I have read here that there is a possible shortcut to replacing the cam phasers on the 5.4. somehow this can be done without removing the front cover. Has anyone out there actually seen this done, or can put me in contact with a tech who has done this. It would make life easier for me, obviously. I have a high mileage truck that has the infamous ticking noise. I am a BMW master tech and find this repair not too difficult, considering i have the repair manuals and access to the ford tools. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

It isn't a shortcut, it's what is done in the first place. It is a long metal rod that has the proper size/shape block that slips in and holds the chain.

 

I am a bit confused. the ford repair manual states that the front cover has to come off to remove the chain tensioner, to release the tension on the chain to remove the phaser(sprocket). it sounds like you are saying that you can put a tool down in the cover to press the tensioner in.