I just picked up a 92 dakota 3.9 from my freind for almost nothing to use as a work truck. But i believe the timing chain is loose and i want to change it. I know basic stuff but never tried internal stuff yet. Is it hard to replace? Also if i got the timing chain kit without the tensioner how long would it last before it stretched again?
I just know shops want any where between $500-$1200 and thats to much. So i want to try to replace it. Also what all parts would i need?

 

you can start by reading this.
http://www.dodgedakota.net/articles/timingchain/

 

I need to do all that it has not slipped or broke. I could not just line the marks up on the old one then just install the new one? I actually don't care about all that performance stuff, it is just a old work truck.

 

yes you can line the marks up on the old and replace with the new lined up. that's if you are sure your old one has not jumped a tooth.

 

Ok so i finially have time saturday to do my timing chain. The problem is none of my local parts stores have the tensioner, and i don't want to wait for one to be shipped. If i put just the sprockets and chain in how long would it last? Is it a good idea or should i wait for a tensioner to come in?

 

think i would wait........

 

Ok i got a haynes repair manual and it does not give me any torque settings. Could some give me any torque settings for everything including waterpump bolts? Also if i had a factory manual would it give me the torque specs?

 

In Haynes there are some torque specs at the beginning of the chapter on the V6 & V8 engines. Some not all.

When in doubt, use the generic torque specs they list on page 0-10, in the front of the manual. On the water pump bolts, just to be extra safe, use copper gasket goop, RTV to seal the threads when you put them in, I like to snug them down with a socket and then give them about a quarter turn more. Gentle, tho, it doesn't take gorilla strength.