Buick Rainier, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy

scottc454

Dealers seem to follow a "customer is always wrong" rule. You need to be persistant for something like this.

There is a fuse in the engine compartment for the cooling fan. If you pull this fuse and the fan still stays locked up, this proves the clutch is broken.

Is the fan fully locked up all the time?
There are some legitimate times when it should go into tornado mode:

1) Just after starting it, it sometimes takes some revs to drain out fluid and unlock the clutch.
2) When offroading in 4LO - I think the computer turns it on in anticipation rather than waiting for it to get hot.
3) When engine coolant and/or transmission fluid is indeed getting hot.

I had my fan clutch replaced a while back. The fan would come on while on the highway. I got an engine code, however. They don't seem to argue with engine codes.

bobmn

I did a factory order of a TB and picked it up 08/01. At 53 miles developed an engine miss from a problem with an ignition module. Then at 300 miles developed a ticking in engine. Truck was in shop 3 times for a total of 24 days for this problem. They replaced the cam actuator finally at 1300 miles which required them to remove the hood, grill headlights and radiator. They pulled the front and top of engine apart. To get the oil pan off they had to remove the front axle, the steering, cv joints, suspension, a-frames and brakes. That was a year ago, the ticking is gone but I don't think the truck has the power it should have since they worked on it. Took it back few months ago and was told, cannot duplicate problem, its characteristic of this engine. Anway, I'm still living with that but very unhappy with truck because of it. I have 6700 miles on truck now and was doing the scheduled maintenance that the manual says is required at 7500 miles. Rotate the tires and check the front and rear differentials. Well, the front differential is empty. There are no leaks, the dealer had to have forgotten to put oil in it when they put the axle and suspension back together. That was a year ago and almost 6000 miles. I imagine any problems won't show up until later, until its out of warranty. I am contacting dealer today and I'm going to insist on a free extended warranty. I expect to get opposition from dealer so am prepared to take it up the ladder as far as I can in GM. I've had all the other smaller issues also, dash gauges going out, mirrors jiggling, seal on tailgate license plate insert, body panels realigned, paint chip repaired that dealer put in door while it was in his shop, pcm reprogrammed and the high shift points with lousy city mileage. I just don't feel very confident about the longevity of this vehicle.

anonymous02

...or I missed it.

Are the Trailblasers available with a front bench seat? I am assuming the rear is a bench, correct?

How many people can sit across? 2 or 3?

Thanks

kgbkahnk

The TB only comes with front bucket seats, and a 70/30 split bench backseat. Three sit across it nicely, or in my case, 2 car seats and one adult.

anonymous02

I was hoping for a 3+3 option like in the old wagons.

Thanks, though.

burdawg

That was one of the reasons I was looking at the Durango when considering what to buy. It's available with a bench seat in front. When the wife found out though that was the end of that, she didn't want anything to do with that bench seat.

anonymous02

Why not?

I find the bench seats to be more comfortable, and roomier. Does the Durango seat 3 up front? Not for always, but are there 3 belts? (Not that if we wanted 3 across in front that we'd be wearing them anyhow; it would most likely be for short jaunts.)

tblazed

This is an interesting item. Looks like someone was taking a break on the welding line! Interesting to note too that GM will eiter REPLACE the vehicle or give the owner a REFUND. Fortunately for GM it seems to only effect 46 vehicles.

October 15, 2002
General Motors Has Recalled the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Envoy
(SafetyAlerts) - General Motors Has Recalled the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Envoy because of a potential for missing welds.

Number of Units Affected: 46

Manufactured: 02/2002 - 09/2002

Defect Summary:
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE MISSING WELDS ON THE REAR FLOOR PLAN.

Consequence Summary:
IN A CRASH, MISSING WELDS COULD DEGRADE PERFORMANCE OF THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND OCCUPANTS COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR MISSING WELDS. IF MISSING WELDS ARE FOUND, GM WILL EXCHANGE THE VEHICLE FOR AN EQUIVALENT VEHICLE OR PROVIDE A REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 4, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

ficuss

bobmn: Call 1800-222-1020. This is the Chevy Customer Assistance center. Start a service request file number and be persistant about your claim. They will offer you something after a few calls.

