How to identify year of my 3VZE engine

[mikedks]

Hey Guys,
I have a 95 3.0, am rebuilding the top end, well, just got my timing belt kit the other day, and lo and behold, the timing parts are different than what is on my motor. Apparently mine has a spring tensioner which I have found is from a pre-93 3.0 engine. So I guess my engine was replaced at some time in the past.

Two quick things:
1.How do I identify what year motor is in my 4Runner?
2.If I switch my timing belt kit out for a say 92 kit with the spring, will I be OK,
or is there anything else to look for?

Thanks

 

[Hyde802]

88-92 uses a spring tensioner for the belt, 92-95.5 uses a hydraulic tensioner.

Yes, you should swap your kit out for one with a spring.

Everything else should be the same.

Also, your motor will have a VIN stamped on it. Then you can find out what years its from.If I remember corectly, the # is on the LT front side of the block

 

[mikedks]

Thats what I thought, but wasn't positive. I'll just exchange my kit for an earlier one. Looks easier to replace the spring than mess with the hydro tensioner anyway.

Thanks!