Tips on Accessing 2nd Gen 2x4 Starter from Below

Hi everyone,

First time post after lurking for a while – I just changed out my starter on my 2013 Prerunner and thought I’d pass on a few tips on how to change the starter from below instead of through the side wheel well.

Most videos and forum write ups I saw talk about accessing the starter through the driver-side wheel well after removing the wheel and mudflap.

(Here are a few posts/videos I consulted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYmlLKz_yoA

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-need-a-how-to-remove-starter-2nd-gen-09-4-0.346224/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/starter-or-ignition-problem.331172/page-2

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/replacing-the-starter-2006-v6.810298/

)

For me, I had no problems accessing everything from below, which saved me the extra step of pulling the wheel, flaps and moving the brake line out of the way.

Your mileage may vary if your clearance is lower or if you have a 4x4. I have 33” tires and possibly a lift (?) (I bought it already modified with no info on mods), but looking at other 2nd gen stock Prerunners, I’m not too much higher. For reference, I measured 13” to the lowest point of my stock skid plate/splash guard.

Tools Used:
- Dewalt impact driver with right angle attachment
- 18" (3/8) ratcheting breaker bar
- 8" (3/8) ratchet
- 12mm, 14mm sockets
- Universal Impact Joint Socket adapter

After disconnecting the battery, I disconnected the electrical wire to the starter and the ground wire below it using a 12mm socket. Other tutorials listed the bolt on the starter as a 13mm, but mine was 12mm. Disconnect the other electrical wire by pressing down the tab and pulling it out.



There are 2 14mm bolts holding the starter in place. I was fortunate to have no rust on either bolt, which made removal easier. Removing the bottom bolt was straightforward enough - I used my impact driver to loosen it, then finished up with the 18" breaker.

I repeated the steps for the top bolt, which is out of view. When feeling for the bolt, I ran my finger along the slope of the starter housing to help locate the bolt. There are 2 bolts in that general area around the top bolt - the bottom one of the two is the one you want to remove.

Here's a view of how the impact driver fits accessing the top bolt.



And here's how the 18" breaker fits - using a ratcheting breaker was great, as I was really only able to ratchet a few clicks at a time (got mine from Harbor Freight).



Then, I was able to finish up with a regular-sized ratchet with a U-adapter attached.


And just for reference, here's what the area looks like with starter removed:



It was tricky getting the starter back in place - I found that utilizing the empty space above the starter helped the most. I was able to push it up back end first as far as it would go, then drop it down into position.

Hopefully this is helpful to someone.