2003 4wd actuator tutorial

I diagnosed my 4wd issue as the front actuator. I won’t go into detail on how to diagnose as there are a bunch of other great threads on here telling how to do that.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-trouble-shoot-4x4-actuator.263525/

Also some good threads and YouTube videos out there on how to replace the front actuator on a 2nd gen. HOWEVA (Stephen A Smith voice) I cant seem to find anything detailing replacement on a 1st gen.

The big difference on the 1st gens compared to the 2nd gens is the rack and pinion is directly behind the actuator. What I can’t tell is if there is enough space to slide the actuator out. Anyone know? Do I have to disassemble the plastic cover/motor piece from the mechanical piece first and remove in 2 pieces? Or Drop the whole front diff??(I hope not)

I intend on taking some pics with a write up and possibly video since there isn’t much I’ve found. Would greatly appreciate any insight before I give it a go.

 

Took me awhile to find this.
https://youtu.be/gGEn84OJbLQ
It helped me and I have a 2003.