my truck is coming up on 100k miles and i am going over it just making sure everything is in good working order. i read today that my truck has a timing chain instead of a belt. is there any special consideration in changing this? Will it even need to be replaced? the instructions in my haynes manual seem to be a little more complex than a belt replacement. should i go ahead and plan on changing the cam and crank sprockets? i have also read that some recommend replacing the water pump and thermostat when replacing a timing belt, is there anything else that should go ahead and be changed while i am in there? i am going to do the waterpump and thermostat , but was wondering if anything else should be changed as well. Thanks

 

It does not need to be changed it has a lot longer life then a rubber belt. and i have read how to do this in the shop manual and it is not a simple job. it takes some special tools and there are no keyed gears it is all done on friction clamping (ie: the crank bolt holds everything in line with the crank #1 position.)

 

On the 2.3 if your belt breaks it won't damage, you'll just be stranded where it happens. Here is a link that explains the procedure and tool-should be basically applicable to you:
https://ford.justanswer.com/uploads/...iming_belt.pdf

Here is a recent post on the point as well:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...xperience.html

I've heard of people getting away with using a pry bar or similar instead of the tool but I wonder if the parts store would have a loaner like they do for many special tools [if you buy the part].

My Ford info says the belt should be changed at 120,000. It was more repair than I wanted to tackle but I did it at 107,000 on my truck because it was going off to college with my son in a small town. I wanted it done here by someone I knew. And yes, when I did it, I also had the water pump and t-stat replaced as "while I'm in there you might as well" repairs. I wouldn't think you'd need to replace sprockets absent damaged teeth.

 

Customstringer the engine hae has is not the Lima 2.3 it is the new improved (maybe) 16 valve dohc motor with chain driven cams and oil pump.

 

Sorry about that, saw the 2.3 and did not pay attention to the year. Forgot about the newer 2.3 that came in after the 2.5. You have the Duratec. Somebody hit me with a piston.