I am at the point of installing the new timing gear and chain on the short block and I have no idea how to get the cam and the pistons aligned for correct timing. Is there a way to do it for a first timer that isnt trial and error? Do i give a call to Comp Cams and have them walk me through it? I had my stock crank and rods re-conditioned but have everything else brand new. heads are still in the box, intake on my workbench. Are there timing marks on the crank that I can align to? Thanks for the help.

 

I hate to see you hang here with no replies yet , so here it goes ,, do you have a haynes manual for your year truck ? if not , then pick one up and look in the engine rebuild section of it , what you need to know should be in there .

 

Thanks, Poncho. I just read and re-read everything in my haynes and while it does talk about removal and installation of both the timing chain and gears and the cam, it doesnt discuss the installation of both as being in a brand new engine with no timing marks anywhere. I'm talking bare, just-from-the-machine-shop 5.9L cast iron block with all new parts 'cept the crank and rods. Thanks for your reply, though. Keep 'em coming.

 

Here's what I pulled from the FSM:

TIMING CHAIN REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove Timing Chain Cover. Refer to Timing Chain Cover in this section for correct procedure.
(3) Re-install the vibration damper bolt finger tight. Using a suitable socket and breaker bar, rotate the crankshaft to align timing marks as shown in
(Fig. 57).
(4) Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.

INSTALLATION
(1) Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exact imaginary center line through both camshaft and crankshaft bores.
(2) Place timing chain around both sprockets.
(3) Turn crankshaft and camshaft to line up with keyway location in crankshaft sprocket and in cam-shaft sprocket.
(4) Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight against the chain in position as described).
(5) Slide both sprockets evenly over their respective shafts and use a straightedge to check alignment of timing marks (Fig. 57).
(6) Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68 N·m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Check camshaft end play. The end play should be 0.051-0.152 mm (0.002-0.006 inch) with a new thrust plate and up to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) with a used thrust plate. If not within these limits install a new thrust plate.
(8) Install the timing chain cover


Update: I just posted a bit to late. I would swear I saw on this site somewhere (maybe it was another site) where someone did a small write up on what it takes to install the timing chain on a new rebuild.

 

When the engine is complete, and spark plugs out, rotate the crankshaft. Should be able to roll the engine around with no binding. If there is a binding or a hard stop, recheck your work.

Would hate to see you go to all that work and expense and have piston beet valve the first time it's fired.