So the guy who can do it for me for $150 he never did it before on this engain but even the other guy that want $550 more likely that he also didn't do it (there is not a lot of 4runneers around here espacially not the 4.7L (also can i trust him eith the parts that wont be junki?)its a question off trust=if it something that any mec can do or not....
any mechanic can do it, its not rocket science. Toyota will use OEM parts, the mechanic may use OEM or he may also purchase a kit similar to this:
Timing Belt Kit Toyota 4 Runner 2003 2004 V8 2UZFE 4.7L on eBay!
which is a dayco brand timing belt kit just as good of quality as OEM so not to much to worry with there. You'll notice the kit includes cam shaft seals and a front crank seal. These to not need installing unless your current seals are leaking.
the advantage to having done one before is knowing what order to take the parts off in and what order to re install the parts. As well as knowing the process to get the engine in the top dead center position for aligning the timing pulleys properly. This can all be figured out with research and trial and error such as a Haynes manual giving step by step guidance. I swapped mine on my own but it took some time making sure everything was right to a T.
you have to remove the radiator and all the front drive pulley's then you actually get to the timing belt assembly and water pump. then you have to put it all back together and make sure everything is torqued to spec.
with that said Toyota originally changed my belt at the 70,000 mark. I changed it again at 139,000 (after a mud bog competition filled my timing case with mud..) anyway when I did mine I noticed toyota had left out 3 bolts when re installing all the components. The particular bolts missing couldn't just be put back on without taking everything off again so they just got done and said eh.. it'll be fine without these.. I was luckily able to find the bolts needed to replace them at a local hardware store but like I said even going to toyota doesn't guarantee the process. Its the old saying if you want something done right do it yourself. unfortunately we don't all have the ability to do so. In that situation I personally like to leave it up to someone I can either watch what there doing and ensure the process or someone I trust extremely well to get the job done right.
I mean I've even had tire shops cross thread lug nuts something simple to avoid. how hard is it to start threads on a lug nut by hand before hitting it with an impact wrench!?! I went back to them after having to break the studs off to get the tires off to rotate them a couple thousand miles later and they wouldn't even give me the studs and replacement lug nuts that they f'd up. I was given a "prove we cross threaded them and we will replace them". No this doesn't have anything to do with a timing belt but it's hitting on the who can you trust issue.
If your friend is a good mechanic and has an act for doing things right and not half assing a job then I doubt he's going to mess anything up. If you research the process and the steps to take to do the job you can watch and ensure he's not making mistakes or doings something wrong. The 550 option is a good bargain if you trust and know the mechanic well or the shop itself is reputable. I would go to toyota last as you won't even see the mechanic that works on your truck.
