Does anyone know if a 97 3.9L V6 came equipped with a timing chain tensioner from the factory? I'm getting a "tapping" sound from the timing cover area and it seems like I may need a new timing chain and gears. If needed, I want to have the tensioner on hand before the teardown so I can do it in a day and get back on the road.

Also, there seems to be an expensive (induction forged) gear & chain set for around $175 and also a cheaper (cast) gear & chain set for about $50. Any major performance and/or longevity difference between these two choices?

 

These engines do not use a tensioner. Not aware of an after market one either.

The service manual shows the cast gear set. That was what my van had when I changed it last month and I used the same type during the change. IMHO do not believe that there would be enough difference in longevity to go with the pricer set.

 

I've seen this advertised as a timing chain tensioner used in the 3.9L, 5.2L & 5.9L engines:

 

It looks like it should work, but it is not a factory unit. The factory did not install tensioner's on the Magnum engines.

It is up to you if you think it may help yours. But as tight as the new chain is I would not use it myself.