can i remove the intake manifold and cams as one unit? or do i have to remove the timing components. i really dont want to mess with the cams

 

No, unfortunately to remove the heads to replace the head gaskets you will have to remove the timing belt and and cam pulleys. The camshafts will have to be removed to get to head bolts underneath. If you're going to the trouble to replace head gaskets I highly suggest you replace all components associated with the timing belt as well as getting your heads rebuilt. There are several threads here on HG replacement and have some great information. Good luck,
Bugs

 

I'm currently doing the same thing with mine... Unfortunately i cannot figure out how to take the crank pulley off to get the timing belt off the crank gear. Any ideas?

 

you are doing the hg, and the crank pulley needs to come off??? i dunno..are you using a breaker bar?

 

Can you not break the bolt loose ir is the crank pulley stuck?

 

You don't need to take the crank pully off for a head gasket change. You leave that entire bottom section of the timing belt untouched. Unless you're also replacing the timing belt?

If you remove the tensioner you should have plenty of slack to slide the belt off the cam gears. Actually even if you remove just the idler on the top that has to come off anyways you should have plenty of slack.

 

keep in mind, guys, that toyota did a SLIGHT redesign on the 3vze somewhere between 93 and 94... that means that the idler pulley for the timing belt...

so, the newer motors have a bigger beefier tensioner and, IIRC from when i did mine, a larger pulley diameter...

good luck...