Ford Repair: timing chain tensioner, ford explorer sport, timing chain replacement

Question
I recently bought a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport with 107,000 miles on it after 3 day's I began to hear a rattle in the engine at first I thought it might be the exhaust so I took it to ford dealer here in Marion and they told me it was the timing chain tensioner.They said it would be 2000.00 to fix and 5000,00 to replace the motor.But I have heard from others you can replace just the tensioner without removing engine.If this is true how would you go about doing this, i've heard from another person but I want a second opinion from a expert.And can you buy just a tensioner at my local auto stores they only sell the timing chain replacement kit's.

Answer
It all depends on which tensioner is defective. The left front, or the right rear. If indeed it is the right rear, then yes, the engine requires removal. Several of your name brand parts stores like autozone and advance auto have excellent salvage programs. I don't believe that I would be ready to scrap an engine due to a timing chain tensioner though. Shop around for a better price. The dealer is always your safest bet, but when it comes to that many hours of labor, try a local trusted mechanic. Ask some friends, word of mouth is your best resource.  Contact your local BBB for complaints of local garages. That is a considerable amount of money, so make your choice with care. You want a garage that will stand behind their work, no holds barred.