I've got a leaking oil pan gasket, and am planning on taking care of it next week. While I've got the pan off, would it be beneficial to replace the front cover seal and timing chain?

The truck is an 04' SE w/ just under 130k miles on it. Everything that has been done so far includes headgaskets, waterpump, driveshafts, fan, and many other D2 items of importance.

 

There is a lot more involved in removing the front cover than there is with just removing and replacing the oil pan seal.
Unless you have a bad front seal that's causing you to lose lots of oil I would leave that project for another time when it is really needed. With that many miles on the truck the timing chain will show some play in it, but doesn't necessarily call for replacement just yet.
Should you choose to dive into the front cover, you might as well install a new set of oil pump gears while you are in there.

 

If you are having to remove the front cover, yes, at least inspect the oil pump and timing chain for slop. Most chains are starting to stretch at your mileage and should be replaced by the 180,000 range for sure.

 

What he said.
Why spend time and money if you dont have to?

 

Might I ask a newbie question at this point related to the timing chain - are the Rover engines considered "interference" style if chain pops?

 

No it is not a interference engine.

 

130k put a chain in it.

 

I have discovered a slight coolant leak from the front cover so I am doing the work later this week.. will be doing the oil pump gears but will only check the timing chain. at 114K I feel that I can pass on this one. should I get the engine to survive past 150 -170K then I will be looking at doing more than that. In the mean time I do what I need. Nothing more... well other than light a few candles and offer a small lamb to the rover gods!