1995 Tacoma V6 4X4 Starter Removal/Replacement

[tempestdude]

Hello All,
Tried posting this last night, must have done something wrong. I am looking for tips on how to remove/replace the starter on my 1995 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. It has the 3.4L V6 with Auto trans. Once I get the starter out, I plan on replacing the contacts and reinstalling it. The procedure must be a little difficult since several dealers quoted 2 1/2 hours for R&R. Does anyone know if the exhaust needs to be dropped or the passenger side motor mount removed? I can get at the 14 mm bolts on the starter, but getting it out of the truck is the problem. Does it have to come out the bottom, the fender well or the top? I appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Brian R.]

I am not sure of your exact truck, but many some 4Runners take the starter out through the wheel well after removing the liner.

[95taco]

hey,
I just replaced my starter on my 95 taco. I'm not gonna lie to you it was a pain in the ass. Originally i was told the exhaust would need to be removed but once I get the starter loose you have to spend some time and you can wiggle it out through the bottom.

[SEAN_at_TLT]

I have only replaced the starter on a 3.4L that I swapped into an '89 4Runner. The older trucks have a removable metal flap that bolts in to the inner wheel-well and when removed, you can wiggle the starter out fairly easily. I would think that newer trucks would have a similar setup. Remove the rubber splash guard and see if there is a removable panel or maybe enough room to remove it that way. Also it might be easier to loosen the body mounts and lift the body slightly off the frame than trying to loosen rusted exhaust manifold bolts (they often just snap off).