I'm Going to be replacing the starter in my Girlfriends 4Runner this weekend. Are there any tips I should know about before going about this? I tried searching but the only things I could find were from almost 4 years ago and any pictures that were there are gone. I have replaced starters before, on a land rover, but never on a toyota. Any help will be appreciated, as well as any shortcuts. Thanks
Dan

FYI, don't replace the starter, just put new contacts in it. That's all you need. The starters you get from the parts store are junk. The Toyota starter will last you a lifetime if you just keep replacing contacts. (unless you fry it from hooking your battery up wrong or something)

My write up here on 4x4wire, but for a 3.0

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/


Yotatech write up for a 3.4

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=76347


I've had people email me and tell me they were able to replace the contacts in the starter while it was still in the truck. Just unbolt it, and get it into a position to where you can work on it. This will keep you from having to wrestle with it trying to get it out.

If I rebuild it, can anyone give me some part numbers that I need for the contacts or anything else. This thing has over 200,000 miles on it, and I'd rather not have to pull it out again. I've also had to tap on the starter a few times when stranded several miles from home to get it to break free. I would assume that this is detrimental to the magnets inside. I don't mind rebuilding it if I know it will be 100% again and won't leave my girlfriend stranded somewhere. That page will be really helpful on Saturday

Thanks again
Dan

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

When I replaced the battery side contact on my 99, I did it with the starter lying on the frame rail (much easier and quicker than trying to maneuver it out...). There are 2 contacts and a plunger, but mine only needed the battery side contact (28226-54340 for the kit) (motor side contact and plunger had little to no wear) and I ordered it from the dealer for $6.32 and they had it the next morning.

hupptoy

Thanks for the links and tips. Theres a local shop here that rebuilds starters and alternators. I'm going to pull the starter and inspect it and see how badly things are after being hammered on. Thanks again

Dan

Got everything back together, but there seems to be some pop comming from the speakers with the radio on as the solenoid engages. Went well otherwise, and fires right up.

Dan