Timing chain/gear questions

[jimlj66]

How much slack should the chain have? Would a loose chain cause my vacuum to flutter?

How tough is it to change gears and chain with the engine in the car?

Can someone give me a step by step? I think I have all the tools needed with the exception of pullers that may be needed.

 

[rbohm]

How much slack should the chain have? Would a loose chain cause my vacuum to flutter?

you should have no more than about 1/2" slack max. and yes a loose timing chain can cause vacuum flutter.

How tough is it to change gears and chain with the engine in the car?

it isnt that hard to change it in the car, but you do need a puller for the balancer.

Can someone give me a step by step? I think I have all the tools needed with the exception of pullers that may be needed.

the best step by step instruction you can find will be in a repair manual, you should have one anyway if you are going to do your own work. haynes puts out a good manual, as does chiltons. the best manual however is going to be a ford shop manual. you can find these from a number of vendors, but they are a bit costly.