I had to change out water pump, so was having issues with a very stubborn crankshaft nut. I tried air gun, and anything else I could think of. I finally called the Toyota shop and asked the techs there what they did. They said all they do is get your socked on the nut, with a breaker bar, rest the breaker bar on the driver side frame, and turn the engine over just once. This will break any tough nut loose the first try. Wish I had thought of this before spending half a day trying everything else. Wanted to impart this lil tidbit for anyone elses ease of mind.

 

Just remember to put the bar on the correct side I did this trick several years ago and had the sides mixed up and I had my wife bump the starter while I held the bar in place.

Well one broke finger and a cracked rib later, I had that bolt loose

 

good idea

 

If you search for some of the Timing Belt or Crank Pulley threads, this is one of the go to ideas. I personally think that using the designed tool or making one yourself is better but that is just me. Because in the end, you are going to have to tighten it back to 217 pounds, right?

 

to tighten it back up if the engine is out I use a screw driver to put throuth the cam sprocket and rest on the head and then tighten it up. If its in the truck put in it 4 wheel and in like fifth gear with the hubs locked and the wheel chalk the tires.