Frank

st1100v4

I discovered this site over the weekend and read through a number of the posts (no way I could read ~8000!). First I must say I feel lucky; I was a little hesitant in buying a first year model and had never owned a GM before - Ford man. I have had my Bravada for 7 payments and 9000 miles and have taken it back 0 times. The only item needing attention is a right marker/turning lamp that doesn't keep out water very well.

One thing that (IMHO) doesn't get mentioned near enough here is the amazing performance of the I6. It was THE reason I picked this vehicle over the Explorer. It out powers, out torques, and out economizes both the V6 AND the V8 of the Explorer (for nitpickers, I think the torque rating of the V8 might be slightly higher). I'm getting a true 17.7 mpg on my commuting; about .5 less than the DIC indicates. Yes, I don't have much stop-and-go on my commute, but I still think it's quite good for this size/weight vehicle. I was checking my transmission fluid the other day with the engine on and other than the fan turning (slowly!), you literally would not have known the engine was running. It has 0 vibration/movement. I also like getting on it at times just to hear it sing at high rpm.

Nothing is more aggravating than a new vehicle which is chronically in the shop, except maybe most dealers' response or lack thereof, so I sympathize with those with problems. But, count me very happy.

bobed2121

Well congratz st100v4. I too thought the same thing initally. But now after 11000 miles I have a passenger door lock that won't respond to the remote. The wandering mirrors are again an issue (however I think the dealer never fixed them in the first place). The engine fan is stuck on tornado mode (to steal the phrase from scottc454). Service-engine-soon light is now on and awaiting a service call this thursday.
But besides that and what will be more to come I'm sure, I really love driving this thing. That is I'm comparing it to a 1983 chevy pickup that I had been driving for the last 18 years, that only has needed a transmission replaced. So I hope your in the 0.08% that has no problems with your Bravada.

Signed:
Trendy sucker

gam2

Well, my Bravada has now been in the shop 30 days.
My last trip to the dealer (as requested by GM) was for 8 problems. The dealer told me they addressed 5 of them. They lied and only addressed 3 of the problems. Plus, it took me 30 minutes to fix/repair the things the dealer screwed up. I have arbitration scheduled with the BBB Auto Line. I need to go this route before I pursue the Wisconsin Lemon Law. GM has sucked out EVERY ounce of enjoyment that should come with the purchase of a new vehicle. I'm not mad anymore, just impatient waiting for the inevitable buyback.

GAM

pete2002

Bob, you mentioned in your last post that your truck 'Then at 300 miles developed a ticking in engine', could you elaborate on this more? That is, was the ticking heard at idle only or at other engine speeds. What engine temperature was this noise more prevalent, if any. You mentioned that they finally discovered that it was the cam actuator that was causing the ticking, what exacly happened to it and were there any adverse risk to performance besides the noise?

cebteb

Well I finally took the plunge and purchased an 03' Bravada last Saturday. Pewter with side impact air bags, self-leveling suspension, P255/60 series tires, polished wheels, sun roof, memory package, heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, and Bose system. Paid invoice minus the $1,500 cash back.

I had been longing to get one since I first saw it at the Denver Auto Show in March 2001. Did a test drive of it, a Toyota Highlander, and a Dodge Durango at a GM roving test track in June 2001. That experience enhanced my desire for the Bravada and nixed any interest I had in the Highlander or Durango. They didn't compare in power, steering, braking, and general performance on the road course.

Almost bought a 2002 last summer, but after reading the comments in this forum I decided to wait for the "piston slap" fix with the 2003 engines. After 2 days and 150 miles, it is everything I wanted in an SUV. I hope I can say that a year from now.

I do feel sorry for some of the folks on this forum who have apparently bought "lemons" and are suffering through the process of getting things fixed. I'm parting with a factory ordered 1991 S-10 Blazer, 2-door, sport model with 130,000 miles. I racked-up over $12,000 in warranty work on that puppy in 3 years. I assumed it was asembled on a Friday afternoon, because nothing was done right. After the agony, it gave me good service, with low maintenance from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, then everything just got worn out.

But some of the whining on this forum makes me wonder if the writer has ever owned and driven a motor vehicle before. Now I wonder what vehicle they are talking about, because the Bravada isn't a "dog" off the line (blows-away a lot "sports" sedans from what I've seen), is easy to drive, handles well in city, country, or expressway driving, is very quiet unless you stomp the gas (which is as it should be), and provides a much better ride than an Explorer or Grand Cherokee; almost sport sedan like. In fact, my wife is jealous because she likes the Bravada's ride and feel better than her Chrysler 300M.

