So what's the trick to access removal of starter? Doesn't look like a space big enough to pass starter through. Thanks in advance.

 

according to my Haynes Repair manual you have to "take out the motor mounts on that side and on 4WD models you may have to take out the inner fender liner to access the starter motor". Sounds a little excessive to me but if you have the time and paitence try it!

 

I have had the starter off my wife's '97 4x4 2.7L twice now. It's really not that hard, but if the 2 bolts that hold the starter has never been off, they are hard to get broke loose the first time. I didn't take the motor mounts loose or anything. Here is a quick rundown. Start with the wheels turned all the way to the right, this will give you some room in the driver's side fender well. Remove the rubber cover that held on with clips(directly behind the shock and spring) You should be able to see the starter. Go underneath and diconnect the wires connected to the starter. There's a top and bottom bolt that holds the starter on. The bottom one is easy to remove, the top one is harder to get to, I use a socket to a swivel, then about 3 extensions. You may want a buddy or put something under the starter to catch it. Once starter is ready to come out, here's the hardest part, getting it through the fender well. You will take it between the back of the suspension and some brake lines and a block. Pull the end of the starter through first(the end that doesn't connect to the flywheel), then it's like a puzzle to get the other end through, but it will go. Just don't get in a rush and be carefull of the brake lines.

The first time I did it, it took me 4 hours to take off and 1 1/2 hour to put back on.
This last time it took me 30 minutes off and 15 minutes on, had a extra hand puttin it on.

 

Appreciate the details. Can probably get to the fuel filter too. My 22re's are a whole lot easier to work on, don't know what Toyota was thinking on this "new' motor design. Thanks again....