Title pretty much says it all. Im removing the 5vz out of my 2000 4runner and replacing all 11 freeze plugs and the timing belt/water pump. Anything else I should do while it out? Im no expert on these engines and this is not my DD, so time isnt a factor.

Anything cheap in parts cost that is a bear to do with the engine back in?

Or even things that are simple to check while the engine is out?

Do a compression check before you pull it just for giggles. Replace Valve cover gaskets if they even look like they are thinking of leaking.

How many miles on it? These engines dont require a lot of maintnece.

She's already on the stand. Is there a way to test compression while its mounted to a stand?

191k miles...

rear main would be a good idea. (all gaskets/seals would be a good idea as mentioned above)
you could pull the oil pan and check your magnets, pick up, and do a bottom end inspection.
good time to do headers if you cared to.
all the basic maintenance would be mildy easier while it's pulled.
maybe clean it up real nice while you can reach everywhere and paint anything you care to so it looks all pretty when it goes back in--this is only applicable if your as anal as I am.

also, this is the best time to go ahead and stick a 1UZ in

I did not know there were eleven freeze plugs for this engine. I hope my engine is out of my hands before having to change even one of them.

Can we get some pics when you have the chance?

Unless you were getting blowby at the PCV valve or the engine was burning oil, I'd forgo the compression test.

Starter contacts.

And x2 on the pics!

****. just realized I cannot loosen the crankshaft bolt with the engine out. Nothing to stop the flywheel from turning as I turn the crank bolt.

Impact gun.

headers. i know most people here are against them cuz they dont do much to these engines, but alot of the grief has to do with the pain to install while the engine is in the truck.

This is not my DD, its a car Im going to sell on. Just repairing for fun and profit. So not sure I want to go to additional expense of headers since Im already also replacing the cat converter. How much for average brand of new headers?

Would new headers include the replacement of the exhaust manifolds as well as the extended piece that wraps around to meet the upward portion of the cat converter?

i would pass on headers with your plan, i don't think any are cheap and the ones that are probably aren't any improvement over stock or worth the money

Cool, thanks for the suggestion anyway Pengwin. I'll think about it for my dd which is also a 2000 4runner! Bought this as a parts car, then realized its too good and complete to strip down.

My impacts are only capable of 250 lb ft of torque and arent getting the nut off. But its as good excuse as any to justify buying a new impact gun. Any suggestions on that end? I can spend $200 or so, but want a really professional quality impact gun for that money. Never shopped them before. I see an Ingersol Rand 2100G for sale on craigslist locally for $150. Seems like a capable gun from specs. Any ideas on that end guys?

This has turned into a non-4runner thread, but briefly and only so that I can get back to the repair at hand.

The homemade crank pully tool that most on here make for their timing belt jobs should still work with the motor on a stand. You'd just have to make sure your stand isn't going to slide or flip on you. Ill try and find a picture or two.

LOVE the sound of that. Homemade tool is alright by me, definitely. I'll smoke a nice Julietta until your reply comes through....

If you search around a little more you can find the actual dimensions. I made that wood one from the Depot for like $7.