Anyway, I'll post any issues that develop with my 2003 Bravada and probably be searching for or asking about accessories (door edge guards, slash guards, step rail, and nose deflector/protection) for the Bravada. Beautiful vehicle and decades advanced over the first S-10 Blazers. My $ 0.02!

tidester

Congratulations! We're looking forward to reading all about your experiences!

tidester, host

bobmn

Ficuss Thanks for the information, that helps. I'll keep you posted on how I come out on this.

prijay

Well here we go this is my third trip to the dealer since i bought the Trailblazer EXT LT in August '02.
The first trip was for 1)loose front bumper 2)The second row middle seat belt would not work 3)A/C will not blow cold air until the vehicle was moving. They fixed the first two problems but for the A/C they couldn't find anything wrong.
The second time i had go in because when i was filling gas in the vehicle i saw fuel leaking from under the vehicle. Took it to the dealer and you guessed it dealer could nor duplicate the problem.
The third visit was on Friday 10/18 when i was filling gas and i noticed the leak again. Went straight to the dealer and left my vehicle. The dealer called Saturday and said they found a leak and they were going to replace the gas tank. I am driving a rental in the meantime which the dealer provided and will probably come to know the status of my truck today. I also told them to check the A/C again as mentioned earlier it will not blow cold until the vehicle moves. Does anybody else have problems/issues with their A/C??
Just a question for all of you out there the dealer did not fix the leak in the gas tank the first time around and i was driving the truck for a month with a leaking gas tank which was very dangerous. Instead of hollering and shouting and creating a scene at the dealership (which i did not do) is there any other course of action that i should take??
Apart from the leaking gas tank and A/C issue i like the truck very much. It drives and handles very well and to top it off plenty of power i love the engine.

bobmn

Pete2002 The ticking noise could be heard outside the truck when it was idling. I could not hear it inside the truck at idle or on the road. The noise was there all the time no matter if engine was cold or hot. Anytime I got out of truck with engine running I could hear it. Only way I can describe it is to say it sounded like a spark arcing or a muffled lifter ticking. The dealer had a lot of trouble finding and diagnosing it. First they tried dialectric grease in spark plug boots, then replaced each ignition module and when this didn't work they contacted GM. GM told them to replace the cam actuator. Its a big tear down to get at it. I drove the truck about 1000 miles before they found the problem. While they were figuring out what to do they kept giving me the truck back and told me to drive it, it wouldn't hurt it, in fact they said the ticking might go away with some miles. Replacing the cam actuator did stop the ticking noise but it seemed to me that the growl you hear when you step on the throttle a bit hard was now there at very light throttle. I also think the truck doesn't have as much low rpm power as it used to have but its really hard to say for sure. When I'm doing 55 on level road I can keep pushing down on the throttle in small increments all the way to about three quarter throttle and the truck won't pick up speed. In fact the tach drops a few hundred rpm and the engine starts growling. Its not until I push it down faster or past three quarter throttle that it then downshifts and picks up speed. Going up an incline like around an onramp to freeway or up small to moderate hills on the highway it is even more noticeable. Of course the dealer doesn't agree with me. They say its normal and characteristic of this engine.

anonymous02

When did these come out? What model year, and what actual year (and month)?

What BIG fixes happened when, and in what models?

I might be interested in one in a year or two, and let someone else take the hit in depreciation, but don't want a buggy one.

st1100v4

Are you really telling us that you had GM tear down your engine for a ticking sound that was so light that "I could not hear it inside the truck at idle or on the road"? A vehicle with many thousands of miles and years of warranty remaining. What did you have to lose by just driving it, other than the aggravation of being without your truck and getting it back "not quite right"? While we seem to be trained to scoff at everything the service department says, it is possible that the noise would have subsided on its own. At worst, if the problem was cam/valve train related and deteriorated, the fix wouldn't have gotten any worse (pulling the head, etc.). I know, a new vehicle should be perfect, but you still have to balance the scope of the problem against the downsides.

