3.0 timing chain - pull motor ?

[timay67]

I have a 1993 Ranger Splash 4X4 3.0 auto 124,000 miles. Thanks to this site I have narrowed the ticking in my motor down to the timing chain. I have to replace the timing chain and gears. The Haynes manual says in the 4X4 models you have to pull the motor to gain access to the oil pan. Has anyone done this repair without pulling the motor ? I did do the ear test by putting a 2x2 on the valve covers and there is no ticks coming from the valve train. Ticks at low rpm's.