I'm a little confused as to why some of you are doing what you are doing, but apparently I am missing something from model to model.

In my 1997 4Runner 5VZ-FE I don't have to remove anything except the skid plates. As others have mentioned, you can get around the fan. And by the way, I do have two skid plates on the '97, as it seemed like at least someone though they had only one.

 

I can't speak to the second gen 4Runners, but the FIRST gen 'Runners only had 1 skid plate, with 4 bolts holding it on. Two in the front, right behind the chrome bumper, I think to the crossmember holding the radiator, and two in the rear, if I'm remembering right, holding it onto the crossmember that holds the 3rd member in. There's a big hook so when you loosen the rear bolts all the way off, and the front bolts about 1/2 way, the skid plate is caught, so it doesn't fall onto your face, which really hurts...not that *I* would know <ahem>. It also holds the rear of the skid plate up, so you can start all 4 bolts. That way, between the hook and 1 hand, you can line up the bolt holes so you can start the bolts.

Yes, the 3rd gen trucks have 2 skid plates, and you only need to remove 1 to get to the pulleys and their tension adjusting bolts, but you're right, you can reach the bolts in the center of the pulleys, as well as the tensioning bolts, without pulling the skid plates, but it's easier if you drop the front plate. That way you can see what you're adjusting, which is always nice. BTW, if you're going to do it without dropping the skid plate, a set of those ratcheting box wrenches come in REAL handy. I won't work on the truck without them, anymore.

Finally, yes, the belts come off around the fan very nicely. They go back on pretty easily too.

Does that help any, jhickok ?
Pat☺