4Runner Help

Hey guys, I know this is a tacoma forum but I also have a 2nd gen 4runner with the pos 3vz-e and I am in the middle of replacing the knock sensor and I can't seem to get the lower intake manifold off because it's stuck to the block real good. I'm afraid to damage it. Any ideas on how to remove it without causing damage? I tried pulling on it, hammering it with a rubber malet and nothing. I don't want to pry on it since the heads are aluminum.

 

All bolts have been removed. I've never had this problem with the V8's I've worked on. A little tap and manifolds are out.

 

Head on over to yotatech.com or ultimateyota.com for more help if you don't get it here.

 

I finally got the manifold off this morning. It just needed some MacGyver engineering. Btw, I've got more responses from here than Yotatech and 4runner.org combined. Thanks guys.

I've also been taking pictures along the way, maybe I'll do a write-up.

 

It would be nice to see pictures and instructions on what it takes to remove.