I live in Baltimore Maryland, and cannot find the crankshaft and camshaft holding tools anywhere. is it really necessary to have them while doing the timing belt change? if it is anyone have any suggestions where i can find them. i feel like i have called everywhere. if i dont need them then what exactly do i need to do to make sure the timing and everything will be ok. pictures would really help. thanks.

There aren't any tools you need.

Just make sure you dont move them while you are changing the belt.

They do not move very easily.

For the 2.8 you can rig up a long screw driver type holder that will keep the top cam sprokets from moving. With the 1.8t its not necessary, but with the 2.8 it would be wise from what i know.

You could always mark the correct position with marking paint in case it gets moved.

you can find them on ebay, both are about $90 shipped. Its not really necessary but I wouldn't take any chances.

so im guessing i can "ghetto rig" something for the crankshaft. if i just pay close attention and make sure the cams pulleys/gears for the cams dont move will i be ok?

oh yeah, im also having trouble getting the whole assembly for the fan off. im assuming that i need to take it off in order to get the timing belt off. any help, i have the 2.8

theres a special tool needed for that too but you can probably do without it, and the fan clutch assembly is righthand thread.

what do you mean right hand thread? i still cant get the damn thing off. i have included some pics so i can bettet describe whats going on....
so in this first one i circled the whole fan assmebly, which is waht i need to take off
[IMG]local://upfiles/9590/05B552A0BABF4950B9458FE736AD9200.jpg[/IMG]
the second picture shows the 2 bolts i have removed from the housing, yet it is still on there snug.
[IMG]local://upfiles/9590/9CCA026F98B148A1A4B4D0C53B33B959.jpg[/IMG]
and lastly is a close up, im guessing i need to remove the large nut but i cant do it because it and the pulley turn freely.
[IMG]local://upfiles/9590/2C5617E41DB645F2945610AEF17899DF.jpg[/IMG]
can anyone help me out here?? this is the last thing i need to do before i can get this whole project finished.... thanks.

You can mark the cams so you'll know if they have moved or not, or rig something to hold them like you said.

Mines a 1.8t, so I did not have to remove the fan clutch. Are you sure it needs to be removed?

Any 2.8-ers know if this must be removed or not?