Timing chain

I got my 97 Explorer (4.0 OHV) a few years ago at 70,000 miles. It now has 105,000 miles. I don't know its repair history. Should I be worrying about the timing chain (or is it a belt)? Is it the kind that if it breaks while running, it ruins the engine?

BTW, I LOVE my Explorer!

Thanks,
Mike

Hello, your 97 Explorer has a timing chain and it does not have to be replaced. However, if you have a SOHC(single Overhead Cam) 4.0 liter V6 engine, it will most likely develop a rattling noise from the front of the engine due to the timing chain slack or worn tensioners and it is expensive to get it fixed. A lot of shops avoid doing timing chain work on explorers/rangers as it is not an easy job and it is not alwasys easy to get it right the first time.. sorry for the bad news...
You might get lucky and never face this problem...
Iam a dealer and i have had a bit of experience in the 95-02 explorers..

I got my 97 Explorer (4.0 OHV) a few years ago at 70,000 miles. It now has 105,000 miles. I don't know its repair history. Should I be worrying about the timing chain (or is it a belt)? Is it the kind that if it breaks while running, it ruins the engine?

BTW, I LOVE my Explorer!

Thanks,
Mike
it is a chain and not a belt. and it is not a maintenance item so no replacement is required unless it fails, in which case you will be safe because the OHV engine is not an "interference" engine unlike the SOHC.ive only encountered maybe one timing chain failure on an OHV engine compared to dozens on a SOHC as some of those earlier engines had lots of problems.so dont worry about it and enjoy your exploder, oops i meant explorer.