I have a 1999 with the Contour motor that chews up timming belts, pulles etc. The shop tells me there is play in the crank which causes this problem. Any ideas?

If you can pull the oil pan easily enough you should be able to replace the bottom end bearings easily enough. This job is usually pretty easy on a fwd
This should cure your problem.

But look into a good manual like Haynes first, since there is a small chance that they use shims to hold every thing tight

I have a 1999 with the Contour motor that chews up timming belts, pulles etc. The shop tells me there is play in the crank which causes this problem. Any ideas?

The DOHC with the VCT the exaust cam gear is cocked a little side ways causing the belt to ride out on the gears. and the medal bracket that is between the cam gears and crank is chewing up the belt. Just ran acrossed that problem this week.