Trying to figure out if I need a new timing chain/which one I need

[Retro]

Okay so to start this off, I've been trying to get my 99 TJ ready for a 500 mile trip both ways, and as is such I've changed all fluids and done most of the maintenance that was required, but I'm having a hard time with the timing chain. It has a 4.0 in it, and from moving the crank back and forth I can hear a quiet but noticeable sound from behind the timing cover, and when running I can vaguely hear the timing chain moving, but it doesn't seem to have impacted normal performance in any way. It isn't near as bad as some of the videos I've seen, more like it's just beginning to sound different. What I'm wondering is if I should leave it alone until after my trip, or if I should change it before, and if I do change it, if I could use this timing chain kit, since from what I can see everything's identical to the more expensive one that specifically states it's for a 99-04.

This is the replacement in question: https://www.quadratec.com/p/crown-a...r-yj-tj-cherokee-xj-grand-cherokee-53020444KE

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The timing chain isn't normally replaced until the engine has a complete overhaul which isn't normally needed until at least 250k miles. How many miles are on your engine?

 

[Retro]

The timing chain isn't normally replaced until the engine has a complete overhaul which isn't normally needed until at least 250k miles. How many miles are on your engine?

At the moment it has 113k miles, though the previous owners never believed in oil changes of any kind. Once I got ahold of it I was able to take the valve cover off and found what you see in the attached image, so I'd be willing to bet there's gunk like this everywhere, though I did clean it all off the top end by hand, I haven't touched the bottom end yet.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'm still betting the chain is fine.

 

[txbemis69]

unless it’s jumped time i’d keep rolling with it.