Water pump / T-Belt - other 100k maintenance? New to LC and Albany area

[UpstateTCUFrog]

Recently bought a 01 LC with 96k mi for $16,000. Need water pump and timing belt replaced. I am not very experienced working on cars and don't think this would make a good project. Anyone know of a good LC mechanic in the Albany/Saratoga area (dealer or nondealer)?

Also - looking to buy my parts off PartsTrain.com... anyone had luck with them?

Water pump
http://www.partstrain.com/products/.../2001~TOYOTA~LAND_CRUISER~8~4.7~LAN--009.html

Timing Belt
http://www.partstrain.com/products/.../2001~TOYOTA~LAND_CRUISER~8~4.7~LAN--009.html

ALSO -
Is there any other maintenance I should go ahead and knock out at this time?

Thanks so much and I look forward to many more posts in the future.

- UpstateTCUFrog

 

[jp213a]

Welcome to the board.

I would stick with an OEM timing belt. A good source is American Toyota at 800-432-6668 and ask for Cruiser Dan (C-Dan). He's a board member and gives other members good discounts (probably less than the after market link you posted). Hopefully, maintenance records were included with vehicile. If not, I'd change the serpentine belt with the timing belt. With the timing belt, most change the water pump and some change all the timing belt idlers, tensioner, and cam shaft seals and crank shaft seal. The anti-freeze is always changed with the timing belt. Personelly, I purchased a Toyota LC because it was built from first class componets so I wouldn't need to replace non-consumable parts like a water pump and idlers every 100,000 miles. I will at 200,000.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Those prices are too high. I emailed C-Dan too. We shall see, but if not, there is always toyotapartsales.com which is a Toyota Dealer in Dallas - much better prices than your link and Toyota parts. I will be doing my job in December.
Examples: Water pump: $90, T-Belt $39, Serp Belt $32.

While your in there change that H2O pump - others have found that even though it does not appear to be leaking, it is. Better while your right there than to go in later just for that and its a $90 part, but the labor just to go in and replace it later is much more.

 

[ppressle]

There is more to it than just the lowest price. On more than one occasion, CDan has answered my silly questions and helped steer me to the right part when I had only a very vague description.

CDan's prices are very competitive and he is a great resource. For me it is a no brainer...

Pete

 

[tabraha]

+1 to Dan. He knows cruiser parts where as most folks can only give you the part numbers for accesories on a 100 and that's about it. If you see a thread on this board w/ a part number there's a good chance it's b/c of Dan helping get it right.

 

[e9999]

Welcome to MUD!

yes, CDan is the man to contact!

 

[UpstateTCUFrog]

Thanks a lot...I will definitely give Cruiser Dan a call next week!

As for the servicing... yall think its best to go to a dealer or search around for an independent shop that has experience w/LC's?

 

[jp213a]

As for the servicing... yall think its best to go to a dealer or search around for an independent shop that has experience w/LC's?

It comes down to finding a mechanic that is experienced on changing a timing belt on the 2UZ-FE engine used in the LC and LX470. You don't want someone "going to school" on your engine. You want someone that will do it right the first time and not screw something up like bending a valve or having a cam shaft one tooth off the timing mark. The only special tool required is a "holding tool" for the crank shaft to keep the crank at 50 degrees so valves won't be damaged. A good independent shop will have a tool that will work and dealerships will have the official Toyota tool.

Keep checking around for recommednations. Lia Toyota of Colonie in Schenectady is a STAR dealer so they are worth checking out. Before making the final selection, be sure to talk directly with the mechanic that will actually do the work and find out first-hand about their experience. Some shops want the customer to talk with the service writer and don't allow the customer talking to the mechanic. If they won't let you talk with the mechanic, go somewhere else.

 

[cpcc]

I would recommend Quality Foreign Auto in Balston Spa. Paul Hicks is the owner. The service is very personal. Paul used to work for Korman Autoworks.
The guys there are top notch. The last thing I had him do was my BMW E30 with a complete headjob, turbo, and exhaust work. That was back in 1998. I figure he is still fantastic.
Hope this helps.