I've been trying to find the proper/fastest way to remove the starter on my 1998 4Runner Ltd. 4x4 and came across this

"I unbolted the starter and all the wires with the tire off. Once everything was done, there are 2 bolts that hold it together. unbolted them, the starter was now in 2 pieces and it will come out past the frame into the wheel well. broke the new in the same place inserted the two pieces rebolted them together and mounted the starter. Hook up the wires. Done 25 minutes. "

Forgot where I found that.

Anyhow, I was just under my truck looking and was wondering if i would have to remove the skid plates also. The starter seems out of reach for soem reason. According to the Haynes manual, it looked simple....

 

I found this from the tech section. It doesn't say anything about removing the skid plate. Have fun.

 

yah i think on the ltd 4x4's they came with those thingmachigs....i'll look again later....

 

When I replaced my contacts it was alot easier then this wirteup portrays. I didn't unbolt anything but the starter and it slid out, it was a close fit but removing anything but the starter fasteners is not necessary. maybe next time I pull the starter I should take pics and make a writeup. Following that writeup would take all day. I also pulled the rear skid plate but that's only 4 screws in about 1.5 minutes.

 

i wonder if it makes a difference being automatic vs manual transmission. did you take your wheel off?

 

Dang! When I had to R&R my starter I was cussing and fussing with that danged thing. I did mine at work with the lift and everything and I had a time getting the starter out. I wound up taking my sway bar off then having to use a big prybar to move the exhaust over just to barely slide it out.

 

No wheel removal, the tranny must be it.

 

used your idea with wheel off.... removed both wires, then one bolt holding trans dipstick tube removed, remove dipstick tube, then two bolts holding brake line in place.... remove them, then move brake line over a litle, then a little wiggle'n and it came right out..... mine is a 1998 4x4 sr5 4runner, might be a lil diff with the ltd.... but it worked. Not a real fun job though still.......

 

following along, I have the contacts and I need to get this done.

Are you guys implying that a manny tranny is easier to remove the starter on or an auto tranny? Just want to be sure I am getting it planned properly.

 

I have an auto trans. I had to flip the starter end over end 180 degrees, then fish it out the bottom. Very tight fit