1999 Toyota tacoma 3.4L V6 Maintenance

Just recently bought a toyota tacoma my first one actually and planning on doing some needed work. The truck is in great condition no rust and barely any leaks at 199,xxx miles. Ive just purchased spark plugs, wires, coils, and lastly valve cover gaskets. The guy I bought it from had said that the power steering fluid probably needed replacing because it looked like chocolate milk (whats the best way to drain). Other than what i've said what else should I do maintenance wise for instance transmission fluid change (manual) or any fluid changes if that. Just looking for good tips and tricks as a new toyota owner that likes to keep his stuff in tip top shape.

 

He's prolly right. Have him fish out the power steering pump screen when the ps fluid is changed. It's easy to clean and reinstall.

Schedule to have the timing belt changed if it worries you. I've got the same engine, I'm not changing it until it breaks. I got a cell phone.

 

Def timing belt if it hasn't been changed.. All the things you listed, i got the same year and engine and it will run like a tank if you take care of it.

 

How hard is it to replace timing belt?

 

Lol, Youtube time.

 

the LBJs must be involved as well at 2.4 hours

 

2.4hrs? are you taking a nap during the job?

 

i thought these might take 0.5 hours, maybe a bit more IDK

 

pro mechanic quote on labor to do both of them
it perplexed me to say the least when they wrote that quote

 

That's not bad for shop time actually. For a guy that's done it a whole bunch of times on his trucks like myself. I'm about 30mins a side including pulling and replacing the wheels.

 

Just found a really good video on youtube doesn't seem to hard, when I am in there I should replace, timing belt, water pump, tensioners, thermostat, and regular belts correct? Also saw that if red toyota coolant is in the radiator then red toyota coolant should stay in there and thats what I should buy.

 

You can pull the plastic timing cover and inspect the timing belt without committing to a full teardown. Then you'll know how urgent it is to do the maintenance.

 

do you do that with the engine running?

 

Let me say this I want this truck to run forever, I know the original owner took care of it but i have no info as to what has been replaced. Im willing to put in the extra money and effort to make it last.

 

No, that would not be safe.

 

Should have said yes and had him film, it would be like the board game operation, except if you slip up the fan takes your tool and maybe your hand.

 

Go for it. I've changed the timing belt (or paid for it to be changed) four times (about every 5 years). The belt has always had plenty of life left in it.

 

Does this look like a good kit?

Also what special tools will I need?

$230 Evergreen TBK271MHVCACT2 Compatible With Toyota Pickup Tacoma 3.4L 5VZFE Timing Belt Kit Valve Cover Gasket AISIN Water Pump

https://www.amazon.com/Evergreen-TB...37------------&vehicleName=1999+Toyota+Tacoma

 

https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/190521450224

That's the best kit for the money.

Also @turbodb has a good write up on doing the deed.

https://adventuretaco.com/step-by-s...r-3-4l-v6-5vzfe-also-4runner-tundra-and-t100/

 

I would not buy any parts from Amazon unless you are willing to risk getting counterfeit parts. This is usually an even bigger risk on ebay, but a lot of forum members (including myself) have verified a genuine kit from aircabinman on ebay.