on my 400 explorer after i adjust my chain and remove my strap the chain has a ton of play in it. is this normal? when the stap is on it is about a half an inch of play.

 

What year is your Xplorer? If it is a pre-concentric drive(1998 and before) when taking off the strap it should have some play, but not too much.

If I remember right, when I do my rear chain there is about that much play but after the strap is removed.

???

 

I tighten mine with out a strap. I make sure it has about 3/4" of play as it sits. I've never had chain problems at this setting. I have a pre-concentric drive.

 

It is normal to be loose. If this bothers you, the best thing to do is get a spring loaded tensioner. Believe me, you are better off running too much slack as opposed to too little. Something can get between the chain & sprocket & if there isn't enough slack, something has to give. Usually it is the chain, but occasionally I have heard of a ruined bearing in the transmition and even a cracked case or two.