[White 4x4runner]

Just did the contacts for my 01 and found it easier to slightly bend the trannies dipstick towards the exaust, undo the sway bar and tilting it up,and ever so slightly bend the line on the rack and pinion down. It made it like butter slipping it out and putting it back in.


Just thought I'd share my 2 pennies forth next guy that fights it

[blcktpgsr]

Great tip, I took my starter out in the same fashion, except I completely removed the upper part of the dipstick and just manipulate around the bottom. I also disconnected the sway bar and undo the fitting that goes onto the steering rack.

[White 4x4runner]

Originally Posted by blcktpgsr

Great tip, I took my starter out in the same fashion, except I completely removed the upper part of the dipstick and just manipulate around the bottom. I also disconnected the sway bar and undo the fitting that goes onto the steering rack.

You can't fully remove the dip stick unless you drop the pan(it's welded to it) I'm sure you knew bein under there though. I didn't undo the fitting just because the way I had it situated I needed 1/8 of an inch to clear the starter terminal. Pushed it down twisted the sway bar up and slipped it clean out. Install ticked me off because I just put it straight in without touching anything! Haha

[blcktpgsr]

I didn't mean the dipstick itself...just so you know you can detach the upper portion of the dipstick tube also.

[cj80cruiser]

Originally Posted by blcktpgsr

I didn't mean the dipstick itself...just so you know you can detach the upper portion of the dipstick tube also.

x2 that's what I did also. It was pretty stubborn but it finally came apart.

[White 4x4runner]

X3 haha I took the top portion off then bentnthe bottom section over