AJAX

This is my first time here, so maybe this has already been asked. A little background-I have a 98 XJ with 260k miles on it. I have been trying to get it ready to tow a 5000lb travel trailer for camping this summer. So far I have replaced all brakes drumms and rotors new front shocks rear air shocks, valve job, all ball jouints and both front hubs. My question is although I have had no driveability issues, whats the opinion about replacing the timing chain set. I have done all the work myself except the valve grind but I'm wondering how big a pain it is with the chain. Any opinions would be great.

captainofiron

wow 260K on a 98, my 91 has 285K

But I have never changed the chain on a Jeep motor, only Pontiac and Chevy V-8s

But I think it is a pain, but with so many miles it might be a good idea, you dont want that chain to pop on you

93gc40

If not already done, add a Tranny Cooler

AJAX

yeah, thats what I was thinking just in case

AJAX

I forgot to mention it but I was at one time the parts manager at a Chrysler dealer, so not only did I add a trans cooler I also added a new tranny about 100k ago

poppajeep

A new timing chain and gears is always a good move. Somewhat of a pain, but well worth it. Just make sure they give you the right one, and the information you get to set it up, because when I replaced mine, there was some bad information out there, and after reassembling/disassembling about four times, I got the right information, and it worked fine. Apparently, the early 4.0's used a different timing chain configuration, and it wouldn't work. New correct information, and I was on the road again. I'm curious how the Cherokee handles that much weight. Hopefully, you are incorporating trailer brakes into this. Good Luck

AJAX

I guess I will go ahead with replacing the set. It handles towing the camper good, for about th first 20miles or so I'm all tensed up wondering whats going to fall off. I do have trailer brakes, and with the air shocks, I can maintain good steering geometry, but I was also thinking about getting a weight distrbuting hitch

XJ Stryker

I did the timing chaing on my 87. It was a piece of cake. Especially if you have already done the stuff you claim you have done. It you can do that easily then the timing chaing will be just as easy. Time consuming but easy.

cdeal28078

I have never had a weight distributing hitch but with that kind of weight I would get one. How much tongue weight is it? I have air shocks on my 71 F100 so I do use them but I would sure be leery about depending on them with a lot of weight on the back. Mainly because years ago I had a hose bust on mine when I had a about 40 C bags on the back when I was on a deployment to Georgia and boy that was a long trip bouncing off the axle.
I would hate to think what would happen if you were in a turn and lost an air shock.
clint

AJAX

I only had the camper about 1 month before the snow came,so I did'nt get a chance to weight it at the hitch. I'll have to this spring though.

AJAX

Ft Benning? Iwas there for jump school in 84