Good Morning , I changed the starter on my 96 4Runner last night. I just wanted to say Thanks to Alan for his tech write up , everything went just as he said. A couple of things I found that might help others...
I got the top bolt out by reaching through the wheel well with a short extension on the 14 mm socket. The bottom bolt was fairly easy to get from underneath with the u joint and long extensions. I also found that the starter came out of wheel well with the gear facing me ( outward ). About 2 hours and few Budlights later it was done. Having a second person can be helpful too. Have fun !!