timing belt or chain drive?

[ryanvs5]

I have a 99 4runner sr5. i took it to the dealer the other day for some servicing and they said that it was also time to have the timing belt along with the other belts replaced. but i was told by a friend recently that 4runners dont have belts, but use chains and therefore dont need to be replaced as often as belts. if this is the case, is the dealer just trying to rip me off or is it really time to have my belts replaced?

 

[peter78]

I am sorry to say the dealer is right. The 3.4 V6 has a timing belt and is recommended to be changed every 90,000 miles.

The 4 cyl 2.7 on the base model has a timing chain. Having said that, quite a few members go over 90,000 miles since the V6 engine is considered a non-interference engine.

 

[ryanvs5]

thanks!

great. thanks for the input. that helps a lot.

 

[Blade]

"non interference" meaning the valves don't slam into the pistons if the timing belt lets go?

 

[peter78]

"non interference" meaning the valves don't slam into the pistons if the timing belt lets go?

You have it exactly right. Here is a link about interference and non interference engines:
http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2256&location_id=3487&go=SearchGatesPopular