Gonna need a timing belt/water pump job on my 2000 soon; anyone have any suggestions for a good shop in Wichita, Kansas? Looking for cheapest of course, but want a good job. Don't say the dealer; not gonna happen. Thanks.

Can't help you with Kansas, but I recently found a mechanic in my city who will install any parts I bring them at a super fair labor rate. I mention this because you could get the full kit that a lot of folks here uses and trusts online and just pay for labor. A lot of shops don't want to do that these days, but it pays to ask. The job isn't that hard, but I understand the constraints of time and place for doing work yourself. I'm getting older but no less Employed Fulltime, unfortunately! Sucks.

If you use Facebook get on the KC3G4R group and ask. There’s some very good shadetree and shop mechanics in that group if you can get it to Kansas City. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some Wichita people in that group, I know there’s a few people from Topeka and manhattan

Thanks for the ideas y'all!

I don't do facebook but the wife does; have just put in a join requested to the KC group to see if anyone can help. Called my local shop that has done most of my repairs in the past; in 2020 they quoted me $1600 for the job but it wasn't close to time to do it; today they quoted me $2600! I don't know if that's a reasonable price or not but it's a bite for a fixed income guy for sure!

Endlessblockades, do you happen to have a link or where to buy to the kit you mentioned? I'm an old guy and not up to tackling the repair myself but in case I find someone who can do it. Thanks.

aircabinman on ebay check em out.

Thanks for the help. Turns out the guy I talked with didn't know what he was talking about. I have the repair scheduled for a week from today, $1K out the door. I can handle that!

I had a timing belt/water pump done earlier this year for around $1400 and that's here in CA where everything costs more. That was at Yota1performance, not a backyard mechanic either.

Ryan

Just do it yourself. You'll do it better because it's your rig and you're going to take your time and get it done right. I have videos that take all the guesswork out of it.

Part 1 covers most of what you need to know, but also watch Part 2 and read the comment I pinned (1st comment you see) for updates to the job.

Toyota Timing Belt Replacement (PART 1) for 3.4L V6 5VZ-FE (4runner, Tacoma, Tundra & T100) - Timmy the Toolman

Toyota Timing Belt Replacement (PART 2) for 3.4L V6 5VZ-FE (4runner, Tacoma, Tundra & T100) - Timmy the Toolman

I'll have to echo Tim here. Just do it.

This sort of job can be a little hard if you don't know what you're doing and or don't have a service book. With the amazing how to videos (this one in particular) it's not a problem at all. Very doable. He breaks down what you'll need for tools, torque values, and complete steps A-Z.

Thank you Tim for the phenomenal resource you've given the 3rd gen community. The channel is one of my favorites.

I'll buy the crank holder next time I do it. Went full western and used other methods to hold the crank....lol. What a rodeo but got er done.

Even for a guy like myself that has auto and heavy equipment technician experience, the videos are hella great. Thorough and excellent tips within.

2600 for that job is a bit steep, but labor is high AF these days. $160-200 is pretty common now.

What I used as well. While I was there I took the opportunity to replace cam and crank sensors also.