with time. Thus it skips gear teeth in the cam or the crankshaft of the engine. The engine’s timing goes out of calibration due to this. Then it misfires. A faulty chain will also cause trouble in starting the engine.

Can a damaged timing chain cause engine damage?

Yes, a damaged timing chain can cause engine damage. But the engine must be driving for this. If the engine is turned off, it won’t start if the chain is damaged. But if the chain fails while driving, the pistons will get in contact with the valve. Then the valves will bend & damage the engine.

Conclusion

This is all I have on the Ford timing belt and chain replacement intervals. I hope that you have got a hold of the intervals from my discussion. 

Get an experienced professional for replacing your timing belts and chains. Lots of parts are to be disassembled and reassembled for this work. So, getting an experienced mechanic is a must.