After 263,000 miles it's time for a new timing chain/guide set in my 98 Tacoma 2WD with the 2RZ-FE 2.4 liter motor.

I have been searching the internet for info on this and haven't turned up much. Found some on the 3RZ-FE 2.7 liter, and while it appears to be quite similar to the 2RZ-FE it seems the the 3RZ has balance shafts and the 2RZ doesn't. I'm not sure if that is correct or if it really makes any difference for this project though.

I've done several timing set swaps on 20R and 22Rs but this is my first with this newer-gen motor.

I have a few questions already so I will start there:

1.) Do you have to pull the head and/or pan to do this project? It seems to me like you might have to do that to get good sealing where the top/bottom of the timing cover mates to the head/pan.

2.) Any suggestion on brand of parts? There is a HUGE price difference between the online sellers/name brand/Toyota parts.

3.) Any hidden bolts or weird stuff (like the hidden bolt under the oil puddle on the front of a 22R head haha). Any special tools required (besides a good harmonic balancer puller)?

4.) Anything else I should replace while I have it tore down? I was planning on the water pump of course (it is also the factory original!). Changed all the belts/hoses and the idler pulleys about a year ago.

Hoping anyone here on the forum that had some input on this project could jump in and give me your thoughts/ideas/tips/tricks...thanks!