As a general note, related to the "whining" on this board, it seems that some think they have a problem because someone else says they do. As an example, I have washed my Bravada at least 20 times, and never noticed the small amount of chipped paint at the edge of the license plate insert (the gasket issue). Am I now going to take it in for a black (I presume) gasket on my white truck with possible gasket adhesive all over, etc. No way.

And don't get me started on the fan issue. The most amusing comment I read in these thousands of posts was the one from a guy, who was embarrassed that his neighbors might hear his truck fan noise as he pulled out of his driveway! Someone that "others conscious" ought to be driving a yuppie-mobile like a BMW 3 series.

ross1962

Do you know if removing the head was required in order to replace the cam actuator?
I'm asking because I think I have the same problem, but if it doesn't cause any long term effects, I may not have it fixed.

burdawg

Thank you for posting my sentiments that I've been trying to put to words for some time now. My TB already had the license plate insert gasket/goo installed when I bought it, and while it took some time to get the excess goo off it wasn't a big service issue. As far as the valve train noise, I havn't had any yet, but fully expect to, since it is common on overhead cam engines. The fan isn't any noisier than my Surburban.

kgoward

Hi all.
Been reading the posts for about 7 months now. Once you folks actually helped with a problem. Thought I would ask the board if anyone has heard of this: A thump after you start the vehicle. It is intermittent and can be heard and felt in the steering wheel, floor boards, seat. Also...when turning the steering wheel all the way to the right or left and the vehicle moving there is a thump as well...having trouble duplicating this. Could they be related. Does anyone have any similar expirence?

Many Thanks. Ken

kgbkahnk

I tend to agree with burdawg and st110v4 on the topic of fixing something that isn't *really* broken, but I'm concerned about the license gasket issue.

I've got an appt. for this saturday morning to have the gasket installed on my TB (my *white* TB). I've already got a mild paint-chipping issue, and I really, really want to avoid this becoming a major issue which might require repainting.

To all those who have had the gasket installed already: Am I making a serious/irreversable mistake?

Thanks,

burdawg

I don't think it's really a gasket, but some type of flowing sealer that they put on the housing after removing it and then re-install it, and then let it set. The only drawback I can see is the sealer expands out and has to be manually removed over time. I just scrape it off with my fingernail when washing it. Someone correct me if there is really a gasket involved. As I said it had already been installed when I bought the TB.

ross1962

Do you know if removing the head was required in order to replace the cam actuator?
I'm asking because I think I have the same problem, but if it doesn't cause any long term effects, I may not have it fixed.

ficuss

kgbkahnk: No, you are not making an irreversible mistake by having the dealer install a gasket around the rear license plate panel. One benefit of having the gasket installed is that the popping sound caused by expansion when the rear of the truck faces the sun will no longer occur. Otherwise, the gasket fits well and is something that should have been there to begin with.

Frank

ross1962

"As far as the valve train noise, I haven't had any yet, but fully expect to, since it is common on overhead cam engines. "

Does that mean it's normal and isn't going to cause a problem? I have a slight ticking at idle and under a little load (not floored)while accelerating. I had been wondering if this was just characteristic of DOHC engines, as I've never owned one.

bobmn

ross 1962 No, the head was not removed. They had the fuel injection and valve cover off. I could see the cams. The front engine cover had to be removed and that necessitated removing the radiator and the oil pan. Axle goes thru oil pan so the had to remove it and everything connected with it.

rgrossman

Leased a 2002 Bravada in February and have been a happy camper ever since. Have about 8000 miles on it now. The only warranty work I had done was for the tailgate license plate gasket (which I learned about from this forum!). Everything else has functioned just fine. This is one of the finest riding vehicles, including various cars and trucks, I've had the pleasure of owning. I pretty much second ST1100v4's sentiments.

I think I got a pretty decent deal from the dealer last winter. Received $5000 in various rebates and incentives as well as getting the dealer to buy out the remaining 6 months of my previous lease.

I'm sure I would feel differently if I spent days at the repair shop so I understand people's anger and bitterness when a highly touted suv like a triplet turns out to be a lemon. As others have also pointed out, lemons aren't unique to GM. I also think that the folks that are reading these post have to take them with a small grain of salt. Since this is a forum to discuss these cars and ask for and receive advice, its only natural that people that are having problems will gravitate here. Respectfully, not to rub salt in the wounds of the folks that are having problems, I do believe there are lots of other happy triplet owners out there. Thank to all for the great info here. Keep it comming!

anonymous02

#8139 of 8162 really? by anonymous02 Oct 21,

Why not?

