Need to check timing chain or belt on a 4.0?
 

I've got a '96 XJ w/ 4.0 and I've had it from miles 88k through 177k (now). Far as I know the timing belt/chain has never been looked at. Should I be concerned with changing it out or any kind of maintenance with it?

It's a chain so no maintenance involved. One way to for slack is to use a timing light and watch for excessive jumping of the timing mark.

A better way to check for slack is to pop the distributor cap off and put a ratchet on the crank pulley bolt. turn the engine over and back and see how much it moves before the rotor moves

Thanks for the info. good to know I don't have to worry about it.

It can still stretch and jump teeth. i dont think this is a common problem in the Jeep world but I could be wrong

Don't know if the jumping teeth is common but I've read of the chain being loose enough to slap the cover and even wear a hole in it.

If youre tearing into your engine and can fix it on the way id suggest replacing it but if not i would leave it those chains are pretty robust and should last the lifetime of the engine. They arent called reliable for nothing lol. But a tuneup will go a long way.