The 3.9 has the design defect in the timing chain which causes every one
with over 50K to rattle at idle. Dodge has introduced the previously
mentioned retrofit tensioner kit to fix the problem, I've been told it's a
500 dollar job, I was talking to a local mechanic when I had the Dak
inspected and he is a Dodge fan and knows of no other way to cure the
rattling than installing the tensioner. However, the retrofit kit is
designed to work with the original link-type chain. I had a double-roller
put in, and then found out about the tensioner. So if I ever put the
tensioner on and stop the rattle, I'll have to put a link chain back
on. So installing a double-roller chain is a total waste. Mine stopped
the rattle for approx. 2 weeks.
At 02:38 PM 2/7/01 -0500, you wrote:
>Aaron,
>Check and see if the V6 and V8 timing chains and gears are the same. If so
>(which I believe they are), take and order one of the Mopar double-roller
>chains, or a high quality aftermarket chain and gear set. Same amount of
>work either way, but using better parts will definetly decrease the
>continued maintenance.
>Rich - Ashburn, VA
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: A. S. [mailto:adakota4x4@hotmail.com]
>Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 8:37 AM
>To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
>Subject: DML: Replace Timing Chain Myself???? - Help
>
>
>Ok, my timing chain seems to be on it's last leg for the second time. They
>seem to last about 38,000 miles or so for me. Hopefully the problem with
>the second one was the fact that the tensioner or guide that was supposed to
>
>be put in there was not.
>My dak sounds like a rattling piece of junk at idle and like it's going to
>fly apart in the mornings. So, I had given some thought to replacing the
>timing chain for the second time, only doing it myself this time. Now the
>questions:
>1. How difficult of a task is this?
>2. What parts will I need? (Kyle, I think you had compiled a list before)
>3. Is there a "better" quality timing chain I could get?(the last one was a
>NAPA)
>4. What is that piece that is supposed to be put in there as mentioned
>above? (tensioner.....guide...?)
>5. Does anyone have a fsm showing the replacement of the timing chain? I
>need some clear directions and would be glad to pay to have some copies sent
>
>to me.
>Any advice on this subject would be helpful. I think I can replace it
>myself for less than $350.
>Thanks!!
>--Aaron--
>95 DSRC 4x4 V6 Auto
>www.geocities.com/adakota4x4_95/
>
>_________________________________________________________________
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