3rd gen cam seals

[ghostmoney]

I am in the middle of doing the timing belt, waterpump, cam seals, and crank seal. Last weekend I did this to another 3rd gen 4runner and the cam seals removed very easily with the lisle puller
Amazon.com: Lisle 58430 Shaft Type Seal Puller: Automotive
This time they are stuck in there and the tool is not pulling them out and just tearing up the seal.

I need to change out the valve cover gasket and was wondering if I can just remove the front camshaft cap to get to the cam seals or if that would mess anything up.

 

[calisurf]

Oddly enough I actually have my valve cover off doing my gaskets, half moon, and rear seals. I am under the impression that the front cam seals don't go bad easily and therefore don't need to be changed often at all.

I'd love to know the answer to this question though on getting the front oil seals off.