Timing Belt and associated parts for 3.8L V6 2003 Limited 148800 miles

[Offroadmuch]

I have read a lot of posts here about timing belts. If I cannot determine the age or soundness of my current timing belt I am going to try to gather all of the parts and have local, reputable mechanic do the install. Sounds like 99% of the forum members say that genuine Mitsubishi parts are best when it comes to timing belts and associated parts. Can anyone say with any certainty if Aisin brand parts are ok for this job? Let me clarify that the belt itself is listed as a Mitsubishi and it looks like the other parts are Aisin. See ad here: http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3472833&cc=1417250&jnid=344&jpid=11
I am in SoCal so I may use the mechanic in Huntington Beach mentioned today on this forum.

 

[plh]

Aisin is the OEM for the Waterpump and Tensioner, Koyo for the Bearing(s). OEM belt is Gates. Mitsuboshi (not Mitsubishi) as shown in the RockAuto listing is the OEM for Toyota. I'd be comfortable using this kit on my vehicle. I plan to order this same kit later this summer.

 

[arb098]

Imma resurrect this thread for a second.

Going along with what he has asked, what are the best places to buy a timing belt kit/components from? I've noticed that like Advanced/Autozone only carry a Dayco kit?

 

[plh]

Imma resurrect this thread for a second.

Going along with what he has asked, what are the best places to buy a timing belt kit/components from? I've noticed that like Advanced/Autozone only carry a Dayco kit?

Rockauto

 

[Offroadmuch]

There are some great threads with detailed parts lists for the Gen 3, 3.8L timing belt jobs as well as work that is easy to do when the motor is taken down.
After having my truck for a little while I learned a lot about the motor. I did as much inspecting at home as I could and discovered that it had a timing belt job at about 143,000 miles. I have focused on some other items that will probably contribute to my offroad safety and survivability, (or at least keep me from paying extremely high tow truck bills and also keeping me from hearing my wife tell me how stupid I am for buying a 14 year old vehicle for the purpose of driving into the California desert,) so to that end I am going to replace:
-Fuel pump and filter
-Starter-OEM (these can go bad with no notice)
-Alternator
-tires -mine are old and almost no tread, street tires
-ABS brake booster motor (eBay rebuild or local guy out of Los Angeles)
Search some of the Gen 3 build threads and you will see some great write ups on parts lists.
Good luck-

 

[cr4x4cruiser]

RockAuto... x 2

You will likely never find the pricing nor the quality to be had at your local parts store, as compared to RA. Personally, I am using a combination of RA & eBay to source all of my required bits...

The shear lack of knowledge these days, AND parts non-availability at my local parts stores [national chains - especially A/Z] has seriously given me pause as to ever wanting for their advice and/or products these days.

Thank God for EXPO and this forum... seriously.

Good luck,

- Wm.