I have a 97 4 runner limited. To change out the starter you need to jack up the front end. Remove passenger side tire then remove fender
liner which will expose the starter. Then I removed the skid plate for access from the bottom of the engine so you can get to the bolts in the bell housing .Remove the negitive battery terminal. You can disconnect the positive pole and the other power feed through the fender that is connected to the starter. disconnect the dip stick, the dip stick tube is in two sections, unbolt the tube inside the engine compartment ( one bolt) then slide tube out and set aside. You donot need to drain out the tranny fluid. In the wheel well disconnect the brake line brackets from the frame (two bolts) use a cable tie or peice of string to keep it out of the way. there are two bolts that are in the bell housing which hold the starter in place, you can access them from under the engine.After removing these bolts the starter will be free. You must take the starter out in two peices. Takethe two long threated bolts off the starter and the power feed from the soelnoid to the starter. The starter will be in two peices than can be removed through the wheel well. I purchased a after market starter which was smaller than the origional one. I was able to put the new one in without taking it apart It sounds like alot of work but it was not that bad. It just took awile to figure out this procedure. Thats why I'm passing it on. It will take about an hour or two and a six pack when your done. Be safe ,use jack stands and drink the beer when you're done. Good luck
Starter Removal in 97 4Runner
Linear Mode
