Trouble with engine air filter housing?

So I know it’s probably the most basic maintenance on our Tacoma’s. However I cannot seem to remove the housing for the engine air filter. I undo the clips in the front, the back seems to be stuck and won’t come off. Any tips on how to remove it? I don’t want to pull to hard and snap the plastic.

 

The back uses hooks.

Release the clamps. Open a couple inches. Pull towards the front of the truck. It should release with a firm tug.

I am assuming you have the 1GR-FE (4.0L V-6) engine.

 

It is easy once you know how.
When you pull on the front of the housing, reach your finger in and pull the air filter into the part of the housing your removing. Then you can slide it forward and then the back will unhook

 

I take the hose off when I do mine, it makes the air filter much easier to get in and out.

 

Yes. I do too.

 

Cool. My hose clamp is extremely rusted, I was thinking about removing it but I would hate to destroy the only bolt I have for that clamp

 

I can see where that would be a problem, we are lucky enough not to have to deal with rust here.
I would have to check but I believe the spot on the hose for the clamp is wide enough that you could use a standard worm drive clamp of the correct diameter in place of the factory one.
(Edit) Just looked, the space is plenty wide to use a standard worm drive clamp there.

 

Thank you. The tip that I should stick my finger into the housing and push the actual filter into the housing I’m removing worked.

 

Yea I’ve done one or two lol.