Hello all, I have a 1990 toyota 4 runner with a 22re. I currently have everything torn down to replace the head, and I believe the rear oil seal may be going out, and while I am in there I should change out the clutch. My thought is with how torn down it is right now and wanting to change out the clutch; instead of trying to drop the tranny I am thinking it will be easier to just pull the engine. This brings me to my questions I have never pulled an engine before, and I am concerned about how much room I will need infront of the engine. I currently have the radiator out but not the condenser I think it is called (the radiator like piece for the AC). Will I need to pull that to get the engine out? Also with the head currently off can I just bolt the engine hanger hooks into the blocks to pull it or do I need to put the head back on to pull it? Thanks

 

It is usually easier to put the engine and trans back together by putting the trans up to the engine. By this I mean you should drop the trans to change the clutch. Where you are it is easy to pull the motor but putting it back in can be a bit of a pain. Not a huge deal though. You can do it either way.

Just bolt the chain to whatever is there.

Just a side note:
If your clutch was working fine then personaly i would leave it alone. The clutches in these last a very long time if not abused since the engine does not have much power. Changing the clutch later is not a very big deal. Can be done in a day easy. Being torn down as you are is not making it any easier. I would just get her running good again and worry about the clutch when you need to.

 

Thanks Flash I appreciate it. Any guesses as to if I need to remove the condensor? How far does the engine need to slide forward to get off the tranny?

 

getting the radiator out is enough clearance, just have to be careful that the crankshaft does not hit the condenser while you're lifting or lowering the engine in to place.

To an extent, I agree that dropping the transmission is easier than pulling the engine but in the end you still have the same issues trying to line up the input shaft and clutch / flywheel. And if you have the proper engine hoist and slings, positioning the engine for re-installation isn't all that hard. (I did it on a 22re with auto trans several times over several days- dagnabbed torque converter.)

 

Good stuff thanks Abecedarian. Mondays the big day, I hope it goes well.