New member with 2 questions

[Shark]

Just purchased an "04" Tacoma x-tra cab, 4x4, 3.4L V-6. What a great truck! I do have 2 questions.

1) Does the 3.4L- V-6 have a timing belt or a timing chain?

2) Anyone own the Tacoma Factory Service Manuals on CD? How do they compare to the books in quality and ease of use? Supposedly, you can zoom in with the CD version?

Thanks for your help.

[toy283]

1.) Belt(s). I know it's belt but I'm unsure if it is one or two of them. Never had one apart myself to look.

2.) Not me. Don't need one.

[justin22]

I would think belts

I would say CD would be better but you have to stay by your desk usless you have a laptop. A book is nice cheep, take it anywheres. So it can go either way

[reb]

I can't speak for the cost of the Toyota CD and book, but I know the competition's (Nissan) book costs about 3 times the CD version (which is around $120). For that money, I can use the CD and print out what I need at the work site. I would expect the CD to be an Adobe Acrobat document, with all the associated bells and whistles.

[redfox435cat]

book is cheep were? I forked like 210 for all three books

it is a single timing belt on the 5vz-fe engine

[turbo17]

Originally posted by redfox435cat
book is cheep were? I forked like 210 for all three books

it is a single timing belt on the 5vz-fe engine

You got ripped off! The best book to get other than the "Factory" which by the way "rapes" you in price on everything. Get a Chilton's Manual. $20 and you should be able to do everything...even a total re-build. They are the best! If you can't find one Haynes is ok, but I would stick with Chilton's

[redfox435cat]

I'm familar with chiltons and got tired of them. Not enough info in them. I know i got ripped but the extera info is worth it to me.

[turbo17]

Tired of them? How? They are well worth the money you save. And it has pretty much everything the dang factory one has for a few $100 less. So basically I will stick with it unless I can get one for really cheap!

[redfox435cat]

im not gonna get into a pissing match on it but there is alot of
info. chilton leaves out. chilton doesn't give all the torque spects. rarley gives part numbers. it only goes over general diagnostics, stuff I would do with out ever looking at the book. good schematics are almost none existant. Very limiteds info on were a part is located. dealer book gives every schematic exact location on vehical, instruction on how to get to the part, tools needed, recommended and optional tools and part numbrs of tools as well as part number of every part nut and bolt needed, nothin is guested or assumed somthing chilton does quite a bit. I do regret not getting the cd. U might be an expert machanic to know all these things but I need the extera help so I pay for it. Acually these books have paid at least half there value just instaling exteras like tow package , clear corners nerf bars which is why I bought the books in the first place since wiring and wire routing and getting in the lights was very vegue in the chilton book and now I have them for when it is time to do the timing belt , when I get around to puting a stereo in and a few small mods.

hell im spending over 24 grand a truck why cheap out a 100 bucks on books

[D'mon]

I think everyone's right.

I have used the Toyota factory manual and currently have a Chilton's. Chilton's is good for basic stuff while the factory manual will lead you thru every aspect of completely rebuilding your truck bolt by bolt.

CD is good (depending on who makes it), but you need to print out whatever you need for in the garage. The advantage to that is you don't have to worry about greasy fingerprints as after you're done, into the garbage it goes!

Just my 2 cents.

D'mon
(just stirring up trouble!)

[turbo17]

I am not a mechanic either, but all it takes is so "COMMON SENSE" and you can figure most things out. The reason I don't have the factory one is 1st full time college student (limited funds) 2nd don't need it 1992 truck runs fine and I can do all the work usually without a manual (cause their is room where you can work on your truck unlike the new ones). So all in all it just depends on the person and if you have funds. LOL though!!

[Shark]

Thanks for the input. I did deceide to purchase the CD version. Got it for $19.95. Don't know if I'll ever use that additional info but at least its there if I need it. Plus it was $100 cheaper than the books!

[D'mon]

With a little luck, you will have "wasted" your money.

Wish I could consider buying my manual a "waste of money"!!!!


D'mon
{Heaven doesn't want me and Hell is afraid I'll take over!}