I find the bench seats to be more comfortable, and roomier. Does the Durango seat 3 up front? Not for always, but are there 3 belts? (Not that if we wanted 3 across in front that we'd be wearing them anyhow; it would most likely be for short jaunts.)

bobmn

st1100v4 I was mislead on the magnitude of repair. They had the truck 3 times and didn't know what to do. The last time the service manager told me they were going to replace the cam actuator. I asked him what was involved and he said they just had to pull the front engine cover. It resides right up on top on right side. Turns out he didn't know what he was talking about. I kept calling and he said they were waiting for parts. Finally after 3 weeks I showed up unexpectedly one evening and found my truck totally in pieces. Had I known they were going to tear it apart that far I probably would have waited also to see if the ticking went away or got worse.

twinrotts

Not sure if all TB's have these or if it is somehow related to my option group that contains the auto sense wipers.
Anyway, there is a large area in the top middle of the shield with black dots.
Any explanation?
I recently installed my Easy Pass device and needed to apply over the dots.
Has not fallen off yet!!

twinrotts

Can someone please provide some details on some of the commonly posted problems discussed here.
Wandering mirrors... How much do they move? Very subtle or obvious??
Rear licence gasket... Is that the gasket that wraps the top and two sides of the center body panel on the rear hatch, or something that actually surrounds the plate?

envoy_xl_in_pa

Those dots on the windshield are related to the rain sensing wipers. They are used by the vehicle to determine when to turn the wipers on. As for the mirrors - when they are wandering, you will know. We knew because we had the mirrors set to "tip down" in reverse, and each time they tipped down, they would return to a different position - sometimes I got a view of the sky, and others I was looking right back at myself. The license plate gasket is a black strip of rubber that goes between the inserted license plate housing and the sheet metal of the tailgate. The insert is a plastic material?? and it contacts the sheet metal. The plastic expands and contracts with temperature and for some of us who were not lucky enough to get the gasket from the factory, it chipped the paint on the tailgate. I agree, the leaking goo coming from it after installation is a pain, but it is easily removed, and better than paint chips.

pete2002

Ross, in reply to your concern about long term effects, anytime an engine has tapping, ticking or any other out of the ordinary metal to metal contact noise, there follows premature wear of the component causing the noise. The question is will you still own the vehicle when the component finally fails to perform it's intended function, because it will cost you. Typically, these engines are designed to out live the useful life of the peripheral components surrounded it, however, when these things start ticking, you will be faced with some premature repairs that normally would not have occurred, assuming you performed your normal suggested maintenance. I am also faced with this same ticking or tapping noise but mine appears after the engine warms up and fades away at 800-1000 rpms. It gets really loud once it has been on the road for a while and the engine is hot. The noise comes from the upper passenger side of the engine towards the front. I suspect it is a valve or maybe the actuator? I have 3k miles and it does not seem to get better. I do not want to face thousands of dollars in repair once the warranty is up because it sounds like that would be the cost if it failed after 36K miles. I usually keep my cars a long time to take advantage of long term ownership costs and avoid the depreciation costs associated with switching vehicles every 3 to 7 years or so. I am not going to compromise my position just because it is a noise that could be acceptable since that noise was not there when I bought the vehicle. Also, I would doubt if anyone would pay me the market value of this vehicle with this noise. This is why I am arming myself with as much information so I can face the dealer once I reach the 4-5K miles that they told me to bring it back by to evaluate again. I paid good cash for this and expect the vehicle to meet normally expected operating conditions of a new vehicle that is still under warranty.

ficuss

I don't mean to scare anyone, but the ticking started just before my engine in my TB LTZ went kaput. The ticking lasted only a short time (hours) and then the engine quit altogether and had to be replaced. I was told the ticking was a cylinder sleeve that shifted positions and was being slapped by some other moving part. A comparative compression test of all cylinders should tell you if something has changed. The replacement engine does not make a ticking sound. It has 10k miles on it.

Frank

2002slt

I have the "black dots", but not the rain sensing wipers. I believe they're for tinting. Can't think of anything else...

