October 21, 2026
2000 Tacoma V6 timing belt replacement
The V6 engine in my Tacoma is the 3.4L 5VZ-FE.
This is used in the Gen 1 Tacoma (1995 through 2004)
as well as the 1996 through 2001 Forerunner.
Note that this is a different engine than the
3.0 liter 1MZ-FE V6 engine used in my 1999 Gen 4 Camry
Parts
The kit with water pump is $171 on Amazon, or $168 at Rock Auto.
Lots of reviews with information and advice on Amazon.
My repair guy quotes $1400 to do the job (including new radiator hoses,
which he recommends). Also many recommend replacing the thermostat.
My job - October, 2026
After putting it off for several years, I finally got busy and did it.
I spent 2 days on it. I came out just fine.
Videos and tutorials
Check my information on the 1999 Camry V6 timing belt job.
It is a different engine, but a lot of information there is relevant.
There are a lot of videos on how to do the timing belt on the Tacoma.
Here are some from 2026.
Here are some I found back in 2023 --
Note that the Gen 3 4runner is laid out just like my Tacoma.
Tips from Cody
Cody is a nice fellow at the parts desk at my local Toyota dealer.
He knows a lot and is happy to share his knowledge.
- Put a thin coat of FIPG on the engine block surface itself
before you mount the water pump. None is required anywhere else.
- Oil works on the seals, but engine assembly lube is better.
- Use genuine Toyota camshaft seals.
- Get a 12mm wobble socket for the two bolts that hold
the tensioner to avoid needing to remove the A/C compressor.
- You can do the job in about 4 hours.
- The 3.4L engine is easiest. 4cyl are much trickier.
Have any comments? Questions?
Drop me a line!
Tom's Tacoma pages / tom@mmto.org