99 SOHC timing chain dying

[Cowboytrukr]

So, I started Ruby this morning and she was giving me the timing chain rattle pretty badly. Time to do surgery and I want to make sure to buy the right kit. I see kits for balance shaft and non balance shaft vehicles. Is the balance shaft issue the one on the transfer case?

Thanks in advance.

99 4.0 SOHC XLT

 

[J_C]

You should have the balance shaft if it has 4WD instead of RWD.

 

[Cowboytrukr]

Thank you, Sir.

Just watched a video about it. WTF? Seriously Detroit? Wow. How can that be good?

Oh well. Now to try to find a non-Cloyes timing kit.

 

[Cowboytrukr]

Ok, found a couple of replacement parts kits. The Motorcraft kit is $550. Staying away from Cloyes, I found a Melling kit, Model 3398S.

Does anyone have experience with this kit?

I’ve even seen ones for less than $200. What’s up with that?

 

[J_C]

I don't know which kit is best but there's probably a large topic about this. Check the stickies at the top of this forum.

 

[Tech By Trade]

What ever you do, don't get the engine tech one. Its rebraded Chinese garbage.

 

[Cowboytrukr]

Thank you very much TBT!