Uneven idler chain adjustment

[Avenger Bob]

The right side idler chain on my 2008 Avenger has too much slack, but when I do the prescribed adjustment procedure both the right and left chains adjust at the same time. If the left chain has the recommended 1/8” slack the right one is way too loose. If I tighten the right side the left is too tight.
Is it possible the right chain has stretched more than the left? Can you adjust the two sides separately?

[Murray40]

I drive an 04 avenger and had a similar experience. Replaced both chains and it helped but still recurs more often than I would like. Adjusting is problematic ie getting both sides even. I find by jacking the machine up so all 8 wheels are free wheeling and transmission in neutral helps. Another problem, which maybe unique to the 04’s, is when I torque (80 lbs)the power pack holding bolts, the square lock washers will turn and edges will contact the chassis and further tighten the chains beyond your original settings. When torquing see that these washers remain parallel to chassis.

[Avenger Bob]

I wonder if I were to switch the chains from one side to the other it would make any difference. There does seem to be any way of tilting the power pack to compensate for different length chains.

[Murray40]

Worth a try. Once you remove chains check for a stiff link. That’s a common cause too.
I have used a pry bar to tilt the power pack. Slide it under the transmission, either side, and use the large holding bolt as a fulcrum. Hold it down on the adjusting bolts to required tension and tighten.

[Avenger Bob]

I tried the pry bar but the power pack frame is stronger than me. I could not get it to tilt at all. Will try some new chains. Hopefully they will be closer to the same length and my problem will go away.