I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota sport RC with a 3.9L V6... and I encountered something odd. Noticed I had a bit of a coolant leak, and investigated into it. Thought it was the thermostat, but upon further examination, turned out it was leaking from the timing cover. So, decided to do a full out front end work, had the infamous 3.9 timing chain rattle, and since I had to remove the timing cover ANYWAY, might as well slap a chain on it. Gathered all my parts, thermostat housing, thermostat, flush, rtv, gaskets, bypass hose, fan clutch, and chain set. I thought about going with the double roller, but got a deal on a standard silent chain set so I went with that. I don't plan on roughing around in my truck or putting heavy mods, so I figured I didn't need the double roller (and was running out of money at the time). After tearing it all apart, I made a shocking discovery.. My engine already had a double roller chain in it! Good lord it's sloppy too For all you fans of the double roller, I present you this:


Enjoy the glorious clickety clack of the double roller with no tensioner. New chain was extremely tight and runs silent now, more power as well.

 

Holy crap, that is SLOPPY..... Any idea what brand that chain was?

 

ditto that! holy crap

 

After a bit of investigation, seems to be a Mopar Performance set. Oddly enough, now that it's changed, the exhaust sounds better... I guess the computer can get the timing right... The exhaust is now louder than the engine at idle, and actually kinda sounds like a V8. Friend at work drives a 99 Ram 1500 Sport 5.2L, and my 3.9L sounds like a quieter version of it.

Bonus: Picture of said Ram and my Dakota (old picture, when I got the tonneau, before the grill, lugnuts, and freshening the wheels)



Next up: Crank sensor, Headlights, Taillights.

 

After driving a few tanks of gas, I've noticed that changing the timing chain actually nets me WORSE MPG than before. I was averaging 18.4~18.6 (with a can of seafoam, I managed 19.4), after the timing chain replacement, I'm now averaging 17.5~17.7, no change in habits, no change in driving amount. It's strictly home <-> work, 50% Interstate (about 65mph), 35% Highway (55~60mph), and the last 15% city (about 3 miles from work, 4 lights and a couple stop signs, ~45mph). Would have figured it would have been opposite, still have a bit of work to do (crank position sensor), so we'll see if that helps... If I can find a weekend to hit a junkyard for what I need anyway.