For those who don't know...

up to 1998 models, change your belt/chain at 60K

1999 and up... they changed it to every 90K

and if you need to know if you have a chain or a belt...

Year Engine Belt/Chain/Gear
1990-2000 4cyl chain
1990-2002 v6 belt
2003 v6 chain
2003 v8 belt


If your vehicle is a 1999 model year or newer and is equipped with a timing belt, you should replace it every 90,000 miles or six years, whichever comes first.

For all other Toyota vehicles equipped with a timing belt, we recommend that the timing belt be inspected with the other drive belts at 60,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first, and every 15,000 miles thereafter and replaced as necessary. Because the costs involved with inspecting the timing belt may be similar to those of having it replaced, many customers may find it more cost effective to replace the timing belt at 60,000 mile intervals.

Should the timing belt break while you are driving the vehicle, severe engine damage could result. The higher the speed that you're traveling at, the more extensive the damage could be.

 

From my understanding, correct me if I am wrong, the timing belt change for -98 3rd gen 4Runner is the material use in timing belt.

So for anyone with -98 4Runner, when timing belt is 1st replaced @ ~ 60k, if new design timing belt is used, doesn't second timing belt does not have to be replaced until another ~90k interval?

 

its my understanding that the 3.4 ltr engine is a clearance engine therefore no damage to engine when the belt breaks (maybe damage for the 3.slow)

also why the spiel about something that would be in an owners manual and or a maint. manual?

 

The 3.0L and the 3.4L are both non-interference engines = no damage if the timing belt breaks.

 

The Toyota dealer themselves told me that a 98 doesn't need a belt till 90 k miles or 150 K KM.

 

I can't think of any Toyota engines with a timing belt that is an interference engine.

 

What StingRay said a dealer told me 90k for my 98 Ltd 3.4L.

 

You are correct!
After the first change you are using the new belt type.....so 90k interval.