Is it absolutely necessary to pull the distributor to replace the timing chain on an 81 22R? I have never replaced a timing chain set before, always has been belts in prior vehicles. With them, as long as the timing marks were lined up, you slapped in the new belt, bolted it all back together and called it good.

I plan on trying to do this next weekend, got the parts...new water pump and oil pump while I'm in there. I'm praying it won't be much of an undertaking!

I think the root of my problem is a timing chain tensioner. When I start my truck, the thing is as quiet as a mouse. Get it up to temp and drive 20-30 miles and it sounds like a diesel! Popped off the valve cover, guides look good from what I can tell. Regardless of what it is, I've got the timing chain set and the new water pump and oil pump to throw in. The distributor and setting the timing back is scaring me to death!

I'm not worried about it being down for a little while, it's not my DD or anything, have an 04 Rubicon for that.....but dang do I love this little truck! Doesn't hurt that it seems to sip gas compared to my Heep!

 

Yes, it is necessary to remove the distributor. You can't get the cam gear off without removing it.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I was able to get the timing chain and other parts changed out this weekend. I applaud anyone who can do this in a few hours, it took me a full two days working from sun up until sun down to get everything lined out. I suspect a lot of my problem was due to trying to work apart parts and pieces that had been together for 30+ years. I also had to drop my oil pan due to a gasket tear when I removed the timing chain cover. I probably could have gotten by with a dab of silicone, but I felt better changing out the gasket. I bet it took a good 4 hours or work to get the dang oil pan off and changed out. It did not want to budge once I got all of the bolts out.

When I stabbed in my distributor, it was initially 180 degrees off. Once I got that squared away she roared to life!