My water pump went out on me recently. I figured I was taking so much off I might as well change the valve cover gaskets, change the oil pan gasket, and change the timing chain.

I just wanted to know if there were any tricks, or pain in the butt procedures I should know about. I actually haven't even taken the fan shroud off yet. I know I may run into trouble taking the fan off. If anyone knows any tricks there I would be much obliged. Other than that it seems straight forward. I have the FSM and a Haynes manual plus this site. I bought a double roller chain timing chain set, basiclly the most expensive Autozone had. I noticed Napa had one that came with sprokets. Should I change my sprokets too?

I don't even know if my chain is bad, I just have 140,000 miles and its original. How hard is it to change? It looks easy.

If you were cleaning up your engine and doing a complete tune up, what else would you do?

 

do everything. you should buy a 'timing set' which will come with sprockets and chain. most all parts stores sell a Cloyes set for about $50. replace front seal in timing cover. also, has your plenum gasket ever been fixed, does it leak.. now's a good time. i'd also do all hoses, belt, look at the bottom rear of your engine - how's the rear main. it can be replaced while the oil pan is off.
some have replaced their timing chain with a 4* advance/retard. i stayed away from that because i was afraid it would lead to problems that i couldn't solve with shade tree methods.
old post, lots of pics. https://dodgeforum.com/m_735291/tm.htm

tip. when i couldn't get the fan off the wp i just unbolted wp and removed wp, fan, and shroud all at once and put the wp in the vise to get it off.

 

You have the right idea about changing that stuff. However if you just got the chain, you NEED the sprockets as stock is only a single roller chain.