Baddad

Ol' Moldy needs a timing chain! 1990, 4.0. I've read several posts where standard replacements have as much slack as old, used ones. Any suggestions on which brand or type to go with? I know a Cloyes dbl roller would be great, but would prefer a little cheaper since I have 320k on the engine😉

investinwaffles

I am going to throw in a Cloyes stock replacement chain in when I get enough time to change my rattling timing chain - Rock Auto has them for like $50 roughly, add a new timing chain guide and timing cover gasket set and you should be good to go! Really, the Cloyes is going to be your best bet if you are looking for a good replacement without breaking the bank (meaning better than the $20 timing chains and not as spendy as the +$100 timing chains).

99% sure you need to remove the radiator to get enough clearance for the harmonic balancer puller, but change yours before I change mine and let me know if you can get away with leaving the rad iin place
Possibly use a socket if the short threaded rod is too short to get the harmonic balancer off the actual crankshaft to give it an extra 1.5" or so to get the pulley all the way off.

I am going to do the harmonic balancer and idler pulley at the same time since the belt needs to come off.

Baddad

Ah, a cloyes single roller. Hadn't seen that one! I'll have to try it. I'll be removing my radiator, super easy and avoids possible damage.