First I've found there are at least two different part numbers for the 3rd gen 4runner trans filter.

I had both 60020 and 60030 on hand. 60020 came out so thats what I put back in.

The pan bolts are 5ftlbs and came out very easy. The gasket was an actual gasket and the pan came off easy, no prying

I was able to pull the dip stick off the pan from underneath without unbolting the mount. Was faster since I dont have a closed on ratchet wrench

I had to disconnect the sway to angle the pan out

Valve body bolts were all torque'd down

I had just changed the fluid a year ago so what came out was still cherry red

There was no sludge at the bottom of my pan and only one magnet had a few metal shavings, otherwise very clean. No sludge anywhere

I used brake cleaner to go over the inside of the pan anyways and let it dry before reassembly

Ended up putting 6 quarts exactly, back in

Overall happy with the progress of the job and the results and findings

Thanks for posting-- I've been very hesitant to crack open my transmission pan on my 2000 4x4 3.4 because I've got the filter ending in 60020 on hand.

Everyone seems to say the 60030 is the right one.

But, glad to hear the 60020 worked on your 4x4

Is there any way to tell which filter you need before dropping the pan?

Go on a Toyota online parts seller website and look up your year and model 4runner.

Give the parts clerk your VIN, can also look it up on Toyota parts store websites - VIN will be definite

I doubt there's harm using the 30 for the 2 hole cars, I wouldnt use the 2 hole filter on a 3 hole trans however