RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Timing Chain: Service and Repair
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove Timing Chain Cover.
3. Re-install the vibration damper bolt finger tight. Using a suitable socket and breaker bar, rotate the crankshaft to align timing marks as shown in
(Fig. 77).
4. Remove camshaft sprocket attaching bolt and remove timing chain with crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.
INSPECTION-MEASURING TIMING CHAIN STRETCH
1. Place a scale next to the timing chain so that any movement of the chain may be measured.
2. Place a torque wrench and socket over camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply torque in the direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack; 41
Nm (30 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head installed or 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) torque with cylinder head removed. With a torque applied to the
camshaft sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to move. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to prevent rotation.
3. Hold a scale with dimensional reading even with the edge of a chain link. With cylinder heads installed, apply 14 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) torque in the
reverse direction. With the cylinder heads removed, apply 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) torque in the reverse direction. Note the amount of chain movement
(Fig. 78).
4. Install a new timing chain, if its movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 inch).
INSTALLATION
1. Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exact imaginary center line through both camshaft and
crankshaft bores.
2. Place timing chain around both sprockets.
3. Turn crankshaft and camshaft to line up with keyway location in crankshaft sprocket and in camshaft sprocket.
4. Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight against the chain in position as described).
