How hard to replace tining belt

Hi, new to the board, i have a '03 dbl cab 4x4 with a 3.4l v-6 automatic. Anybody replace the timing belt themselves? Is it difficult??Im not a master mechanic, but I can spin a wrench. Also would it be a good time to go ahead and replace the water pump?? I have 120k on the truck. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Ya it is totally feasable for the backyard mechanic. Just make sure you have all the right tools. I did it on my 96. Just followed the haynes manual. When purchasing a timing belt, I got the one from the dealer and it had timing marks on it so you just match those up with the timing marks on the cams and crank and youre good to go!!!

 

Thanks for the info, I think I am going to replace it this week end. I think I will replace the water pump as well.

 

Ya definitely do the water pump. There is a DIY on it here but I cant find it right now. I'd also recommend replacing the tensioner. Some people do the tensoner pulley also. Its up to you if you want to go back in there and replace those if they fail.

 

About the best guide I've seen on it is http://www.lieblweb.com/waterpump.html or http://4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timing_belt/

There's quite a bit I'll do, but I chickened out on this one. Its a bit above my comfort level, specially by myself.

There's also the FSM:
Timing Belt: Water Pump: Its a 3 hour job for mechanics that have the right tools and have done it before. For us, that means you can expect to spend 6 hours working on it, or more.

 

Yeah I looked at the online service manual and don't think I care to do this I don't have the special tools for one thing.

 

I did mine in about 1 afternoon. Not bad at all to do just take your time and dont get frustrated. And I also didnt need any special tools just used a rachet strap I think!

 

my father and i attempted to change my 96 years ago when it hit 100k, we got all the way down to the cam bolt and could not break it loose, it was the last step we had and ended up putting everything back together and head to a local mechanic to finish the job. kind of sucked. a $60 job, belt cost, turned into a $200 labor job.

 

Thanks for the input, Im feeling pretty good about trying to change this myself. I think I have all the tools I need. I just need the time. Not in a big hurry. I guess I might as well change the tensioner too, now that you mention it. You are right about not wanting to have to go back in again. I really appreciate all the feedback. You guys rock!!