timing belt questions?

[astoyota1432]

I just yesterday bought a 99 4runner 4x4 sr5 sport. It was a one owner with 194,000 mi. it was very well kept up and seemed to have good home. Two issue it has is the owners couldnt remember about repleacing timing belt and/or water pump. So I guess go with that they didnt change and i must replace? thoughts? anyway to know by looking? If so what is the best parts to buy? Second issue is with the fuel gauge and from reading here it seems a known issue. The owners said that it had been bad for a while and Im just wondering if its fixable and how long and hard? thanks.

 

[Elton H]

i went with this kit when i did mine it replaces everything

Timing Belt Kit Toyota 4 Runner 3.4L V6 5VZFE 96-02 - eBay (item 300477596470 end time Feb-03-11 12:53:19 PST)

 

[astoyota1432]

i was also after if the factory would have used any certian brand of timing belt and therefore could tell if it had been changed? thanks

 

[StreetKill831]

In my opinion it is worth it to get OEM timing belt and water pump. You can get both from toyotapartscheap.com for ~$150 plus shipping. I would also replace the idler barrings while you are in there.

Are you doing the work yourself or taking it to a shop?

 

[fenrisx]

I got my kit from 'aircabinman' on eBay for a little cheaper. Someone on one of the Yota forums said it's the same brands you'd get if the dealer did the job (the same brands are used in the eBay link posted above too).

Toyota 4 Runner V6 Timing Belt/Water Pump Kit 5VZFE 3.4 - eBay (item 180538541746 end time Jan-22-11 20:40:11 PST)

 

[durrell]

Everywhere I've seen seems to have a lot of the same brands for around the same prices. Amazon has a kit almost identical to those for 298.

I really don't buy into the whole "buy OEM and lose your rear" idea.

 

[astoyota1432]

ok sry I think my question was misunderstood and/or I did a poor job explaining. I bought this 4 runner but the other owner couldnt tell me when or if he had ever changed the tb or waterpump. He thought he might have but couldnt remember. My first question then is there a brand toyota factoy uses for there timing belts and that dealers dont use or whatever therefore I could maybe tell my looking if the belt have ever been changed. The 4runner has 194,000 mi on it and just trying to figure if this should be my first fix or second to fuel gauge.

Yes i will be doing the repairs, so as far as the timing belt is concerned how to i find out info as far as timing marks to keep cams and crank in time. Or and other tricks of the trade ppl might have I would love to hear. thanks so much.

 

[Elton H]

Toyota Maintenance: 3.4L V6 Timing Belt Replacement