I just placed an order for the 2.2" pulley with URD which I hope to receive soon (I believe they are out of stock currently). I wanted to know if there are special tools required to remove/replace the stock pulley.

I searched on the web and found this site:

http://www.minitruckinweb.com/tech/0501mt_tacoma/

It looks like a gear puller was used. Is this the preferred method?

 

I just took off my stock 2.37 DIA pulley and I needed a strap wrench to hold the pulley while I took the top nut off (that thing was loctited on good and solid).

And the pulley slid right off, it is such a perfect fit I was in shock how it didnt move even a sliver when I moved it left or right but it slid off smooth as butter.

Now the URD pulley was another matter, I had to sand paper off all the powder coating inside (maybe its paint) and after 45 minutes of using a high grit sandpaper I was finally able to push her on with some oil.

And there is a def performance increase

good luck bud

 

Yes, a puller is preferred. Either a 2 jaw or 3 jaw will work. I use one of those smaller sized oil filter wrenches to hold the pulley while loosening or tightening the nut. Holds well and not a pain in the ass like a strap wrench is. A word to the wise---do not under any circumstances use a hammer of any type on the new pulley putting it on. That will cause the shaft to move back in the nose housing and the backside of the new pulley will rub. There has been more than one guy in my garage that has done that. A lot of times the URD pulley has to be "polished" inside for it to slide on easier as Jimmy said. I do this with a Dremel and one of those small barrel type sanding bits. Easy does it on that step. I always use never-seize on the pulleys so they are easier to remove later. You are going to like the pulley for sure!

 

thank you both...looking forward to the install.