Iowakid

Hello everyone! I just bought my first toyota! it is a 99 4runner 5spd with the rear locker! I am so excited it has already been a great ride. Everything is super clean. I had it inspected before purchasing and the Firestone guys said they think it has the original timing belt. It does not have a sticker or anything to show that it has been changed. It looks good tho no cracks in it. Is there anyway to tell if it is the original? and if it is will I need to change it even if it is in good condition? Also I plan to change the oil what filter and oil would you suggest? And my final question is if you had to give one tip of advice to a new 4runner owner what would that be? Thanks!

irhunter

You bought this from a dealer? No way to track down the PO and ask about the belt (no left over receipts with their name left in the truck?)? Does CarFax give the name of the PO?

No, there is no way to look at a belt and say whether you need to change it. If you can't find the PO, you will need to do the "whole job" (belts, tensioner, water pump, main and cam seals).

Filters: WIX, NAPA gold, Baldwin, and Toyota. I often find filters at the dealer to be reasonably priced.

One tip: don't run an old timing belt. Ha.

Good luck with it!

rworegon

I'd be more worried about an original water pump failing at those miles.

Assuming it's the 3.4L 5vz-fe engine, buy this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-3-4L-...f69ef0&vxp=mtr

Or, this with more Toyota boxes (hint: the link above has nearly the same parts in their original manufacture packaging and will save a few $$ for the same quality parts):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-TIMIN...item2a144a37e8
Access the FSM (Factory Service Manual) from my sig line.

Change said parts, drive 90,000 miles before worrying about he timing belt again.

Iowakid

Thanks! So how difficult is it too change the water pump and timing belt? I am not to mechanical but I can turn a wrench and am wanting to teach myself. Do you think I could do it and how long does it take for a mechanic to do it?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

I wouldn't start with a timing belt job.

Change it with Toyota parts.

:wabbit2:

irhunter

I would not call it "difficult," but, I would call it a very multi-step job which you really don't want to mess up. The best approach for a basic-wrench-turner is to find a friend who has done a timing job (on any car/truck) to help.

On the other hand, plenty of people without a lot of experience do the job. If you end up doing it solo, be sure to allow plenty of time (a whole weekend, for instance)...feeling rushed and not totally knowing what you'[re doing; now, that is a bad combo.

Rabbit is right: real Toyota parts are nice; I would certainly cost them out. On the other hand, I have had good luck with the kits RW suggests.

Iowakid

Okay thanks I am going to try a friend that could help. Is that ad on ebay for the toyota brand parts?

Iowakid

Do you know how many hours it takes a mechanic to do the belt and water pump?

rworegon

Here is the link with Toyota parts:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-TIMIN...item2a144a37e8

The crank bolt in non-reusable per the FSM and can be picked up for under $10 from your local dealer.

rworegon

About 4 hours book time, maybe less, IIRC. First time doing it yourself, double that time.

Do a search here...there are several good threads on the topic.

Whitson Metalworks

took me a whole day, since i'd never turned a wrench on a toyota, but next time, no sweat. i used a kit on ebay sold be aircabinman, very good kit and came with everything.