Hi,

I just bought my first pickup, a 1994 DX Ext. cab, RWD with 176,000 miles. LOVE IT!

When my mechanic inspected it prior to purchase he said that the timing chain is making noise (I don't mind the noise) and that on most vehicles they would say to wait till it breaks before replacing but on this truck they recommend replacing it now. He said something about how the timing chain is over the oil pan and that if it breaks it stuff could get into the oil and potentially cause engine damage. Another person said to just wait. I certainly don't want to have to replace the engine for not doing the timing chain. It's about $1000.00 o to replace the chain

I'm wondering whether to do it now or wait.

Does anyone have experience/advice about this?

Thanks!

If your TC is worn enough to make noise, the plastic guides have disintegrated and you already have "stuff" in the pan.

The reason you can't wait until it breaks is because the 22R series are an "interference" engine.
It can result in engine damage.

$1000 is too much, and if you're slightly mechanically inclined you can do it yourself.

forwrd1 is right. It's metal on metal contact right now. If it slips or brakes, the engine is toast.

if the chain breaks then it will ruin the head if its interference. this will cost upwards of $1000 to fix. you can fix the timing chain yourself if you go get a haynes manual, it will tell you how to do it. dont ignore it too long, just go buy the manual and do it yourself.