Timing Chain

[dan n]

Well my timing chain crapped out on me. as i am gathering up a parts list i seen there are a balanced shaft and non balanced shaft timing chain sets. how do i know what i have? Also any advice on other items i will be needing and those parts i should change out while the engine is out.

2005 Ranger xlt 4x4....4.0 automatic trans

Thanks......Dan

 

[adsm08]

There is not sure fire way to tell if you do or don't have the balance shaft, aside from removing the front cover and looking to see if you have a balance shaft. I have seen many "rules" for which engines were supposed to have them or not, based on what they were in, but I have seen several individual units that break those rules. Get the set for the balance shaft, because all the parts are the same, that one just has extra parts in you don't have the shaft.

I would plan to do the thermostat and harmonic balancer while you are in there as they are problem parts that you will either be very close to, or already removing. Valve cover gaskets, intake gaskets, and rear main should also be considered.


In addition to regular every day sockets you will need some external torx sockets and the special timing tools for the cams.


The worst part of this job is fishing the rear chain set down in. I have had the best luck setting the chain and lower sprocket in, then the guide, then the upper sprocket.

 

[dan n]

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. I am not doing the job myself, I found a mechanic that's willing to do the job for $750.00 labor and i buy all the parts.
Most mechanics will not touch it all. this one says he has done a couple of these timing chain jobs so i hope he knows what he's doing. I have read a couple of horror story's of the timing chains going out a year or two later, so i'm concerned about that. I would like to keep the truck another 5 years or so.

Thanks

 

[adsm08]

Dang. I don't charge enough for those chains. This last one I did it on trade for some parts I needed.

Last one I quoted before that I think I only asked $500 for parts and labor, and I was going to have to pull the engine.