Just did this. My fan started make a deep thrumming like the jet engines on a big Airbus on takeoff roll. A few comments:
There is NO reason I can see to remove the glovebox.
You do need to pull the kick panel. No one has explained how, so here goes.
1. Remove two forward screws from the plastic trim along the door opening, and lift the front edge away from the bottom of the kick panel.
2. Pull the kick panel BACKWARDS about two inches, which is all it easily goes. Then raise the bottom sideways towards the center console until it is loose.
3. Ideal implement for removal of the three screws is a 1/4" ratchet, short extension, and a T25 bit. It looks like an 8mm hex would work, but the Torx #25 works great.
Here were the culprits causing my noise:
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'99 4Runner SR5 5spd 3.4L V6 4WD(U.S), original '99 Talls in front, OME 906s in back, Hella fogs, Trekmaster shocks in front, Billy in back, no running boards, FIAMM horns, Alpine sound, Michelin LTX M/S2's, owned since new.
'97 HiLux SW4 5spd 4WD(Japan model bought in Brazil assembled in Argentina, very close to a 3.0 4Runner/Surf)
'71 FordWillys Jeep CJ5 (with straight six Ford Maverick 3.0 liter engine--lives in the mountains north of Sao Paulo Brazil)
My Backyard Frame Swap