I think I'm going to tackle my valve cover gaskets this weekend. I'll probably adjust the valves while I'm at it. Can someone give me a rundown of parts I'll need. Have you guys had better luck with aftermarket gaskets over OEM? Any links to helpful writeups would be appreciated.

 

You should just need the cover gasket itself. Probably easiest got from the dealer. I've done valves on my 22RE so often it only takes me about 15 min, I just reuse the gasket so long as it's sealing well.

 

I got an extra Victor Reinz Valve Cover gasket set laying around here.

 

I went with Toyota parts when I did mine (for my 3.4 swap). You'll need:
22271-62040 - Throttle Body Gasket, $7
17176-62040 - Plenum Gasket, $9 (you'll need 2).
11213-62020 - Valve Cover Gasket, $20 (you'll need 2)
90210-05007 - Crush Washers, $0.75 (you'll need 16)
11193-70010 - Spark Tube Gasket, $2.50 (you'll need 6)

You'll also need some black FIPG (I went with the stuff from Toyota) and follow the FSM regarding how and where to use it.

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/...ylhea/inst.pdf (pages 6 and 7)

 

I forgot to mention, this is on an 02 4runner 3.4

 

These valves need shims to adjust. Do you have access to a set of shims of various thicknesses? If not, plan on some downtime while you order shims from Toyota.

http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/...alcle/insp.pdf

Replace the PCV grommet also.

Spark plug gaskets, page EM-48, step 2:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/...ylhea/repl.pdf