First of all thanks to those who answered my questions when I got stuck. I just finished timing belt, water pump, both idler pulleys, tensioner, and V-belt installation.

I am definitely not an expert but I did save a boatload of money doing it myself. All parts were genuine Toyota except the V-belt which is a Dayco. I purchased all of the Toyota parts on Ebay for less than $160.00. Toyota wanted $525.00. I never called Lexus. The tensioner, timing belt, and water pump cost me a grand total of $77.95! Tundra's and several other Toyota vehicles have the same engine as the LS 430 so I looked for parts on Ebay in those areas. A seller had purchased a water pump and timing belt for his Tundra but sold it before he installed them so I got a great deal. I don't know the forum rules about mentioning where you can buy parts but here is tip number one. If an Ebay seller has a store and is selling Toyota parts cheap but doesn't list what you need call them direct. I did and got a great deal on the idler pulleys.

Tip number two. One of the DIY links below has the part numbers in it. You can call any Toyota dealer and give them those numbers if you can't find the part elsewhere. Probably cheaper than Lexus.

Tip number three. Anyone who has read about changing the Timing belt has heard what a bear it is to get the crankshaft bolt off. I recently changed the timing belt on my mother-in-law's Avalon and my 1/2" Ingersoll Rand impact gun wouldn't budge the bolt. I ended up putting a breaker bar against part of the frame and bumping the ignition to turn the starter to loosen the bolt. I came across a forum where the guys were talking about using a Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" "Earthquake" impact gun to take every stubborn bolt off. The gun is sold at Harbor Freight for $80. I figured what the heck and bought one. I have a 13 gallon Campbell Hausfield compressor with standard fittings, no big deal for an air compressor. My bolt had never been off. One squeeze of the trigger and the "Earthquake" backed that crankshaft bolt right out! If you are thinking about doing this job it's well worth the $80.

Tip number four. I aligned the camshafts and crankshaft to the timing marks and then moved them clockwise 50 degrees to put them in a safe position according to the manual. That belt is tricky to put on and on about the eighth try the left camshaft jumped forward about 45 degrees. I thought CRAP! I talked to a friend of mine who is a mechanic and he said to just turn the left camshaft clockwise back around until it was in it's original position. Worked like a charm!

Tip number five. I finally got the belt on and rotated everything around but kept coming up one tooth short of right on. I finally took the belt off, rotated each camshaft one tooth clockwise (didn't touch the crankshaft) put the belt back on and it worked perfectly.

Tip number six. Use the two tutorials below. One of them is on here.

http://www.shastaanesthesia.com/Lexus/Page1.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ent-ls430.html

 

Great write-up Lex2001 -

Appreciate your taking the time to pass on your valuable observations. Even tho I'm not one who'd change his own timing belt, I read all of 'em and know there are many in here who'll have a go at it and certainly will value your tips.

Thx much for your efforts -

 

ditto - appreciate the tips!

 

What a way to save some money.