Timing chain or gear--99' GCL

[Goldfishy]

I have 180,000 miles and actually (knock on wood), still running okay with a few minor issues. My question today is in regards to the timing chain (or belt), when does this need to be replaced? Or when are there some possible signs to get it done?

[msdz]

I have read and a lot of people reccommend replacing a timing chain at 190k miles and a timing belt at 150k miles. Just cause it might be reccommended to service or change this part at a certain time does not mean it is bad, the miles on a vehicle could be highway, city, or off-road miles. It is how the vehicle is driven that really determines the need to change a part. Like driving in dusty conditions means you should change your oil and oil filter more often than every 3k miles.
Highway miles means it is less likely to be needing a change cause less starting and stopping as in city driving, city driving your engine goes from idle to a driving rpm which is harder on your engine. Alot of things can determine whether or not you should replace your timing chain but mostly IMHO it is driving habits that determine that. 180k highway miles hasn't hurt that chain any.

[Bob D.]

Originally Posted by Goldfishy

I have 180,000 miles and actually (knock on wood), still running okay with a few minor issues. My question today is in regards to the timing chain (or belt), when does this need to be replaced? Or when are there some possible signs to get it done?

The Jeep engines come with a timing -chain- and do not have a specified maintenance interval like timing -belt- equipped vehicles.
Many, if not most, timing chain equipped engines go over 200k regularly without failure. When they fail they usually jump a tooth on the timing gear and the engine will run poorly.
I've never heard of a timing chain/gear giving any warning of impending failure.
I wouldn't worry about it, replace it when it actually fails.