Parts for your Dodge Ram 1500
Dodge Ram 1500 Timing Chain Tensioners
Buy Dodge Ram 1500 timing chain tensioners online from 12 parts for 1994-2010 trucks, priced from $16.18 to $129.43. Brands include Cloyes, Mopar, Melling and API. Tensioners here are sold by position, such as left, right, center and upper, and by engine, including the 3.9L V6, 3.7L V6, 4.7L V8 and 5.7L V8.
Year
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Engine and tensioner position
On a Ram 1500, the engine decides the timing chain tensioner. Cab, bed, trim and 4WD do not. 1994-2001 trucks use different timing systems from 2002-2010 trucks, so parts do not cross between them.
The 3.7L V6 and 4.7L V8 use more than one chain, which means more than one tensioner. Listings name the position, such as center, left, right, left lower or left upper, and they are not interchangeable. The 5.7L Hemi uses its own design. Note your engine VIN code, then match both the engine and the exact position of the part you are replacing.
Timing chain noise and symptoms
A worn tensioner lets the chain go slack, and you will usually hear it first. Listen for a rattle or slap from the front of the engine, most often at cold start or idle. As it gets worse, the cam and crank can fall out of sync, setting timing codes and causing rough running or misfires.
In severe cases, the chain can jump a tooth and the engine may run badly or not start. Low oil pressure or old oil can cause similar noise, so check the oil level and condition before you open the engine.
Single part or full kit
Once the timing cover is off, inspect everything. Replace the chain, guides, arms and sprockets if they are stretched, grooved or melted. Guides with grooves deeper than about 1mm should be replaced. A single tensioner makes sense only when the rest of the system is still in good shape.
Cloyes and Mopar both list tensioners for specific positions, and timing kits for the Hemi bundle the chain, sprockets and tensioner. Line up the crank and cam timing marks exactly as the service manual shows. Set the tensioner as directed, since wrong tension causes noise or chain failure, and torque all bolts to spec.
More about timing chain tensioners
Read our timing chain tensioners buying guide for how the part works and what to look for in any vehicle.
Ram 1500 questions
How many timing chain tensioners does a Ram 1500 4.7L have?
The 4.7L V8 uses more than one timing chain, so it has more than one tensioner. Listings name the position, such as left or right, center or upper. Match the exact position you are replacing.
Do 3.7L and 4.7L Ram 1500 engines share timing chain tensioners?
Some tensioner positions are listed for both engines, while others are engine specific. Choose your engine in the fitment table and confirm the position named in the listing.
Is timing chain rattle on my Ram 1500 always the tensioner?
No. Stretched chains, worn guides and low oil pressure can also cause rattle. Check oil level and pressure first, then inspect the whole timing set when the cover comes off.