got my friend who works at a ex-dodge dealer to set my gears, guides and chains. so, after the set back with the timing cover, the re-assembly begins. :lol: what can I use in place of the special tool to reinstall the harmonic balancer? thanks!

 

A hammer! Seriously, how I do it without the tool is to TAP (not wail on it) the balancer back on the crank far enough for the crank bolt to thread on 3 to 4 turns, find something to hold the crank from turning, tighten the crank bolt down until the balancer is in place, and then torque the crank bolt to specs.

 

so a hammer can be used? I'd be afraid I'd mess something up, I don't use a hammer lightly!! :lol: hahaha :cheesy:

 

My D is currently at 115k miles and I don't know if the timing chain has ever been replaced. I bought the truck with 50k miles on it and it was a fleet vehicle so I'm assuming it hasn't. My brother, who's currently attending UTI to become a mechanic, is encouraging me to replace the timing chains and will help me with it next weekend. I drive my D hard and want to do the maintenance that's needed, so I figure this will be good to do.

I found this kit that looks complete for $162. From reading this thread and some other resources, I assume I should replace the chain and sprockets? Basically whatever's in the kit?

Also, what special tools will I need? I was looking at the list greendurango posted above but didn't know if all of those were needed for my 2003 D. Also, given the price of all of those tools, it seems it might be the same or cheaper to just pay a shop to do the work. I haven't called to see what a shop would charge for this, but that's easily a couple hundred dollars in tools. I'd like to spend no more than $300 total (parts and tools), but I'm not sure what kind of choices I'll have.

I've never torn into an engine before so this will be new ground for me. I don't have the FSM for my D, just the Haynes manual and reading about the procedure I'm rather hesitant, but perhaps it sounds worse than it is?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I'd recommend the Cloyes kit with sprockets (they make the OEM stuff) and Amazon had a good price on their kit a while back when I did mine. a lot of those tools can be substituted; i.e. a block of wood can be used instead of the wedge tool and, if you have a extra set of hands, you can do without the sprocket holder. make sure you start with #1 at TDC and MARK ALL YOUR TIMING MARKS, both cams should be at 12 o'clock!! you'll need a new timing cover gasket, new antifreeze and a fresh oil change because antifreeze will run into the oil pan once you tear into it. if you run into any snags along the way, PM me and I'll help ya.

 

Thanks greendurango. Since the Cloyes kit runs about $400 right now, that really stretches me for the money to do this replacement. I mostly got into this since my brother recommended because I have over 100k miles on the truck now. I checked both the manual for my D and the Haynes book and neither mention a timing chain as recommended maintenance at 100k. While I want to trust my brother since he's now attending school to be a mechanic, I'd like a second opinion on if I should replace the timing chains now or if it'll be OK to wait. I know many of you on here have well over 100k on your Ds, have you all replaced your timing chains and would you recommend I do this now? Thanks!

 

Don't change the timing chains unless they need changing (or you're in there for other reasons.)

Unlike a timing belt, timing chains don't have scheduled maintenance. It's also extremely rare for a timing chain to fail without warning. The reason for scheduled timing belt replacements is that a timing belt usually fails by breaking without warning, leaving you stranded and possibly damaging the engine.

 

Thanks tomk. What would be the warning signs for a timing chain failure?

 

They usually get pretty noisy and sometimes they'll throw a code because the PCM detects timing slop.

 

+296K on my OEM timing chain so far.

I have recently been considering replacing it simply because 300K is a LOT of wear for a chain/sprocket setup. Not really noisy yet and no codes, but I'm starting to get a few minor symptoms that "might" indicate a bit of timing slop.

 

+296K on my OEM timing chain so far.

I have recently been considering replacing it simply because 300K is a LOT of wear for a chain/sprocket setup. Not really noisy yet and no codes, but I'm starting to get a few minor symptoms that "might" indicate a bit of timing slop.

Same concerns and thoughts here Big Al. I'm thinking once the waterpump poops out, I'll do the combo at that time. My original pump went out around 60k and was replaced at the dealer.

In regards to the timing chain/sprocket/etc, based on the life we're all getting out of them, Dodge certainly made an excellent timing setup in the 5.Xs.

Of course the alternative if a failure occurs prior to proactive action isn't pleasant.

What are the early tell signs?

IndyDurango

 

I have a 4.7L engine, can anyone post the mileage they have on their timing chain for a 4.7? I don't know how different it's than the 5.x but I know the 5.x is a very different engine in other respects.

 

My chain/tensioners started acting up very early, mine was really worn on a new jasper engine with about 25k miles on it. I'd recommend changing it if you're gonna keep the D. the sprockets on mine were in great shape and there's lots of plastic guides in there so, if money is tight, you could go with just the chains, guides and tensioners and save about $150.