96 4Runner V6 Overheating, Head Gaskets, Timing Belts ?

[mikey-4R]

Hello
My wife's 4R overheated too many times (no matter what I tell her to do she doesn't do it) due to a leaky radiator, and, it finally caused a head gasket to leak profusely (alot).
I;ve told her if it were me, I'd buy another $2-3k car as BOTH head gaskets should be done AT LEAST, as the engine overheated too many times. These repairs will cost almost $2k anyways for both head gaskets.

Her 'family mechanic' says he can fix it (although he does not know about the radiator even though I tell her to tell him) but he says he should replace the timing belt when it's apart.

BUT, I though only 4 cylinder engines used timing belts?
I thought a V-engine used timing chains ?
Does it make any sense to do only ONE head gasket ?

I think i found some pics which the timing belt...1 question answered.

Last question is, should both head gaskets be replaced ? Of course I'd say.

 

[kball]

I would do both head gaskets. The 3.4 V6 has a belt.

 

[ironhippy]

3rd gen 4runners (96 - 02):
3.4 v6 has a belt
2.7 4 cyl has a chain

I believe the v6 in the 4th gen 4runner has a chain

 

[mikey-4R]

Shoukd I replace the Water Pump too ?

OOOPS - it's a 95 the title says....

Since it overheated 2-3 times, should I replace the WP too ?

Anything else while it's all apart ?

Does the radiator come out when doing the head gaskets ? That's what started leaking first.

 

[brian2sun]

You need to get the heads and block inspected and then resurfaced before you just slap on new HGs. Since it overheated, you will have some degree of warpage. That warpage must be measured and resurfaced or you stand a very high chance of having HG problems again in the not-so-distant future. Get a new radiator and do the timing belt and W/P while you're in there.