Recently imported a 2001 Town Box U63W 5 speed. 99300 kms into the US. I could not find a sticker or any paperwork regarding the timing belt being replaced. Therefore, I need to replace it, and might as well replace the water pump, among other things. Couple questions: 1. What's your go to source for timing belt kits? eBay? Amayama? yahoo auctions? 2. What's the cost for a kit? Looks like around US$350 or so - including shipping. This is one of those where I plan to have a mechanic with all the proper tools, perform the task. I can do other stuff - which I did already. Oil and filter change (3.3 liters Mobil 1 10W-30 advanced oil and Mobil 1 M1-108A oil filter). Bought the air filter element from aliexpress. Bought two of them for about $40, shipped. Planning to change out the spark plugs with NGK Iridium dcpr7eix, which should fit. Anyone know if they come pre-gapped or if I have to gap them? And what is the gap? Will change the transmission and transaxle oils. 75W-90 for both, is what I'm seeing. Is that right? Will be going with Redline MT-90 for the transmission and the transaxle. How much for each application? Brake fluid bleeding with DOT 3 fluid is on the list. DOT 3 is correct, yes? Any other tips/tricks/corrections would be appreciated. Thanks!
I bought my timing belt kit from eBay (US site). There are several sellers from Japan who sell the full kits (belt, tensioner, gaskets, etc.). You just need to verify that the part numbers in the kit are the ones you need. Read the description on the auction listing and cross match with part numbers you've researched. It'll be a surprisingly small ~$250 box when it shows up! My purchase took about 2 weeks to arrive from the time I hit "buy." While not Townbox specific, go and visit this site (https://www.jmtohiosalesllc.com/) and his Youtube videos, he has several where he does maintenance on Mitsubishi trucks. It'll give you a good idea of what you're in for. He also sells most, if not all, of the parts you'd be looking for as well.
Recently imported a 2001 Town Box U63W >>I had to look this up, sweet. Like a mini cab but boxier? Where is the engine, under the seat? 1. What's your go to source for timing belt kits? eBay? Amayama? yahoo auctions? >> Amayama and/or Partsouq depending on price. I avoid eBay and yahoo when it comes to these vehicles unless I know the seller / see history or kei part sales. If you need help finding parts let me know I can help 2. What's the cost for a kit? Looks like around US$350 or so - including shipping. >> I don't think there is a proper kit, is there? I had to order piece by piece. Remember to get a new spring for your tensioner and any other little parts you can think of "while you are in there" >> I ended up doing transmission cooler lines and radiator hoses as well. Flush coolant maybe. I opt'd to not change crank/cam seals since they were dry and looked like a bitch to replace This is one of those where I plan to have a mechanic with all the proper tools, perform the task. I can do other stuff - which I did already. Oil and filter change (3.3 liters Mobil 1 10W-30 advanced oil and Mobil 1 M1-108A oil filter). Bought the air filter element from aliexpress. Bought two of them for about $40, shipped. >> Good idea, IF you can find a mechanic who is willing to work on these cars. I got turned down by many and eventually just did it myself. It was by far the worst timing belt job Ive ever done lol no space to work. Way way easier if a mechanic could just pull the motor or get it on a lift to get better access. Planning to change out the spark plugs with NGK Iridium dcpr7eix, which should fit. Anyone know if they come pre-gapped or if I have to gap them? And what is the gap? >> Should be fine, just throw them in but plan on having a narrow wall / deep socket wrench , your average socket tool wont fit. If you are lucky you have the stock tool kit from car which might have it Will change the transmission and transaxle oils. 75W-90 for both, is what I'm seeing. Is that right? Will be going with Redline MT-90 for the transmission and the transaxle. How much for each application? >> Hmm, transmission and transaxle? one or the other....Bravo doesn't have a transaxle ( which is a combination of transmission + differential commonly found on FWD only transverse motors ) Does your Town Box have Transaxle? >> If automatic transmission just takes Multi ATF fluid, not gear oil >> If manual transmission , maybe gear oil but need more specific info about Town Box >> The transfer case is what sends the power around. That + the front and rear differential will take gear oil. 75w90 is fine, can go thicker if hot environment can go thinner if cold Brake fluid bleeding with DOT 3 fluid is on the list. DOT 3 is correct, yes >> I am pretty sure yes, look at your brake fluid cap, should say it there From my notes: As for the gasket part numbers best to check your specific model and/or plan on buying gasket kit from auto parts store with multiple sizes
It's like the Bravo, but relatively new-ish. The engine is under the front seats. Picked up a "kit" on ebay, that corresponds to my U63W model. Looks like the seller cobbled together all the things needed for a proper timing belt change. https://www.ebay.com/itm/286771263264 I have a mechanic ready to work on it. He has seen the vehicle in person. Shouldn't be a problem. Spark plugs have been acquired. Will be installing them this weekend. .08 is the gap from all the information I've read. I need to pick up some anti-seize and dielectric grease before the job. The van is RWD. So, just changing out the transmission fluid and the rear differential/axle fluid. DOT 3 fluid for the brakes. Got it! Thank you!
Picked up a "kit" on ebay, that corresponds to my U63W model. Looks like the seller cobbled together all the things needed for a proper timing belt >> Nice, Mitsuboshi is good Japan OEM belt. Used on Toyotas as well.... I think GMB is quality as well, I think that is the brand I used as well Spark plugs have been acquired. Will be installing them this weekend. .08 is the gap from all the information I've read. I need to pick up some anti-seize and dielectric grease before the job. >> You will most certainly need a thin wall socket or if lucky your vehicle may have a tool kit that has one The van is RWD. So, just changing out the transmission fluid and the rear differential/axle fluid. >> Sweet. Yeah so your transmission will run on ATF fluid ( I use Valvoline Multi ATF ) whereas rear differential is gear oil
Forgot to mention that the transmission is manual. Will run 75W-90 in both the transmission and differential.
oh gotcha, awesome.... Post some pics of that hot rod when you get a chance lets see what a town box is all about
