when removing the oil pump, do i have to remove the oil pan too? (i already have the crank pulley, timing belt, t-belt covers, and water pump all removed.)

this is an 89 4Runner with the V6 5spd. all factory, no mods.

 

yes, you need to pull the pan

 

damn! i was hoping i didnt have to. so... whats the easiest way in the garage? drop the front diff i suppose?

 

That's what I did...although I have heard you can unbolt motor and jack that up.

What I did was unbolt diff, vacuum lines, and front crossmember (that diff bolts to) and left the axles hooked up.

This worked well for me, but I also had the tranny/flywheel off.