cdextreme

Trying to drop my oil pan as my left side chain guide was broken. I have seen that there is 2 ways. How hard is it to remove the front diff. I have a 92 4runner with the 22r3.

Matt16

I recently dropped my oil pan and found timing chain guides, chain links and bolts in there from the last owner. They didn't seem to be doing much harm. The guides are pretty dense plastic, so they don't float around.

It seems easier to me to drop the diff. Its not hard, just really heavy (70lbs?, but you're in an awkward position. Anyone know where you can let to front diff pivot on the front mount and drop it that way enough to get the oil pan out?

toytech76

If you just want to replace the one guide, you can. We do this all the time instead of tearing everything apart. If you need to replace the whole timing set then yes, tear it apart. Honestly there is no reason to replace it all unless you have a ton of miles on it. You can remove the valve cover and cam gear to gain access to the guide. Use a bungee to keep the chain pulled over to the right side. Use a long straight 12mm box end wrench to loosen the 2 bolts holding the chain guide. Use a telescoping magnet to spin the bolts out. Remove the old guide. You will need to make a tool about 12" long with a small 90deg at one end. You can use the straight portion of a coat hanger to make one. Once the tool is made, slide the new guide in (you can buy the individual guide from toyota) and put the top bolt in the hole with the magnet. Use the tool you made to hold the bolt in the hole while you spin the bolt in with the magnet. Once its threaded, just spin it in all the way and repeat for the lower bolt. Once they are spun in, tighten with the wrench. Its actually a very easy process and a hell of alot quicker and easier than removing everything to replace the whole chain assy if you dont need to

cdextreme

Doing a head gasket and timing chain. Also had an intake and exhaust leak, figured this was the best thing to do

Matt16

I guess i should have asked, are you trying to remove the bits of T chain guide from the pan?

cdextreme

Ya, but im not sure if its just little bits. the only part left of the right side was the flat part that it mounts to. My oil pan bolts are all off and the oil pan is loose.

rustypigeon

I remove the differential to get the pan off. There are two mount bolts and 6 or so bolts on each axle shaft. I use a floor jack to lower it and get it back into position. It does not take too long and then you have plenty of room to work underneath.

91Toyota

Yep...2wds suck

Just remove the diff...it will be easier

Skinsfan6

I don't know about a 92, but on my 87 4runner there are 12 nuts you have to remove to disconnect the CVs from the front diff. There is one mounting bolt for the diff in the front on the crossmember, two in the back above it, and two on the drivers side. If it's your first time taking it out it may be difficult getting some of them to break loose. I took my front diff out this past Wednesday night, so it's still fresh in my mind.