TIMING BELT OR CHAIN?

I have a 2000 tacoma v6 3.5 TRD 4x4 stick... 1st gen
the old girls about to hit 400000...
I know its due for ..............
either the belt or is it a chain???

 

3.4 V6 has a timing belt

 

AWESOME... do u think i should get a kit to replace it, with all the goodies or just go for the belt?

 

Someone will post it but there's a good kit on ebay with all the quality parts you'll need.

 

Any record of it ever being replaced? Timing belt replacement is a great time to knock out other accessible parts while youre there. This is what I used

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15-Piece-3...MP-Genuine-OE-Manufacture-Parts-/180729034728

 

Just do it all. The new water pumps use an improved gasket over the original FIPG liquid gasket seal. I found the original liquid seal was starting to leak on a 98 model engine with 70,000 miles.

 

Sorry I'm new here and to Toyota also.
Is it possible Evil Toy went 400k on a timing belt ?
I have been told these things run forever but really has anyone had one break and @ what mileage?
And are the 3.4s interference engines that destruct on failure?
I need to know cause my PO replaced @ 108000. I'm @ 208,000 and planning on my 1st big trip towing 4000lbs which is going to load this puppy and require pulling some grades @ 4000 rpm!
I was hoping to see how it goes before I put any more $ into it .?

 

1) Is it possible Evil Toy went 400k on a timing belt ? Possibly. The 5VZFE is a non-interference engine. So if it did brake, the engine would not be damaged I think it would depend on how fast the miles were put on the engine. I will show a belt comparison below.

2) I have been told these things run forever but really has anyone had one break and @ what mileage? It is possible for one to break. Though no damage to the engine would occur.

3) And are the 3.4s interference engines that destruct on failure? No.

I need to know cause my PO replaced @ 108000. I'm @ 208,000 and planning on my 1st big trip towing 4000lbs which is going to load this puppy and require pulling some grades @ 4000 rpm!

I was hoping to see how it goes before I put any more $ into it .?

Honda V6 (interference engine) belt on the left compared to the Toyota 5FVFE (non-interference) belt on the right.

 

Timing Belt
First, you've got a timing belt, not a chain (the 4-cyl has a chain). Supposed to be changed every 90-100K miles. If you don't know when it was last changed, I'd consider that as well. The process is long, but not hard - assuming you've got the right tools and patience . Here's a great write-up that has links to all the parts necessary, links to all the special tools, and a printable step-by-step guide to the actual job.

Step by Step Toyota Tacoma Timing Belt Replacement for 3.4L V6 5VZFE
(note, this also replaces the water pump, various pulleys, and of course all your accessory belts)

here's the right (known to be genuine kit to purchase: http://ebay.us/hxSxmg)



I'd also look into the following:

Lower Ball Joints. These are known to fail on 1st gen Tacomas, and are a weak spot in the suspension/steering. They are reasonably simple to replace and a good maintenance item to take care of. Make sure to use OEM here, as aftermarket are known to have some quality issues.

Here's a write-up on the process: Installing new Lower Ball Joints (LBJ's)



After ball joints, make sure your drive line is greased. A lot of people neglect that, and it can lead to failed u-joints. Super easy to do. Again, a write-up Greasing the Drivetrain

After the drive train, you'll naturally want to check the brakes. Front and rear. Reasonably straight forward. If you want, you could always install Tundra brakes for more stopping power: Step by Step Tundra Brake Upgrade on a Tacoma

Hope that helps!