Removal (4Runner 4WD)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove rear console upper panel and disconnect electrical connectors. Rear console upper panel is located on the top of the console, near emergency brake lever.
Remove heater control knobs from instrument panel. Using screwdriver, pry heater control plate from center finish panel on instrument panel. Center finish panel is the panel that fits around the radio and air outlet ducts, located at center of instrument panel.
Remove screws and disconnect electrical connectors from center finish panel from instrument panel. Remove center finish panel.
On models without 2-4 selector button on side of transfer case shift lever, unscrew knob from transfer case shift lever. On models with2-4 selector button on side of transfer case shift lever, remove screw from knob on transfer case shift lever. Remove knob from transfer case shift lever and lay aside with wire attached.
On all models, remove upper console panel which contains boot for transfer case shift lever and is located on center console. On models with 2-4 selector button on side of transfer case shift lever, disconnect electrical connector for 2-4 selector button and remove knob on transfer case shift lever.
On all models, remove screws, clips and front console box, located around transmission shift lever assembly and transfer case shift lever. Raise and support vehicle. Disconnect shift linkage at transmission shift lever.
Disconnect electrical connectors for removal of transmission shift lever assembly. Remove transmission shift lever assembly. Remove snap ring and transfer case shift lever.
Remove transmission oil dipstick, dipstick tube and "O" ring. Remove lower engine covers. Place reference marks on drive shaft flanges for reassembly reference. Remove drive shafts.
Remove front exhaust pipe, located between exhaust manifold and catalytic converter on rear exhaust pipe. Disconnect and necessary electrical connectors for transmission and transfer case removal. Separate wiring harness from transmission and transfer case.
Remove starter. Remove transmission oil cooler pipes and brackets as necessary. On 3.4L V6, it may be necessary to remove stabilizer bar.
On all models, support transmission with floor jack. Remove rear transmission mount-to-transmission crossmember bolts. Remove transmission crossmember, located below transmission and transfer case.
Remove torque converter cover from front of transmission. On 3.4L, note location of Green torque converter bolt for re-installation reference. Remove torque converter bolts. Remove transmission-to-cylinder block bolts. Lower transmission with transfer case from vehicle.