Still love my SLT!

gam2

I'm not sure, do these engines have solid lifters or hydraulic lifters? If they are hydraulics, some ticking when cold is normal until the lifters fill up with oil. The ticking should go away when warm.

GAM

johntr

My Trailblazer is going to turn 30k this weekend. Birth date is 04/2001. I've had the "usual" tsb work performed in the first 6 months. Never lost the use for more than 3 days when the hood needed to be repainted. Other than that, I'm very happy, getting around 18mpg weekly with work commute (50 miles round trip).

I've used my TB a couple time this year surf fishing at Holgate, NJ, had no problems mucking through the sand... deep sand at times... once without air pressure adjustments (~30psi), another time with 20psi.

Gotta get the oil changed this weekend & rotate tires...

John

archdukerizzo

My Lemon Law laywer did it.
GM is buying back my lemon.
Total cost to me -$0-, total time of buyback less than 90 days. NO BBB, no arbitration. Nothing but a buyback offer right off the bat.
The only thing I took a hit for was the mileage on the car at the time when I first reported the problem (which is negligible to me, and doesn't impact the price at all)
GM has to pay the lawyer under a consumer protection law.
My problems were never totally fixed.

I just have to wait 30 to 60 days for GM to get in gear and meet me for my checks.

Thank god this nightmare is overwith. I couldn't stand having the car serviced 2 or more times a month for the SAME issues.

stever

Can I ask what the mileage hit was? I read numbers from ten cents to fifty cents a mile and up....

Steve, Host

scottc454

gam, It sure doesn't have solid lifters. If it did, everyone would be complaining about ticking noise. Solid lifters are great for performance, but are loud, and very high maintenance.
I don't they exist at all outside the world of racing and old muscle cars.

eazier

I was told by a dealer when I was looking at the 03 Envoy's that the black dot was for the XM Satilite Radio.

tblazer503

That ticking sound is pretty normal in overhead cam engines... Especially the variable valve timing type for some reason... Try test driving a DOHC Integra, or Civic SI.. you will hear the noise... except not as much perhaps(smaller engine) I have heard that there are no oil squirters for the valves, perhaps this is what the noise is coming from?? hmmm...

jw4gm

Folks, the answer is neither. There are no valve lifters at all. This is a dual overhead cam engine and there are devices called "roller followers" that transmit movement from the camshaft to the valves...my two cents.

17k very pleasing miles on the Envoy.

jw

st1100v4

That's correct, there are no lifters on this engine (though "lifters" are sometimes used with overhead cams, based on the design). There's a good overview of the engine at http://service.gm.com/techlink/html_en/pdf/200101-en.pdf#page=1 although the graphics are too poor quality to see much detail of the cams and followers.

Also, I didn't mean to mislead anyone when I talked about "pulling the head" earlier. As noted, you don't have to pull the head to get to the cams, only the valve cover. I was using that term in a generic "repair of valve gear" sense.

burdawg

On the bench seat issue:
I too generally prefer a split bench to buckets, as long as it has some contour to each side, not just a flat seat all the way across like my Suburban.
Shopping for the Durango we found that unless you go with the top of the line leather interior the seats are disappointing, kind of thin and sparton. The cloth bench seat looked and felt like vinyl. Interestingly the Dakota pickup had a much nicer optional bench seat. We don't care for leather, it gets way to hot when sitting in the Arizona sun, where we spend a lot of time.
Since whatever we bought was going to be my wife's primary vehicle so she really had the last say. I did insist on the Oak interior instead of the, IMO, boring pewter.

burdawg

I didn't mean to imply that you should ignore valve train noises, especially loud noises like some of you have reported. By all means have them looked at. I was just stating that my experience has been so expect some increase in valve train noise over time with overhead cams.
I would imagine without having any specific experience that to service any cam or timing chain issue on this engine would mean the removal of the valve cover, front cover, oil pan, and right axle on 4 wheel drive models, plus anything associated (radiator) for access.
The right axle goes through a sleeve in the oil pan so the transfer case can be mounted high up for clearance and still keep the already tall engine down low. Even if you have a two wheel drive, the holes in the oil pan are present, but are plugged.

anonymous02

"...Thank god this nightmare is overwith..."

I'd wait until the check is in the bank!