How often to replace timing chain?

[Dave22443]

My brother has a 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with the 5.9 engine.  It has 140,000 miles on it.  My advice to him is to replace the timing chain but he is not convinced it needs it.

The reason this came up is because the truck died on him on the road and we cannot get it restarted.  When it does try, it often "coughs" through the carb.  We've moved the distributer all around and cannot find a place where it will start.  Valves do appear to be moving and there is plenty of fuel in the carb.  Timing light blinks once per rotation but without it running, its difficult to tell if its "on the mark" or not.

How often should a timing chain be replaced?  (we believe its original equipment) 

[speedfreak68]

I think a timing chain should last alot longer than 140000 but I don't know how often they need to be changed. I had a problem similar in my bronco but what  it was was my ignition module went out...it would only fire when we turned the key on and when we turned it off. That might be someplace to check but i don't know much about a Jeep

[Rolling_Thunder]

Replace it - I have seen chains stretch at about 50,000 miles     for the $60 its worth it to me