Timing Chain Replacement?

[an86carrera]

I am doing a clutch on my '99 C4. Since it will be up on jackstands for a while and the trans will be out, the engine will be easy to remove and I thought since my timing chains make some noise for a few seconds at start-up I might replace them along with the tensioners and guides. Does the engine need to come out for timing chain replacement?

Does this sound like a good idea or unecessary at this time? Should I take the engine and trans out together? Also, I thought it would be nice to look at all of the vacumn lines and other rubber hoses for cracks now.

Any other things I should look at since the car has 120,000 miles?

Any good suggestions for engine removal on jackstands, height, tricks or any insight?

Thanks,

Len

[wvicary]

Changing the chains is very involved and requires loads of work. Tapping at cold start is often the lifters and really nothing to worry about unless the noise worsens.