I've had this truck for a couple months and I love it. It runs great, I just SeaFoamed the engine and will be doing a oil change this weekend.

Is there any way determining the condition of the Timing chain without taking apart the engine?

I fear I might have to take it to a shop and pay an arm and a leg for them just to inspect it.

Any advice?

I wouldnt worry about it till about 150,000.I looked into changing mine and all most all auto parts stores dont even carry them.I replace a 3.0 for a guy that ran it with out oil and at 130,000 still looked good.Even after being ran dry.

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sold years ago : Dark blue 1999 ford ranger flareside supercab Xlt 2wd flex fuel 3.0 auto all factory options except 4wd. Current mods include :explorer overhead console with temp display,exterior color matched painted interior dash trim and door panel trim, auto dark rear view mirror,euro tail lights,tonneau cover,1 high flow cat,cherry bomb pro muffler into 6" oval tip exited under the rear step.

I have an 01 and it was behind the water pump. Gotta remove the pump and the plate just to look at it. My pump went out at 146k and I had the mechanic took at it before they reassembled everything and they said it was fine.