I just replaced my 4runner 1987 22re with 5 speed. The Ex ended up with my last one. I knew there were leaks when I bought it. So I was just underneath trying to determine what I needed to do to fix the leaks when I noticed there is a gap on the lower half of the bellhousing to engine perhaps 3/16 of an inch at the very bottom then less till no more gap about up half way. So I hate to ask a dumb question is this correct? Do I just start torquing the bolts? It just seems odd the top half looks fine.

 

So I just checked the bolts are tight, the gap appears to be mostly just at the two lower brackets that go to the engine.

 

snap a couple photos, and get as close to where the brackets bolt to the block as u can, i want to see the mounting.

 

 

it looks like the stiffener plate is hitting the lip on the oil pan at first glance, ive heard of people having to tap the oil pan lip back a tad, if all the other bolts are really tight, you may have to loosen them a bit to get that gap to close, which sucks because the top 2 are a pain, that isnt a 4 speed trans is it?

 

as long as your not having clutch problems I really would not worry about it.

Just look closer if and when you need to pull the transmission for a new clutch

Give that poor truck a good bath!!

 

Agreed, wash that sucker and then look for where leaks are coming from. Looking at it now, maybe it's a leaking rear main seal, and is dripping out the bottom of the bellousing.

Note that the 2 bellhousing bolts shown have much lower torque rating than the ones that bolt to the BLOCK. The ones you show bolt to the 2 mounts in the photo. How do I know? I snapped one once

That small gab is odd - could be the blocking plate got caught on something/bent at one point maybe?

 

I bet it has been like this since the new clutch was installed at a shop in Portland about 45K miles ago. I think the engine is leaking at the valve cover and I know the transfer case is also leaking at the rear seal because of worn bearings. I can grab the driveline and see the rear flange move at least a quarter inch. I am trying to decide about replacing the bearing and seal on the transfer case or picking up a used one for a c note. I also need to do a search about replacing gaskets on the engine.

 

Oil-eater is a good brand for me when I need to clean off the engine. Spray it on straight then let I sit scrub if needed hose odd with med/high pressure. Repeat till clean. Always wear safety glasses when spraying chems. It sucks when it gets in your eyes.