hi guys, I know this is probably going to raise some prompt responses, but I had to ask anyway.

the deal is that I'm trying to replace my clutch over this weekend and because I'm trying to do this myself, I've been thinking of removing the engine instead of the trany and t-case.

My truck is an 87 22RE 4Runner, so what do you guys think?

which way is easier if you are doing it yourself?

I've never done a clutch replacemente before, but I have read some of the posts here and it does not seem to be too hard. I'm prety good with mechanical work, so doing this sounds like a challenge, besides, I will probably save myself a couple of hundred bucks.

so please help me out, pros and cons.

thanks!

 

Definitely pull the transmission.

 

In a truck like this, tranny's easier. To do the engine, you need to drain the cooling system, disconnect the wiring harness, fuel system, etc. It's more work. I've had other cars (IE: My Supra) where it takes less time to just pull the engine, but there's so much room under the truck, it's almost a no-brainer to get under there, unbolt the axles, bellhousing, and crossmember.

 

Drop the tranny and t-case.

Oh and be sure and check/replace the rear main on the engine. I did not and now have a leak......

 

I just did this with my 4runner, its gonna be easier to yank the trans/transfer than the motor.

I removed the transmission with the transfer case attached and then separated them on the ground to change the rear seal and adapter gasket. If I were to do it again I'd pull the transfer case off first cause its a lot more manageable if you dont have a tranny jack.

To change the pilot bearing I used the wet newspaper method on YouTube and it works perfectly.