1998 Ford Explorer timing chain

[Tonya1998Ford]

I found broken plastic and metal bearings (looked like rod bearings but thinner) in my oil pan. So I took off the valve covers and found that it was the rear timing chain tensioner that had broken. Now I’ve pulled the engine and just discovered I have to have a special timing tool to install the new timing chains. Can I do this job without that tool since the front timing chain is still intact and hasn’t been moved?

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Without the tool, you still need something to hold the camshaft in the proper position while you tighten/torque down the camshaft sprocket bolt. Camshaft timing is precise, your dont want to go through the time and labor expense of removing the engine to work on it and not do the job properly.

 

[Tif0ez]

And while you're in there, spend the money to replace them all, it is cheaper to build it solid now than have to pull it again to fix the weaknesses..
I'd also toss an oil pump in while the engine is out..