New Truck Suggestions

timing belt on the v6ers the 4cyl has the chain.

 

I believe the 2nd gen 6 has a chain now, too.

OP, I used Carmax. I decided exactly what I wanted, and set up an email alert for when that model popped up. It takes some patience and you cannot negotiate with them, but I was very happy with my experience.

 

you're correct nammer. the v6 has the VVT-i with 3 timing chains:

see page 7:
http://tacodoc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/1GR-FE-Engine-4.0-Liter.pdf

 

sweet... thanks guys

not that it makes a diff on tacomas, but if I remember correctly, the past generation 4 runners, the 8 cyl had the belts and v6's had the chain, I thought that was a benefit of the v6, and gas of course

 

not sure about the older trucks but as hans pointed out, it is better on gas and the other benefit is the extended time between servicing.

although i'll say this after having rebuilt the carolla engine that also has a chain: the time between servicing may be A LOT longer but the work involved in servicing a single chain is immense, i don't wanna think about doin 3....even if they are all gonna be together, still a pain

 

the chain on the 1gr-fe (current v6) is supposed to be something that should not have to be dealt with. like you, i had an older chain driven ohc motor (22re) which doesn't break stuff, but wears through the guides, and eventually into the water jacket at pump if not taken care of. i believe the service interval on the 22r/re post dual chain setup was about 100k miles. people drive the hell outta the 4 and 6 nowadays and i have yet to see a single timing writeup.

i have faith in both systems, but as you stated, the 4 would be much easier if you do have to do it

 

ya, something about a 3 chain set-up just sounds like a pain in the ass to to get right and make sure everything is set right.

when I did my re-build on the rolla i had to take the head cap back off as well as the chain cover at least 3 times until i got the sprockets set in the links on the chain. the books makes it sound so easy but it's really not.. even for my brother who's a life-time mechanic at a big shop it took a try or two to get it right.

 

yea on my 22re even, my t-chain replacement turned into a head-pull/ front axle/ oil pan drop to get it right. i remember going through my book and occasionally glancing at the v6 stuff and thinking "ok my job is actually easy". 4 cyl ftw. yes i say that and have a v6 at the same time. . . . . . dont judge

either way though, both motors have variable cam timing, which will add a new scenario to the equation. its all in good fun though, more to learn. i dont wanna jinx myself but i am somewhat excited about learning this motor, see all the tricks they did vs the old ones

 

Yup, should be a fun challenge. But I know I don't wanna do the new one like I did the rolla engine. Took that completely out (cuz I had to do the piston rings and other mess, and I did it all with a chain fall in my basement garage.. Was a little tight to say the least and that was with the low car...