Dodge W100 Pickup Engine Timing Set Replacement Guide for 1968-1974
Keep your classic Dodge truck's engine in sync and avoid catastrophic failure by choosing the right timing set.
- If your V8 engine has the original timing set, you must replace it to eliminate the failure-prone nylon cam gear.
- Always buy a complete kit that includes the chain and both the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets.
- For stock applications, a quality set from Melling or INA is excellent. For performance or maximum durability, consider a true roller set from Edelbrock or Cloyes.
- This is a good time to also replace the water pump and front crankshaft seal since they must be removed for access.
Is Your W100's Timing Chain on its Last Legs?
The timing set is a wear item, but on the classic Dodge LA-series V8 engines found in many 1968-1974 W100s, it's also a known weak point. The original camshaft sprockets were made with nylon-covered teeth to reduce noise. After decades of heat and use, this nylon cracks, breaks off, and falls into the oil pan. These plastic chunks can get sucked into the oil pump pickup screen, blocking oil flow and leading to severe engine damage. Upgrading to an aftermarket set with all-metal gears is one of the most important reliability improvements you can make.
Critical OEM Part Flaw
If your V8 engine has its original timing set, the camshaft gear likely has nylon teeth. It is not a question of if it will fail, but when. It is highly recommended to replace it with a full-metal aftermarket set as a preventive measure, even if you don't have symptoms yet.
Symptoms of a Failing Timing Set
A worn or stretched timing chain will give you some warning signs before it fails completely. Listen and feel for these common symptoms:
- Rattling Noise: A distinct rattling or slapping sound from the front of the engine, especially noticeable at idle or on cold starts. This is the sound of the loose chain hitting the inside of the timing cover.
- Rough Idle and Misfires: As the chain stretches, the camshaft timing becomes inaccurate. This can cause the engine to run rough, misfire, or feel sluggish.
- Loss of Power: Incorrect valve timing from a loose chain means the engine isn't breathing efficiently, leading to a noticeable drop in performance and acceleration.
- Metal Shavings in Oil: When you change your oil, inspect it for shiny metal particles. This is a sure sign that the chain and sprockets are wearing down and grinding against each other.
- Engine Won't Start: In a worst-case scenario, the chain can stretch so much that it "jumps a tooth" on a gear, throwing the timing off completely. The engine will crank but won't be able to start.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Timing Set
Since you're shopping for an aftermarket part, you have several good options. Forget about finding a new OEM part; they are not available, and you wouldn't want the original nylon design anyway. Aftermarket is the way to go. Your choice comes down to standard replacement versus performance.
Tier 1: Standard & Heavy-Duty Replacement
These kits are designed to be durable, direct replacements that eliminate the original nylon gear problem. They are perfect for a daily driver or stock work truck.
- Melling: A highly respected name in engine parts, Melling offers quality standard replacement timing sets. Forum users often report a good, tight fit and reliable performance, sometimes preferring them over economy options from other brands.
- Cloyes (Standard): Cloyes is a major manufacturer of timing components. Their standard sets are a common choice, but be aware that some users have reported issues with excessive slack in their lower-priced lines.
- INA: A well-known OEM supplier for many manufacturers, INA provides reliable, stock-style replacement parts.
Tier 2: Performance & True Roller Sets
For modified engines, heavy towing, or just for maximum durability, a performance set is a worthwhile investment. These often feature a "true roller" chain, which has rollers that rotate on bushings, reducing friction and stretch compared to a standard "silent" chain.
- Cloyes (True Roller / Billet): The premium offerings from Cloyes, like their billet gear or double roller sets, are well-regarded in the Mopar community for their strength and precision.
- Edelbrock: Known for performance, Edelbrock's Performer-Link and double roller timing sets are a popular upgrade. They are known to be very durable, with users reporting minimal stretch even after many thousands of miles.
- Melling Select Performance: This is Melling's high-performance line, offering billet gears and high-strength chains for more demanding applications.
Pro Tip: Always replace the timing chain and both sprockets as a complete set. Installing a new chain on old, worn sprockets will cause the new chain to wear out very quickly.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace the timing set on your W100 will depend on the parts you choose and whether you do the work yourself.
| Part or Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Timing Set | $32 - $186 |
| Shop Labor | $400 - $700 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $432 - $886 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my water pump at the same time?
It's a very good idea. The timing set replacement requires removing the water pump anyway. Since you've already done most of the labor, replacing the water pump at the same time is cheap insurance against having to do the job all over again in the near future.
Is a double roller chain better than a single roller?
For most stock or mildly modified engines, a quality single roller or silent chain set with all-metal gears is perfectly adequate. A double roller chain is stronger and offers an extra margin of durability, making it a good choice for high-performance builds or heavy-duty use, but it may require checking for clearance with the timing cover.
Do I need special tools for the job?
Yes. You will need a harmonic balancer puller to remove the crankshaft pulley and a gear puller to get the old crankshaft sprocket off. It is also highly recommended to use a harmonic balancer installer tool to press the balancer back on, as hammering it on can damage the engine's main bearings.
Do I have to drop the oil pan to change the timing set?
On these trucks, you can often get the timing cover off by just removing the front bolts of the oil pan where they attach to the cover. However, the oil pan gasket can be old and brittle, so you may need to be prepared to replace the whole gasket if it gets damaged in the process.
Technical Specifications
The primary technical choice is between a standard-style 'silent' chain with cast iron/steel sprockets or a more durable 'true roller' or 'double roller' chain with steel sprockets. All aftermarket options are an upgrade over the original nylon-toothed V8 cam gear.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.