Was reading up the factory service manual regarding timing chain removal and install. It says you have to drop the front dif and oil pan. Why is that?? 90' 4runner with a 22re.

 

Because the timing cover bolts to the front/top of the oil pan and the bottom of head, one of which needs to be at least slightly moved out of the way in order to get a good FIPG seal when you put the cover back on. Would you rather pull the head?

If your timing guides disintegrated, it's a good idea to drop the pan anyway to clean that stuff out.

 

It is a personal choice I always pull the head .Most times the head gasket has failed

If the head comes off it gets a new timing chain kit

If it is time for a timing chain a failed head gasket can`t be far behind. The way my luck goes

 

Thanks for the input guys. Nope don't need to do timing or anything on my truck, just curious as to how to do it!