I have a question for you guys

does Toyota even sell the plastic timing chain guides anymore?
or does toyota sell the Metal chain guides now ?

 

i don't know that answer to that. i went with an OSK timing kit, and they use plastic guides, which is fine. the originals lasted for over 25 years, and 185K (#1) and 225K (#2).

 

Toyota still sells the plastic timing chain guides.

My original driver's side timing chain guide recently broke about 1/3 from the top of the guide. This is after 35 years and 115,000 miles.

I think the thermal cycling and age is what caused mine to fail, rather than mileage. Before I owned my truck, it was mostly driven on short trips to the grocery store.

 

Toyota are plastic guides. Metal are aftermarket.
There's some justification for using plastic, but the metal does offer one advantage