i know it sounds kind of stupid, but is there any way to tell if the TC has been replaced on the engine?

after looking at a v6 93... i decided to walk away, it was rusting away sadly and i did not want to deal with that.

and so looking around, i found a 87 with 200k miles, body is in good shape, interior as well too, the last owner is a women, so she has taken care of the truck, problem is, she does not know if the old owner ever did the TC job.

so, is there a way to know? and when i go and take a look at it, is there any distinctive sound to hear for related to the chain? I read that these trucks with the original TC and over 200k are pretty much on borrowed time?

here is a pic of the truck:

 

Timing chain, or transfer case?

If the timing chain is bad, you'll hear it slap. At 200k most likely its been replaced. Best way to tell is to pop off the valve cover, check the guides for wear, and check the chain for slack.

Wether it has been replaced or not (or its just a miracle) if the guides aren't worn, chain isn't loose, and nothing is broken, worn or missing, the chain wont need to be replaced. wether it has 200k on it or not.

But I sure as heck would...even if it has been replaced, replace it again. Its an easy job that'll give you peace of mind

 

that's what i thought, but i doubt she will let me snap the cover, and she is asking 3k for it... and without me knowing for sure if it has been replaced, i think is too much... oh boy, it's been like a month looking for a decent yota... ahahah

 

trust me, my friend...I've been around yota's in my few years. That truck looks great, would probably bring around 4ish-k in my neck of the woods, and that's not even looking at it up close.

as long as it gets you home, you can drop the $200 to do the chain and be good to go for another 100k before it needs another. I wouldn't shy away from such a nice truck just because of a chain.

 

well, i am only going to use the truck for maybe 10 miles a day at most, i just want it to get me around from school to work and home, and she says she uses it maybe every other day with no problems whatsoever. I am going to look at it hopefully this sunday, and if it sounds healthy, i will just jump on it, the chain job does not sound too involved anyhow, and also on the cheap side as well.