Replacing timing belt&water pump, what else while I'm in there?

This will be the first Toyota I've worked on and the first timing belt change I've done. I know the water pump is generally replaced at the same time--anything else I should replace while I'm in there? A local mechanic said to I ought to also replace the cam and crank seals since the vehicle is a 2003 with 258k and I don't know if the PO ever did it. Are the cam and crank seals difficult or at all tricky to install correctly, any special tools needed?

I'll check out some write-ups and watch a few YouTube tutorials on this procedure but if you happen to know of a particularly good write-up or video I would appreciate it if you'd leave a link or a name to search for. I'm new to Toyota but not new to working on vehicles.

 

Here's the timing belt info thread I put together.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/timing-belt-master-thread-sticky.107240/

 

@mtnhaul that's about all the info you could dream of except DO NOT RISK ORDERING AUTO PARTS OFF scAMAZON. Even if it says it's from the manufacturer's "store" supposedly. @Baller, I'd recommend only posting the part numbers of items required in your list, honestly.

Their storefront is littered with counterfeits. There are hundreds of thousands of examples across auto enthusiast forums all over the internet. There are several documented examples at this forum where members got burned, especially with spark plugs, coils, but not limited to those. More info here, along with some cases.

Order the parts from Rock Auto, Summit Racing, for local pickup at Advance Auto parts or your favorite auto parts store. There are always online coupons for Advance Auto for 10-20% off which is very compelling, check RetailMeNot for coupons.

This is the first item linked in that scAmazon parts list - it shows OEM parts in the pic. Tell me something, looking at the title I outlined, and the fact it's no longer for sale, do you honestly think it was legit? What consequence to scAmazon will pay for your engine when you end up like the guy in that thread I linked whose pump failed after a couple of years? Nope. Do you think you'll ever find the seller again? Nope. You're screwed. Buy from someone who controls their inventory flow!

Just buy the Aisin Kit (

$183 Aisin TKT-021 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump - Compatible with Select Lexus GS400, GS430, GX470, LS400, LS430, LX470, SC400, SC430 Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tundra

Aisin TKT-021) from one of the sources I mentioned and get the missing extras.

 

I couldn't agree more about the scAmazon. In general Amazon is way overrated as I've always found the same item for the same or better price somewhere else. But people are slaves to convenience so Amazon keeps rolling.

Thanks Baller for the link.

 

CAM seals are not a simple job for just anyone. We have some Toyota mechanic members here who can attest to that.

I'm not saying it isn't worth it though, but I'd get a quote for everything and the breakdown of it.

 

I think the OP has a 2003. The cam seals became a nightmare in 2005 with the introduction of the VVT motor with cam phasers (sounds like a Star Trek episode). Pretty sure the 2003 cam seal is just remove the cam gear, pop old one out, tap new one in with a socket (members please confirm this). I do recommend removing the radiator when doing the job, especially if 1st time doing the belt. I found the extra room to be able to work and see all the components helpful. Not to mention if you have a 20 year old radiator it's a good idea to update it to avoid the pink milkshake of death.

Good luck.

 

I would also order an alternator brush, and replace that while you're in there. I "think" this is the correct part number for you.

2737042010

 

If the cam seals aren't leaking, you're probably okay with just the water pump and timing belt, maybe do the serpentine belt as well, unless you like doing this kind of work. My Tundra is 21 years old and has only had belts and water pumps done. No leaks of any kind, still. Not bad Toyota.

 

As mentioned do the full kit. Tensioner, idlers ect. Also, there are 3 little coolant hoses I did that are hiding in there. I got all three from Toyota for like $22.

I also did the drive belt, pulleys and tensioner. I just used a Gates kit from RockAuto for those, as they are easy to replace and cheap. I used all Aisin for the timing belt, water pump ect and that was from Rockauto as well.

My cam seals had a little oily residue around them, but being VVTI I didn’t think I needed to mess with them this go around. I did however replace the front main seal.

It’s a big project, but next time I think I could do the whole thing in under 5hrs.