Timing belt question

[SaltyNaulty]

The timing belt on my 99 4runner was apparently changed at 61k miles in 2003, my question is why would anyone do it at only 61k miles and since its 10 years old but only 70k since it was last changed should I just do it anyway?

Thanks!

 

[Lineman]

Changed at 61K? Who knows.. Maybe the owner had extra cash or really loved the Runner. 10 years old and 70K since last changed. Sure change it for piece of mind. If you're asking, do it. You'll sleep better.

 

[Lineman]

I did mine at 56K miles but it was 7 years old in 2010. For piece of mind.

 

[SaltyNaulty]

Yea it seemed strange as I've always heard they should be changed at ~100k.
The local Toyota dealer wants $870 out the door for TB, WP, cam and crank seals, etc. is that a fair price?

Forgive my lack of knowledge since this is my first non Chevy small/big block powered vehicle.

 

[Steamfitter]

In the 5th gen, I was told that the timing belt is located outside the engine, so if it breaks while you're driving there is no internal damage. What year did toyota start doing this? And is it only on the 4runner?

 

[chaz]

who told you that. maybe you/they mean 3rd gen. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/81369-timing-chain.html http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timing_belt/what others-roll down about 9 posts. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/8-general-discussion/37831-non-interference-engines.html

 

[Steamfitter]

What I mean to say is, the 5th gen has a non-interference motor that's belt driven, right?

 

[SaltyNaulty]

I'm not sure, I've never heard of that. I'm new to toyotas so I couldn't say for sure if that's right

 

[SaltyNaulty]

What I mean is I've never heard of the location of the timing belt/chain making it cause any less damage upon failure. I would imagine that even though the belt is not located inside the engine it could still cause damage by breaking, I've heard that even some non-interference motors still experience some damage from timing belt/chain failure.

Maybe someone with more knowledge of these engines can chime in

 

[chaz]

sorry this doesnt pertain to the op's question but you may be referring to the 4.0 v6 drive belt (drives pumps,acc) but the engine itself has a timing chain. as far as interference vs non-interference goes this is a quote by a toyota mech. on this forum. "Every engine has the potential to be an interference engine. Especially these modern high comparison engines. The valves often barely clear the piston as is on a non interference engine. Add in wear and tear and so on and you're looking at bent valves anyways. Just because an engine is designated non inference does not mean it can't grenade like an interference engine, its just less likely under those conditions."

 

[Steamfitter]

Well it's not mentioned in the maintainance schedule booklet for the 2013, do I'm just wondering when it should be replaced?