[Ray Green]

It looks like a real PITA. Any advice before I dive into it?

 

[CudaPete]

It's not too bad. Remove the front passenger wheel and splash shield to access from the side. 3/4" (19 mm) wrench to realease tension from the tensioner. Then unbolt tensioner. You have to get a wrench on the nut behind the tensioner since the bolt passess through. 15 mm I think.

 

[Ray Green]

Thanks Pete.

 

[A.j. Schreiber]

do they make the double sided grooved belt and pulley for the 4th gen vans? if you're changing those out I'd recommend that kit if it's available

 

[cass]

It's not too bad. Remove the front passenger wheel and splash shield to access from the side. 3/4" (19 mm) wrench to realease tension from the tensioner. Then unbolt tensioner. You have to get a wrench on the nut behind the tensioner since the bolt passess through. 15 mm I think.

My 2002 (gen 4) T&C has a tensioner with a separate thru-bolt that screws directly into a boss on the timing chain cover. There's no nut. I believe the gen 3 vans used the nut-type design. The gen 4 type makes it a bit easier to replace the tensioner.

 

[Ray Green]

My 2002 (gen 4) T&C has a tensioner with a separate thru-bolt that screws directly into a boss on the timing chain cover. There's no nut. I believe the gen 3 vans used the nut-type design. The gen 4 type makes it a bit easier to replace the tensioner.

I saw the new tensioner has a hole and not a stud like my '96 3.0L has.

 

[chuzz]

I don't know about the 02 model, but on my 99 it was kind of a pain. I got up under mine and with a long extension and universal joint on my socket, was able to get it loose. I broke 2 universal joints before I found my Craftsman and finally got it loose. The two I broke were Durajunk from the Zone.