looking for good timing chain guides

[Novajoe]

I figure I should probably replace my timing chain guides before my timing chain puts a hole in my cover.

All of the replacement parts I've looked up seem like they're just plastic replacements. Are there any good METAL guide replacements? I'm not looking to do this more than once and if I can find a good replacement I'd rather go with that. Preferrably with a whole relative gasket kit to go with it.

Pretty sure I'm not going to need to replace the gear/chain. Although i may replace the tensioner while I'm in there. Anyone know of a good kit to go with?

[Amays U G37S]

You have a KA24DE motor in that King Cab or is it the VG30E? or DE? I'm not for sure. Anyways...

I've long researched this for the KA24DE, and spoke with NUMEROUS people on the timing chain replacement.

Buy the stuff from Autozone for the truck. You cannot go wrong. None of those parts are plastic (I believe).

[Novajoe]

yea it's the ka24de.

the autozone stuff was the first that I checked. From the pictures online it seems like the only thing metal on it is the actual bracket that mounts to the block. Dunno, if it's tried and tested I'll probably just end up going with that.

I'm also trying to find a replacement valve cover. I would hate to start this and end up seeing that I need to replace the valve cover and not have one handy. If anyone has one available I'd be willing to buy it off of you.

[seang]

If you have a stock 97, it is an E motor and not a DE.

I'm not sure if there are any all-metal guides available; but rather ones that are partially metal, lined with plastic. I could be wrong, but I have not seen any all-metal stuff online or anywhere else.

[mrecoolgar]

The original guides were all plastic.
The replacement ones I got were metal backed with plastic.

[Novajoe]

well I just finished getting the motor torn down to replace everything. What a hassle!!! the tension side guide is broken but still functional. Glad I got to it before it broke all the way.

I was originally hoping to reuse stuff like the headgasket and headbolts, but looking at the condition of the gasket it might just be better to replace both. Although I'm more than likely going to go without resurfacing the head. I'll see how it looks up against a straight edge and go from there.

Some of the exhaust manifold studs broke off when I was taking it off, even with the dousing of pb blaster I gave them. Any ideas on replacing those? I might just try and get by without them for now, or try to put new nuts on whats left of the studs...

Probably going to go ahead and replace all the heater-hose and replace all the hose clamps while I'm doing this as well. They're in pretty rough shape and these original hose clamps SUCK!!

[NWBadGirl]

If you use a PREMIUM oil filter and change oil & filter regularly, PLUS make sure your oil pump screen is not plugged (you can use an air hose when changing oil to blow back through oil filter mount and clear the screen) It will help immensely in saving your guides. As for the broken exhaust studs...... Happens to the best of 'em. Keep soakin them with penetrant and give them a few taps to try to knock them loose. If that doesnt work drill out the old ones (carefully) and tap to a larger bolt/stud size. If you try to put it together without enough stud, you will be wasting your gaskets and will have to live with the constant ticking of the exhaust leak until your manifold cracks or breaks. Good luck

[mrecoolgar]

I had two exhaust manifold studs that broke.
One came out with vise grips, the other came out with an easy out.
See my 'Redo Transformation' for specifics on new hardware.