while replacing the timing belt ,after lining up crankshaft pulley to front cover,: can you not use tool( 1) factory j-38613a to lock the front camshafts 2 4 6 on thier flats WHILE HOLDING 1 3 5 CAMGEARS WITH SMALL VICE GRIPS ,IE;not removing the intake plenum and rear valve cover because the flats on the rear camshaft #1 3 5 are 180 degress off and the timing is correct, this is known because the vehicle ran in the door ,then mark your cam gears and crank gears with markers ,the replace the belt idlers and tensioner as required ?

 

I did a little research on this with Youtube and found this link for you to check out.
You may not get a response here cause not may folks have this car anymore.

 

Step 1. Get a shotgun.

Step 2. Stand back.

Step 3. Pull the trigger and put the car out of your misery.

I loved looking at my '96, I loved the interior (much more than the current one), and those seats, legendary for having no side bolsters, are the most comfortable ones I ever drove in. But the 3.4 never made anything close to 215bhp, even when it was running correctly, and it almost never ran correctly. Combine that with the stellar reliability of the 4T60-E, and what you have there is called a "lemon." Put a shell in it and get on with your life.

 

thanks i'll check it out