Removal (4Runner)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove transmission shift lever boot retainer.
Pull transmission shift lever boot upward. Place shop towel on shift lever cap located at top of transmission on transmission shift lever. See Fig 1. Press shift lever cap downward and rotate counterclockwise to remove from transmission. Remove transmission shift lever with shift lever cap from transmission.
On 4WD models, shift transfer shift lever to "H4" position. Remove snap ring and transfer case shift lever. On all models, raise and support vehicle. Drain transmission and transfer case fluid (if equipped). Remove engine under cover(s).
Remove drive shaft dust cover (if equipped). Place reference mark on drive shaft flanges for reassembly reference. Remove drive shaft(s) as required. Disconnect necessary electrical connectors at transmission and transfer case (if equipped).
Remove necessary exhaust pipe components for removal of transmission and transfer case (if equipped). Discard exhaust pipe flange nuts and gaskets. Remove clutch release cylinder with hose attached and secure out of the way. Remove rear cover plate.
Support transmission with transmission jack. Remove crossmember. Remove starter connectors and starter. Slightly lower transmission. Remove transmission mounting bolts. Slowly pull transmission and transfer case (if equipped) rearward.
Remove breather hose located between transmission control retainer and transfer case upper cover. Remove rear transfer case mount. Remove drive shaft upper dust cover, transfer case-to-transmission bolts and transfer case from transmission.
Place reference mark on clutch cover and flywheel for reassembly reference. Alternately loosen clutch cover bolts until spring tension is released. Remove clutch cover and clutch disc.
Remove clutch release fork and clutch release bearing from transmission (if necessary). See Figure.

Fig 1: Removing Transmission Shift Lever (Tacoma, Tundra & 4Runner)