Timing chain stretch 3RZ-FE / 2.7 L 1999 4runner

[pendragon]

So my 1999 4runner, 2WD, 3RZ-FE, 232k mi, is in the shop for a head job. The first shop send has the head off and at a machine shop (waiting on bearings or something). I was calling the shop to see what the status was and the owner is telling me the timing chain is stretched 74% or something (his accent is a little hard to follow) - I assume it's 74% of a tooth off(?), but he basically suggests doing the chain now since the engine is already apart. Fair point, I suppose, since the head job should have the timing chain already exposed, right? He's supposed to call back with a price later today or Monday.

I always understood the chain was a 'lifetime' part, but a little googling informed me that chains can, in fact, stretch. Learn something new every day.

I'm already in this about $1750 for the head job and I just want to get another two years out of this 4runner while I'm finishing up school and getting established at a new job, then I'm planning on selling it. The truck is worth about $3000 to me, so the $1750 was pushing what I was willing to put into it. But like I said, I just want to get a few years out of it without dealing with the finances of getting a new car right this second.

I guess my question is: do I really need to do the chain right now, or would I probably be ok letting it slide until I sell the car? What's a fair price on it?

 

[Stiles97]

I can't speak specifically to the chain in your engine , but I can tell you that timing chains do 'stretch'. Its actually wear on the links and pins. I see it all the time in my line of work ( BMW motorcycles ). Can't even remember the amount of valves I have had to replace due to chain jumping time from being loose. If the cost is not much more than just the chain, I would probably have it replaced myself. I am sure somewhere there is a measurement of pin to pin length on the chain to determine exactly the wear, but with the mileage you state there is likely wear. The chain will likely never break in its lifetime and may never get loose enough to jump time but why risk it on a freshly built head. just my 2c

Matt