Can the timing chain be replaced on a 1995 4WD Ranger 4.0 pushrod V6 without removing the engine?

 

Yes, its behind the water pump and timing chain cover
Need to loosen and lower the oil pan a bit in the front

4.0l OHV timing chain was bullet proof same as 3.0l Vulcan, so odd to have a problem with it, but its tensioner can fail, its rare

 

What would some of the more prevalent symptoms be of a rattling timing chain? I have a strange rattling sound when letting quickly off the accelerator while under load, or right as the transmission changes gears. Truck has 250k miles on original engine.

I guess I’m wondering if there are situations that cause a timing chain rattle to be more noticeable?

 

With engine COLD
Remove fan belt from crank pulley, so no accessories spinning
Get a stick or long screwdriver or metal bar to use as stethoscope, or a stethoscope, lol

Start engine, battery light will stay on, no alternator, thats OK
Engine bay will be VERY quiet with no fan or accessories spinning
Listen for the rattle, REV engine if needed, try to locate the noise, front/back, left/right, high/low
If you have a helper have them put trans in gear

You can ONLY run the engine for 1 minute, 2min MAX, without a water pump, which is a long time to look for a noise
And you can repeat this test anytime engine is COLD again

If no rattle then spin each accessory pulley by hand, maybe the noise is a failing bearing for a pulley

 

Thank you, will try it this week.