3VZ-E Service Guide
The 3VZ-E Service Guide.
A km-by-km maintenance manual for the 3.0L V6 that carried the 2nd-gen 4Runner — and shipped with a factory-known head gasket weakness. Cross-checked against Toyota's factory manuals and 8,500 owners in the Surf Syndicate community. Free.
Get the free guide ↓Written for 2nd gen (VZN130, 1988–1995) owners.
What's inside
The SSC head gasket recall
Check the sticker, understand what Toyota's Special Service Campaign covered, and know what to do if yours was missed.
Timing belt at 96,000 km
The belt, water pump, tensioner, and seals — the four-part job that keeps this engine alive.
Part numbers we trust
Genuine, OEM, aftermarket. The list of parts that go the distance — and the ones we've stopped selling.
Honest dollar values
Real NZ costs for head gasket work, timing belt service, and the jobs you'll do at 200k and beyond.
I'm Campbell.
I built this guide by cross-checking Toyota's factory manuals against the 8,500 owners in the Surf Syndicate community. Every fault, every fix, every part number we've tested.
Campbell, Surf Syndicate
Backed by 8,500+ Hilux Surf and 4Runner enthusiasts in our NZ community.
We'll send the guide to your inbox in the next couple of minutes. Plus a welcome code for 10% off your first order.
A few quick answers
Is it really free?
Yes. No catch. Free PDF, delivered to your inbox in the next couple of minutes.
Why are you giving it away?
Because we sell parts for these trucks. We'd rather you keep yours on the road for another decade than have you get burned on a bad repair.
What's the 10% off code for?
Anything on surfsyndicate.co.nz that fits your 3VZ-E. Good for one year, one per customer.
Will you spam me?
No. Expect a handful of emails to help you look after the truck, then very occasional updates. Unsubscribe anytime.
