I don't think there's any sort of "matchy-matchy" thing going on with the chain/rings/freewheel. IME- the SRAM 850 and 870 chains have worked great on 5 and 6 speed freewheels with triples.
If the chain is in really sweet shape and you want to keep using it - just wrap it in a rag or paper towel and tape it to the chain stay while you do your work.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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