Can I get some timing belt advice on my first truck?

I just bought a 1996 T100 in pretty awesome condition. 196k on the odometer but its got a pristine interior and no rust. 5-speed manual transmission and 4x4, I'm in love.

Bragging aside, I'm wondering when I should get the timing belt looked at. I've seen many other trucks that have a sticker under the hood that states the mileage that the timing belt was last changed at, but mine has none. Again, 196k on the odometer and I'm wondering if it has ever been changed. From what I understand, the engine is non-interference, but I don't wanna be stranded if I just run the thing until it snaps. Is there any way I can easily tell how much life it's got left? Advice on when to replace? Thanks!

 

The best way to get peace of mind is to go ahead and change it. Then you know for certain when it was last changed!

 

Look carefully at the front of the engine for signs of coolant crust. If the water pump is leaking that would be another reason to replace the belt

 

The 3.4l engine needs a timing belt every 90k according to the service manual. If it was done it *should* have a sticker indicating the mileage it was done at somewhere in the engine bay, but not necessarily. Check the Carfax/service records too.

If it hasn't been done in 196k then it is way overdue and I'd make that a priority. Fortunately the 3.4l is a non interference engine so if the timing belt breaks it won't be the end of the world, but it will leave you stranded

 

You can always pull the timing belt cover back too and take a look at it. If it was done when it was supposed to be (2 times, most recently due at 180k) it should still look relatively new.

If it's the original belt with 196k miles on it I'm sure you'll be able to tell