V8-Ranger.com

Does the exploer 5.0 need a bronze gear or steel? I bought an hei dist and I cant remember if I need to change the gear.

I think it's steel.

From what I recall, all the HO roller cams use the harder gear. However for those that change the cam to an aftermarket, all bets are off if it's not a roller cam. Most all the aftermarket HO roller cams I've heard of also use the steel gear. Non-roller aftermarket cams seem to be a hodge-podge of which use the steel vs brass gear.

What I have no clue on is if non-HO roller cams use the steel or brass. But I'd hope nobody chooses to use one of those cams. A stock GT or stock Explorer cam is better than those POS sticks.

Roller motors. even those not HO, use the steel gear while flat tappet use a cast iron gear. The bronze gear is used mostly for racing, wears down too fast for the street. Be sure to compare the location of the gear and other lengths on the new HEI with the existing unit for differences. Know of someone at another site (TRS) who had problems with his.
Dave

yes you need the steel gear, we put the HEI in the boy's truck and it has an Explorer engine.