I'm going on a long road trip with the runner in a couple of weeks, and at 185K, I'm well overdue for a timing belt change. Everything I read is recommending to use the snap-on tensioner to ease the installation. I of course waited too long in the week to reliably get the tool by Friday.

Thought I would check to see if anyone in CO happens to already have this tool? A 12 pack of your favorite adult beverage could probably be put up as collateral for the weekend!

 

YOU DON'T NEED IT!!!!!!!!!!!! All you need is a vise and a pin that will fit in the hole snug. I have done many timiing belts with a hydraulic tensioner this way. Dont waste your money!! All you need to do is compress the unit slowly.

James

 

True you don't need it but if you have the Snap-On tool you don't have to remove the tensioner from the engine, which means you don't have to mess around with the A/C compressor.

 

rocket has one...if you can find him

i have one in CA. friday would be expensive to ship by

X 12

 

James,
What do you mean when you say vise? I assume there's too much tension to be able to move the piece with your hands and just put a pin in it?

E

 

you can buy one of these on ebay. I did.

 

Matco also makes that tool. I think it was like $30 from them but could be wrong.

If you have paitence and dont mind taking the AC compressor off then you wont need the tool. I ended up using a C clamp to compress it (after I got it out) and stuck a small allen wrench in it to secure it.

 

In what year did the A/C compressor get in the way for the 3.4? I did one on my buddies 95 Taco 3.4 And I never removed the A/C. Only two bolts hold it in there.

Yes the tensioner is hydraulic and it cannot be compress by hand.

James

 

Oh and the Snap-On part number is YA9730: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....store&tool=all

Why pay $50 for a tool you only going to use once and can do it with a vise?

James

 

If yours is a 3.0, the yeah you don't need the tool. however on the 3.4 taking out the tensioner isn't as easy. I did mine which is a 3.4 and I did my brother in law's which is the 3.0 and his was much easier. Infact this tool does not work on the 3.0s.


As for the a/c compressor being in the way, on my 96 i could not get to the back left bolt to remove it, and the back tensioner bolt was not accessable while compressor in.

 

I didnt have any issues getting the tensioner out. I used a swivel socket and maybe that is why I got it out.

The 3.0 does in fact have the hydraulic tensioner as well. I think it was 1992 when they changed over from the spring to the hydraulic.

James

 

the gap on the 3.0 between tensioner pulley and water pump pulley is greater than on the 3.4. so the tool doesn't extend far enough on the 3.4. on my runner, the rear bolt on the tension was just not accessable at all, a swivel wouldn't have helped. i tried everything before buying the tool. i was not trying to discredit the hydraulic tensioner as i already knew it was. just from my own experience the 3.0 was much easier than my 3.4.

 

If you got the tensioner out without having to un bolt the ac compressor you are a better man than I am. I have an assortment of swivels and extenstions and I could not get to that bolt without removing the compressor. I tried for at least a few hours before giving in and unbolting the compressor.

 

i only paid $33 from the local truck.
i have a lot of tools ive only used once. and i was very happy to have it for the only time i needed it.

i have a suggestion, someone who has one (me now) sell it to the next person who would use it and then sell it again. so its avail to whoever needs it next.

 

Now that is an idea!

James

 

I have small hands. Heck I usually wear mechanics gloves when I work. I can put small things together with the gloves on. I have a nack for getting to hard to reach places.

James

 

I was also able to get the tensioner out without removing the AC compressor. All you have to do is go from the front of the oil pan and move the wires out of the way. If you have a buddy helping use a 1/4'' drive extension and swivel socket and have the buddy place the socket onto the bolt while you turn it. If no buddy is available it is still possible, but it may take a little longer.

A few hours?!?!?!?!? You are more patient than me. I only spent 10 minutes or so on that part and I was beginning to feel the blood pressure rise.

 

I have one, Im in Broomfield. PM me if you still need it!!

Brett

 

Hey, that's my tool. He better lay off.

 

haha i never even knew you had one. Is it snap-on?