Need some help. 05 Ranger 3.0 v6 timing chain replacement

[MrsSmittyDontKnow]

I'll start by saying I'm new but not inexperienced with doing mechanics on this truck but I'm at a standstill. I'm replacing the timing chain on my 05 Ranger 3.0. How and what should be lined up when putting everything back together? I've read everything until I'm confused and my eyes are crossed and so many forums tell so many different scenarios I'm literally just letting my truck stay torn down because I'm unsure.....PLEASE HELP!

 

[pjtoledo]

did you take the camshaft synchronizer out?
no, then simply line up the dots. cam dot at bottom, crank dot at top so they are both closest to each other.

 

[MrsSmittyDontKnow]

did you take the camshaft synchronizer out?
no, then simply line up the dots. cam dot at bottom, crank dot at top so they are both closest to each other.

I can tell you what I did do and let you decide. I started out attempting to fix a leaking gasket around the timing chain cover and the water pump. When I took the timing chain cover off I noticed the chain had a LOT of slack in it and I don't know how to go about adjusting it so I just bought a new one. BUT...and this is where it got hairy...when removing the harmonic balancer I may or may not have moved the stem it's on. Not sure what it's called but I do know it probably shouldn’t have been moved bc it relates to the engine and timing. Sorry I'm a newbie to this depth of mechanical engineering. Lol I guess what I'm asking is, will that matter much when putting the timing chain back on? And how do I go about lining everything up correctly? Sorry for the book but wanted to make sure we on the same page.

 

[pjtoledo]

so far it's all good. confusing, but good.
the loose chain cannot be adjusted, so replacing it was a good move.
both gears have alignment slots so they only fit in the correct position.
each gear has a dot/dimple on it to facilitate correct alignment during installation.

it's ok if one of the shafts moved, just turn it back to where the dots align.

when it's correct the dots perfectly line up with the center of both shafts.

 

[MrsSmittyDontKnow]

You're a life saver! Or a wallet saver. That's exactly what I needed to know! And I looked this morning and I DIDN'T take the cam synchronizer out. So that's a relief. I took the camshaft position sensor off to replace it if needed. With that being said I think I'll go put my truck back together since all the parts are clean and ready to go. I'm sure I'll be back at some point to ask for more help. I've invested too much time and money not to keep it. And I love my Ranger. Thanks so much

 

[pjtoledo]

@MrsSmittyDontKnow more good news, since you know where the camshaft synchronizer is, take the sensor off again and squirt 10-15 drops of oil to the base of the shaft that sticks up in there.
just take the cap off, don't pull the whole housing out.

 

[MrsSmittyDontKnow]

@MrsSmittyDontKnow more good news, since you know where the camshaft synchronizer is, take the sensor off again and squirt 10-15 drops of oil to the base of the shaft that sticks up in there.
just take the cap off, don't pull the whole housing out.

Alrighty. About to do that now. Got all that back together so just gotta get the radiator, fan shroud, and all the hoses reinstalled and change the oil. Fingers crossed it all goes as smooth! Your knowledge has got me this far. You've been a tremendous help! Thanks a bunch!