The ratteling from the timing chain has gotten pretty bad, so I'm going to replace it. I've read thru a few discussions about dakota's and their timing chains and I think I'm going to purchase a double roller timing chain and a chain tensioner, is that what I should purchase or is there a better option? Also what other things should I replace while I'm in there doing the timing chain?

I'm currently replacing the water pump,timing chain gasket, and the timing chain on my grandfathers 2001 ford taurus and it is a bitch to do... Hopefully doing the timing chain on my dakota wont be nearly as bad as his damn car haha.

Any tips, advice, or links are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

another recent thread
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...on-a-3-9l.html
when i did my 90 the replacement gears were double wide & double wide chain from dealer.

 

follow the link on Kahanbob's message the write up on there is what I used to do mine and it was pretty easy. Just dont turn the engine once its open.
p

 

deffinately go with the double roller chain.

 

Is there a certain kit or brand I should get that is superior to another?

 

this my be of some help as far as replacing it.
http://www.dodgedakotas.com/articles/timingchain/

 

That's a lot more involved than I thought.

I have some timing chain rattle and plan to fix this but, it runs really good so I wonder if I have to go through all that degree wheel and injector sync stuff.

Can't I just disassemble everything w/o turning the engine, reassemble and be "good?"

 

you have to turn the engine to line up the dots on the current gears then when you put new one on line up the dots (without turning anything). you can skip the other stuff.

 

I went with a Cloyes double roller kit. Am I going to want a tensioner?

 

Line up on # piston at TDC, before you take it apart.
then you wont have to move the engine.
I would strongly encourage you to not align after its open, especially if there is big distance between the dots, you dont want to go back in if you dont have to.
good luck