Excuse my limited knowledge but where is the timing belt located on a TJ and how often does it need to be replaced? Timing belt (or chain) and the serpentine belts are different, correct?
Thank you!

Normally they are on the front of the engine under a sealed cover and it connects to the crank and cam.

Like he said. I've replaced one before and it wasn't real hard, but it wasn't easy. At least on ramps with a jack. That was in a Ford Escort with a front drive sideways motor. I don't think it will be too hard in the jeep. It seems like the manual says at 60,000 but I could be wrong.

Yes, a serpentine and timing belt/chain are different. I agree with mike, yours is located at the front of your engine uder a cover and are typically replaced when an engine is being rebuilt due to high milage. Your serpentine is a different animal, typically replaced every couple years or when there is noticeable cracking and deterioration present on the belt.

So I've changed the serpentine a few times and it looks good. How often do I need to replace the timing belt? I've never done it - bought it with 38k and now has 82k miles.
Thanks!

When I did the one on the escort it had just over 62k on it but it broke going down the freeway. Luckily no valves were bent and I just had to replace the belt. I had another older car that the timing belt broke on and I had to pay to get it done, ouch. 200.00. It happened right at 60k miles. I've always been told it is a good idea to change them around 60k but there are many opinions on it. I would imagine jeeps usa a belt, but some vehicles actually have a chain I believe.

Jeeps use a chain - with the exception of possibly the 2.4L, and I'd assume the new v6 in the JKs as well (note that 2.4l is not a 2.5L). If you have a 4.0L or 2.5L - you have a chain.

Timing Belts should be replaced or inspected every 60K miles

Timing Chains should be replaced or inspected every 80K miles

Chains are somewhat better because they are a lot stronger and will last longer. But if you have a belt and a seal leaking oil on it, you can kiss it goodbye a lot sooner.

A Serpintine belt, also called a drive belt, sits on the furthest part of the motor twords the front of the vehicle which drives all of the accesories like your power steering, A/C, water pump, fan etc.

Leo have you ever replaced a timing belt/chain? If not i would recomend you take it to a professional. If you put it on wrong you can easily cause permanent damage to your engine. This cause a lot of damage to the following and many more i've not listed: intake manifold+components on it, engine block, head+components, pistons+components.

Thanks to all. I am actually taking it into the shop tomorrow.

So...quick question again. I left the Jeep in the shop and just spoke to the mechanic and he said that since my TJ has a timing chain (not a belt) I don't need to replace it till it has at least 100k miles on it. Right now I'm at 82k. Does this sound right? Have any of you guys/gals ever had it replaced?
Thanks!

As long as he's got it cracked open, change it.

Is it a jeep shop or just a run of the mill shop.. Call the dealer and ask them. Mine has 136k on same timing chain it came with. Is the jeep hard to start, missing etc... why do you think it needs replaced?

Not a Jeep shop, I wish I knew of one close or semi-close to me. I was just concerned about proper maintenance. I'll see if the manual says something or call the dealer to get the standard replacing mileage if any.
Thanks so much!

I found this:
http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/Do_Jeeps_hav..._timing_chains