its really not too bad, you should replace the timing belt and timing belt tensioner while its apart. it took me a couple hours to do mine. You can buy a kit that comes with the timing belt stuff and water pump together.
i ran into that problem a couple years ago, i ended up putting wheel spacers on them and i could fit 12.50R15's without the spacers 15'' rims hit my brakes
I got some extended cv boots designed for extended travel in lifted 4runners, they work great. no cracking or anything
https://www.allprooffroad.com/9602frontsuspension/282
this is the link...