Rattle of death questions

[Ryan21288]

So the other day my truck just randomly started making the rattle of death. Ive been reading alot of threads and decided to tackle the repair with the engine still in the truck. I was planning on dropping the trans anyway and bringing it to my school to rebuild. So today I started by pulling the exhaust, trans pan, skid plate, intake manifold, and pass valve cover. When I did that I saw exactly what I thought happened. There is no chain guide on the top bolt. But when I used my phone to look into the timing chain area I noticed it was sitting wedged between the head and the chain. Looks like the plastic became so weak it just snapped. The guide on the tensioner looks good however. How hard will this be to change and are there any suggestions on how I should go about this. There was no warning sign of the guide starting to go. It just started rattling when I started it one day. There is no noise comming from the front only from the rear. I plan on only having this truck for a year or so. What do you think I should do? Pics are below

 

[2000StreetRod]

rear guide assembly

Your rear guide assembly probably looks like this:

It looks like the guide upper positioning bolt is worn flat on one side which usually takes several weeks after the guide assembly breaks.

It will be difficult to swap out the rear cassette working under the vehicle unless you have a lift:

Most members pull the engine:
SOHC V6 Rear Cassette Replacement

You'll need the OTC 6488 timing tool kit. Check my helpful threads for more info including part numbers and timing procedure.

 

[Ryan21288]

Your rear guide assembly probably looks like this:


It looks like the guide upper positioning bolt is worn flat on one side which usually takes several weeks after the guide assembly breaks.

It will be difficult to swap out the rear cassette working under the vehicle unless you have a lift:


Most members pull the engine:
SOHC V6 Rear Cassette Replacement

You'll need the OTC 6488 timing tool kit. Check my helpful threads for more info including part numbers and timing procedure.

I know its not going to be a fun job but i feel it would be worse to pull the engine seeing as i am pulling the trans anyway. When I baught the truck he had npt started it that day. Engine was stone cold and there was no rattle. Its got 231k on it so its been around the block a few times. I just want it to last me this winter then I will think about putting a new motor in it or selling it.