I bought a remanufactured starter for $150 (100% new inards, assembled in Mexico). Popped that baby in and started up the 4Runner <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I was totally stoked on Adam Fertig's article www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/ For my install/removal, I needed to also remove the top half of the transmission dipstick, unbolt and push out of the way the coil brake line in addition to removing the heat shield. Then, squeezing the starter by the exhaust manifold was a bear, only possible with the starter teeth facing the ground and the solenold facing the rear of the 4Runner. I was forcing it when I broke the plastic connection off the old one. Also helps to have an extra pair of hands and eyes to guide the starter back into bolting position. 12 point sockets were required...how did I get by for so many years with 6 point?

This wasn't an easy job for me, but I knew that it would be worth it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I'm sure that I will have other cars in need sooner or later.

Thanks for the encouragement,

Hugh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />