Advice on Project Order - Timing, Valve Covers & Radiator

I'm doing some major updating to my '00 Tacoma, 3.4L. Just got done doing suspension & steering updates/repairs, now moving to the motor.

I have a new timing belt, water pump, radiator, spark plugs & valve cover gaskets. All are way past due for replacing or damaged.

Hoping for some insight in the best order to tackle these. I plan on doing all at once, so more like "should I work from the radiator on back , or start with the valve covers and move my way to the radiator & timing".

Thanks for any advice, also feel free to throw any other tips my way for those who have done similar.

 

Timing/ water pump first, then valve covers then radiator. Pull the radiator off first though.

 

Take it apart, keeping track of all the bits you remove.

Once you have it apart, it will be intuitive how you should reassemble to make it easiest for you.

I will say that the radiator being first out/last in would be logical.

I tend to do all coolant hoses and any other rubber bits touched along the way on larger overhauls like this.

Enjoy!

 

even today after decades of working on cars as I take fasteners,clips etc off an assembly I immediatly put them in zip lock plastic bags with an index card inside that identifies where they are removed, i.e. D/S valve cover, radiator bolts etc. The reassembly goes much faster and with less confusion than fingering through a pan of bolts.