Where should I get parts? Switch to synthetic?

I have recently purchased my first Toyota. It is a 1998 Tacoma SR5 TRD XTra cab, 3.4L V6, 5 speed with 140K. It is rust free and in very good shape for age and miles. I am going to do a timing belt/water pump, tuneup, and fluid change on it. I was wondering if I should get parts from Toyota or from a reputable parts store(Arnold's or NAPA). And should I change all of the fluids over to synthetic. I am a certified ex-GM mechanic, but my Toyota experience is limited. Any input will be helpful.
Thanks
RC

 

welcome to TW. Just a moment and the pros will answer all your ?. enjoy

 

Check prices on the parts first off, dont buy the cheapest but its not necasary to buy from Toyota unless you want to, I personally like to buy certain things from them, clutches being the primary. As for your belt and water pump a replacement from Advance/Auto zone is perfectly fine as well as the spark plug wires, the spark plugs on the other hand Toyota recommends dual tipped plugs, so either buy from toyota or make sure you get something with a dual tip. Ie bosh +2 or V powers etc.


Fluids: Again toyota puts out great products, however i always change to at least a syntec blend if not fully synthetic, one of the greatest things about synthetic is that it is not affected as much with temp changes, therefore you get a more consistent range of protection. Its not necasary to change ALL fluids but a oil, coolant (your doing the water pump anyway) are essential so you know where you stand and at least check the levels on the trans and rear diff, and if your feeling like it change them anyway.


As you can see a lot of this falls under preference and many people will chime in on what they would do. I say play it safe with a used vehicle, change all the fluids go with syntec or a blend and enjoy the truck as long as possible



Ryan

 

within the first month of buying my 05 with 70k i changed out front and rear diffs with royal purple... also did the transfer case. and im gonna take it in to the stealership for a tranny flush this weekend!

 

i would recommend buying from toyota. its going to be a little more $ but from one tech to another former tech, my exp is with honda and lexus(toyota), i replace aftermarket t-belts all the time for concerns ranging from noise to premature wear. and as you know very well know a t-belt is a cheap part compared to buying valves or even a motor because of a t-belt failure. good luck, welcome to TW!

 

The 3.4 is a non-interference motor meaning the valves cant hit the pistons in the event of a t belt breakage.
I just got a gates belt from NAPA and whatever brand water pump they had there. so far no probs.

 

Thanks for the input. Keep it coming.