I have 1995 Dakota 5.2L 318 Magnum with a little under 159,000 miles on it. The problem it has it a very rough idle, especially when cold, and it also stutters on acceleration and when cruising at around 35-50 MPH when it 4th gear. I always have to drop into 3rd when going those speeds. I have replaced the PCM, plenum gasket, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coil. I have read about these timing chains wearing out and stretching and was wondering if it would be best for me to replace it. Also any ideas on how to tell before I have it done would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

IDk how to tell if its worn out but there are some things to know.
They did not put a tensioner on these so its a TSB to add a tensioner. While you are in there, there are hard to get to parts that should be replaced even if they seem good. Water pump is one, the small elbow for the coolant system that is buried in there, and there might be other things possibly a engine temp sensor and the thermostat I don't remember everything I did. I did the TC at the same time I did the plenum kit.