Happy New Year!

I've got a problem with my ranger that I could use some help with, from some guys/gals who have some experience with timing chain problems/repairs. I do have a ford repair manual for the 03 ranger covering all motors, so if anybody needs a page scanned or help with something, i'll try my best.

my ranger is an 03 4.0l, 4x4, got about 160,000km. Had the clutch master and slave cylinder, driveshaft(balance weights came off) changed under warranty. I did the brakes on 4 wheels, lower ball joints and upper control arms, front wheel hubs, so far!

Ive been hearing a tick/ting sound coming from the front, though it was idler pulley for the serpentine belt. Took it all off, started it, just the crank pully turning, noise was still there. Turned it off and turned the crank pulley by hand, must be 2" of slack in the timing chain! Bring the idle to about 2500 and you can hear it slapping, the loose chain!! Im afraid of piston to valve contact if it jumps a tooth or 2!! One repair shop I spoke to said you can usually get away with changing the primary chain and wouldn't have to change the ones in the heads. Do I have to worry about the "balance shaft and chain" for the 4x4's . Is that in the way of the primary chain? Diagrams arent too clear in the ford manual.

Are there any other companies that carry these parts or its just dealer only. Saw them at AutoZone, but 3 month warranty, how good are they. Would I need the 2 gears along with the chain and guide and tensioner?

Thanks in advance, and hope you all have a good 2011!!
Cheers!
Kevin

check this thread, it may have some answers for you
timing chain?