What are the parts required to replace a timing chain set to complete the repair?

I'm 99% sure that you can't set the timing, as it is controlled electronically. Even if you could somehow change the timing the PCM (computer/power control module) would reset it. Most engine have "variable speed timing" - all electronically controlled and it varies depending on the speed, acceleration, and load. As for the timing chain tension, the timing chain(s) and tensioner(s) are now typically controlled by hydraulic pressure (engine oil pressure) by a devise called a "hydraulic timing chain tensioner", also no way to adjust the tension. If there really is a need to change/adjust timing chain tension (you hear a rattle, knock, maybe a scrapping sound) it is done by replacing the fore mentioned tensioner and/or timing chain guides. Most techs, rightfully so, will replace all timing chains, tensioners and guides as one complete procedure. Changing all parts at once is normally appropriate because of labor time and cost is the same or pretty close to the same as changing just one of the parts, whether its a tensioner or the guides that is the immediate problem. It pretty risky to go to all the work and not change all the parts including the chains (some engines the chains can be reused, but only by a very experienced tech that knows a particular engine very well, but that an exception rather than the rule.) If there is a problem I'd recommended having a very experienced tech/shop do the work. Get a couple of estimates at least and believe it or not a Ford dealership with a reasonable hourly rate might be your best bet and even the cheapest or close to it. The Ford dealer will use Ford parts and the techs know their own vehicles. I have work for all major automotive manufacturers and dozens of Ford dealerships in Ohio, Michigan, a few in PA, WV, as a independent inspector. Ford dealerships are typical very fair to have work on your Ford vehicles. Small town "country" dealerships have a lower hourly rate, sometimes much lower, even lower than the "after-market" shops. (Get to know a shop and stick with them is how most people get and feel most comfortable that you're getting a good deal.)
Sorry I'm not going to proof read this I hope this helps. Nick

P.s. If you have a rattle from the timing components, get it repaired right away! If the chain "comes apart" it will most likely do very serious engine damage. (bend valves, damage pistons, even "throw a rod" (piston rod) and put a hole in the engine block. Other than not having oil/good oil in your engine this type of failure is the next biggest cause of complete engine failure (thousands of dollars)

You do not specify the engine size in your description. It used to be normal that domestic (US) engines were non-interference, but this is no longer necessarily true. However, even if the engine was a interference type, usually, any damage is limited to valves in the cylinder heads. This does not require complete replacement of the engine. Once you determine the engine size, check to find out of the engine is an interference type. If not, replacement of the timing set should solve the problem. Otherwise, you'll need to tear the engine down to determine the magnitude of repairs needed.

I noticed your question was not answered yet, so I am trying to help. I watched another mechanic perform a teardown on one of these big Northstar engines in a DTS model.

In his case, he wanted to pull the heads. Now in the process he had to remove all of the timing chains. His engine was a 4 cam, meaning there are 4 Timing chains on the motor.

The access to the Timing chains was poor. I believe you would still have to drop the motor "Cradle" to be able to remove the crankshaft damper and the front Timing chain cover. There are sprockets on the Cams which require taking out plastic access plugs in the cylinder heads to get at the Timing chain tensioners.

Depending on whether the new chain has an "open" link or if it is a continuous loop will determine if you need to remove the other Timing chains that are in front of the position of your bad chain. If the bad chain is the outermost chain, then you just remove the first chain and replace it. But if it is the last chain, you need to get to it by removing the chains in front of it.

I can tell you that the Northstars require a periodic cylinder combustion chamber cleansing with a special additive(usually annually). This additive is available at the Dealer and once you know the exact chemical, you may try to get it at an autoparts supplier if it is not a proprietary product. There is an installation process.

This product requires the engine to rest with the additive installed at least 8 hours and preferably 24 hours. It will decarbon the heads. I say this to you because unless you know for sure that a Timing chain is bad, your valves may simply be carbon fouled. I understand it can be common in Northstar engines. They are built like a race engine, but require more service.

Using this chemical could easily save you $3000 or more in motor work, and if the problem was not the carbon, it should have been done as part of regular maintainance anyway. Then go ahead with the Timing chain replacement if the chemical does not help.

Now it does pay to check around for prices. "If" you have to have the "cradle" pulled, it will be very expensive. Basically the body and the engine/transmission are separated if that gives you some idea of how drastic and time consuming this repair can be.

There are always new tools coming to market to bypass some of the obstacles in repairs. Someone may know a new trick to saving labor.

I would like to know the outcome of your situation.

If your truck has the 6.9 or 7.3 engine, which is what it should have, then there is no timing chain. Everything is gear driven. If you are having trouble with the engine pick up a copy of Haynes Diesel Engine Repair Manual, part # 10330. It has excellent repair advice and tips complete with photos and diagrams. Hope this helps.

go on eBay and buy yourself a complete timing chain kit. this includes everything you will want to replace when you pull off the timing chain cover, including the water pump. while you are there, get yourself a 5 dollar saturn S series repair manual on CD. on a car that old, time to replace the timing chain as well. this is not something you are going to do in an hour with a hammer and set of pliers, if you are not mechanically adept with a good set of tools you may want to call around and get some labor prices.

Hi,
Actually the timing chain is for a lifetime, the only thing you replace is the chain guide and the tensioner.

Hope that helps you out!

go search on ebay, they sell kits for everything. yes there are gasket kits and timing chain kits much cheaper than buying each part

this engine uses a timing chain, chains require no replacement unless the engine is being repaired or the chain or spockets fail

I am familiar with that vehicle but generally with timing chain replacement, the engine needs full access for pulley and cover removal and in some cases the cylinder head requires removal.
Generally timing chains last so that they only need replacement at engine overhaul and it is not an economic proposition to have to replace a chain unless some relative degree of engine work is also required at that time. 

Engine timing chains generally have a tensioner on them which maintains tension, but some chains can wear significantly and cause timing cover to be "ground away" because of "slop".

If the engine is making the noisy rattle of the timing chain against the cover etc, I would schedule a top overhaul (head, machine, test and valve grind) with the chain replacement dependent on mileage with the degree of action.

Some simple simplex timing chains (type of chain similar to motor bike chain) may be replaced without dismantling the engines but I would expect your chain would be a "duplex" dual sprocket type, these are most common. 
These chains are not generally expensive but replacing them can involve a fair amount of work. 

Good Luck and hope this helps, Others will have different ideas.

The best way to do that outside of having your own personal mechanic is to purchase a repair manual from Auto Zone or some other parts retailer. They have step by step repair instructions with photos based on a complete teardown and rebuild of your car. I have used Haynes Repair Manuals and they are around $20-25 each. Best investment for a used car owner.