Does the timing chain ever need to be replaced?

[HankG]

I just bought a truck with zero vehicle history and want to get everything up to date to avoid any future problems. I've been looking around and can't find a definite answer on whether or not the timing chain will last forever or if it needs to be changed. I looked through the maintenance schedule and didn't see it, but I might have missed it.

Thanks

 

[gw33gp]

Timing chains are normally not a maintenance item like a timing belt. Replacing a chain with a rebuild is common, but I have even rebuilt without replacing the chain. The tensioner system usually wears out long before the chain.

 

[HankG]

Thanks for the reply. One less thing to do at least.

 

[Ozwynn]

on your 96 4.0L ......I would change it and the tensioner at 100,000 miles with a double roller and then just not worry about it, but yes they do need to be changed, they don't last forever.

I have jumped time o more than one 4.0L at around 100,000 miles.

 

[Big Jim M]

My new six litre Chevy came with a statement that the timing chain system had been tested to 200,000 miles and not to ever expect to change or have problems with it.. Kinda shocked me to have that in writing.
Big JIm

 

[AllanD]

on your 96 4.0L ......I would change it and the tensioner at 100,000 miles with a double roller and then just not worry about it, but yes they do need to be changed, they don't last forever.

I have jumped time o more than one 4.0L at around 100,000 miles.

I don't believe that you "jumped time" in a 4.0.

the earlier "Cologne" engine, the 2.9 used a spring loaded ratchet tensioner and guide, these typically lasted 250,000 mils or more.

The 4.0 timing chain typically goes even further.

The 4.0 uses a hydraulic timing chain tensioner.

There is however ONE thing you could do, but don't want to do to
a 4.0 OHV engine that CAN kill the tensioner guide and result in the engine "jumping timing" and that is to rotate the engine backwards.

Parking the truck in gear nose uphill and letting it roll backwards...

I can't believe anyone on earth is stupid enough to do that to
a 4.0 TWICE in a single lifetime...

My 4.0 engine has just over 100k on it and frankly I worry more
about an asteroid impact destroying the engine than a timing chain failure.

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