I've read through the haynes manual to do a timing chain job. It doesn't mention top dead center being needed to complete this job. Is this correct?

The biggest point I've seen is keep the marks lined up and don't move the crank/cam once the chain is off. Any further advice?

Thanks,

i think you are right. im very careful with info from haynes,,,guidlines, but not gospel!

Not totally necessary for tdc. When cover is off line up the dots/marks on both gears. Top gear mark at 6 o'clock, bottom gear at 12 o'clock should line up for a good reference. Hold up each new gear to old before removing just as a double check that mark and teeth count is the same as old gear. Inspect Harmonic balancer rubber section while its off, your there already.

You are being too kind. Haynes (and Chilton) are garbage. Often totally wrong, or they leave out important information.

I'm pretty sure with the marks lined up you will find the key slot on the crank straight up which is TDC. Pretty sure.