I've been reinstalling the 3VZE engine of my 1990 4Runner and I found these brackets that I don't remember removing and I don't remember seeing. The re-assembly came some time after disassembly and I have a ton of pictures, none of which show these two items. I've looked around everywhere and I can't see what they mount to or what they might hold. If anyone can tell me what they are for, that would be awesome. Alternatively, if anyone can tell me if I even need them or would miss them or if they don't even go to my truck, that would be great too.

 

looks like the bell housing support brackets

 

yep they are ...



.

 

Wow, sharp eye RobertM and slacker.

Called stiffener plates here.

And since "lack of stiffness" in the engine-transmission connection does not sound like a good thing to me, I would definitely put them back in.

 

ThanX guys! After looking at the diagram, I started to remember removing these brackets. I would sure hate to be missing them.

 

Running without those plates is a good way to crack the bell housing, I've heard.

 

yea might be a good idea to put them back on..lol