Great post by OP. I used the clamp trick as well and highly suggest it. Without a doubt it simplifies things and reduces frustration.

To answer OP's question about how one would know when you are at 50 degrees (CW) ATDC, the answer is that the factory has a protruding stub on the degreed plastic piece. The stub is at 50 degrees ATDC specifically for this procedure. Of course, when you remove the damper and the plastic piece there is nothing left to index it back to 50 degrees should it rotate (without placing them back into position). Because of this, I marked the crank snout at 50 degrees ATDC with some layout fluid just in case of rotation. Assuming the keyway is in the same spot on all these 4.3L cranks, it's at 57 degrees BTDC (although as was mentioned an exact 50 degrees isn't imperative).

 

excellent video…thanks :-)

 

Sorry if this answer was buried in here somewhere, but would a 2006 70k mile car need the timing belt replaced from age, or should I be good to go to the 90k miles regardless?

 

The "Official" answer is to replace every 90K miles or every 72 months.

I know I couldn't give a definitive answer. The low risk approach would be to perform the service.

On a 2UZ I bought, the timing belt had about 200K miles on it and was 16 years old. I changed it first thing.

 

Do you feel lucky punk? Just kidding! I have a 2008 with 58K miles, and I plan to wait another year or two, but it is on my things-to-do list.

 

Haha! All right, there, Clint.

I guess when she goes, the valves and piston tops go as well, eh?

 

I have an 07 and replaced mine at 64K miles. The old belt looked fine without cracks or worn out. I guest we all did it for peace of mind.

 

Without a doubt, the mileage clearly isn't the problem here, the age is the issue. It's just not worth the risk to wait. Could end up costing you the engine if it breaks prior to being replaced.