So I have replaced the secondary tensioners on my 2001, what about the primary tensioners?

I've read that these are not as important because it won't skip a link of it slips.

 

In general I would say that is correct, in all the tensioner jobs I have done and trust me there has been many, I rarely find a bad primary. However that chain is connected to the crank, when slack if the tensioner failed may possibly be able to skip a tooth, of course then your whole head timing would be out and not just the exhaust cam.....