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How long are timing belts good for?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Sharkpilot, Dec 9, 2016.

  1. Dec 9, 2016 at 9:35 AM
    #1
    Sharkpilot

    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    Hey folks!

    I'm the new owner of a 2002 4Runner Sport with 123,540 on it. I'm VERY new to this vehicle and performed a great deal of research before I landed on the 1998-2002 model years. This one has had one owner only.

    I'm in Westbrook CT and was wondering if anybody had a good suggestion for a reasonable 4Runner mechanic around here. I'm very good with doing my own work, but I'm more of a SAAB guy and with little kids and a busy job I don't have a lot of time.

    Also, though the recommendation is every 90,000 miles, does anyone know how long the timing belts are truly good for? Thanks in advance for the help. Glad to be part of community!

    Patrick
     
    Bob likes this.
  2. Dec 9, 2016 at 6:21 PM
    #2
    RanchoRat

    RanchoRat New Member

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    1000 years... if we are talking about actual deterioration...


    jk. ummm mine lasted 160k on my 00' but it was in cali and very seldom saw "bad" conditions. Replace it at recommended mileage and you'll be set.
     
  3. Dec 9, 2016 at 6:58 PM
    #3
    Sharkpilot

    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    Thanks man. That's pretty much what I thought. Working out the service deal now. Looks like about $850 for the belt, water pump, tensioner and crank pulleys.
     
    RanchoRat likes this.
  4. Dec 11, 2016 at 9:44 AM
    #4
    Ol'Blue

    Ol'Blue New Member

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    "Not all who wander are lost"
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    99 T4R LTD- 33's and locked, 01 SR5-,SAS Sold...
    A few things here and there. Still dreaming up stuff
    I worked as a service wrighter for some time so I can quote them with out having to even look it all up. SO if you do everything at one shot and use OE parts a safe number is this, 1,500 bucks and this is why (if a dealer dose it- A local shop would be around 1,000)

    So doing just the Water pump and T-belt is around 800-1,100 depending on whee it is done and parts mark up Etc. My advice to you is this, Do the from crank seal at the same time and also the and the seals on the heads also, you will save a lot of labor money if you do it at this time when it's all tore apart. Trust me you will be pist off if once you do this job and 3-6 month later the back of the heads are leaking oil at the caps. All they are is a copper looking freeze plug. IF you do all that at one shot I"m telling you right now you are far better off and ahead! Having to do those plug on the back of the heads while shot is in place is a real PITA!

    Also one other thing I will throw out there is this also. Put a new radiator in it. It's cheap a hell in the long run and it will save you a new Transmission if the dreaded pink mike shake happen. It takes nothing to replace them and having that piece of mind is huge. The reason I say it is just because of the age of the Transmission cooler in the Radiator.

    Take care of all that and you will be golden for at least 100,000 miles. Also throw new plugs and wires in at the same time. There most likley stock still anyhow.

    This is the stuff I did while my engine was out and on the engine stand before I put it back in my truck and I have had little to no issues at all since. The other thing I did was the AC condenser but mine was crumbling due to age.

    In the end you will be buying one of the best built SUV's ever made period so buy with confidence. Also if you do not know this the 3.4 is a non interference engine so even if the t-belt breaks it will not damage your engine other than just be out of time. Also if you can work on a Sabb then this 4runner will be EASY for you! Promise you that. The 3.4 is not hard to work on!

    Good luck.
     
  5. Dec 11, 2016 at 3:01 PM
    #5
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    good 4runner mechanic? well I'm about 45 minutes away from you..... jk lol, theres some good independents ive used but they'd be a haul for you, ill look around and see who i trust in your area
     
  6. Dec 11, 2016 at 4:10 PM
    #6
    Sharkpilot

    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    Hey I'd drive 45 minutes away for a good person! I'm wondering about doing all of this myself. It's my winter car so I may need to wait, but since there are no damn records as to when anything was done on this truck I feel I need to do this big stuff up front. Please get back to me. The independent guy I went to was $1000 and dealer is about the same.
     
  7. Dec 11, 2016 at 5:07 PM
    #7
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    Whats the work youre looking to have done?

    edit: reading comprehension

    the belt work and water pump isn't terribly difficult, just a matter of knowing what youre doing i find. I'd be happy to help if you wanted to try and tackle it yourself
     
  8. Dec 11, 2016 at 7:05 PM
    #8
    Sharkpilot

    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    Let's talk. I'm interested in saving a lot of money and getting to know my 4Runner better. Can you PM your phone to sharkpilot40@gmail.com? I want to know more. I have all of the tools but the "special rotation" tool for advancing the belt. If I choose this route I don't expect to get it done over the holidays and I need the truck for winter travels during this time.
     

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