what I did Yesterday ....

They say "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger ..."
Working on a rusty 16yr old Tacoma is really testing that theory
Yesterday I replaced the Alternator and both Flex Rear brake Hoses and Hard Lines...It seems a lot easier when they do it on YT. lol

 

I dig the oil filter relocation point. I've never seen one mounted upside-down - no issues there? (not sure how I'd tell anyways )

Did a starter on my little honda fit the other day and decided I didn't need to follow factory procedure and would bang it out in 2 hours. At 2.5-3 hours I wasn't far off, but every second sucked and the backs of my knees were killing me

Good on yuh for seeing it through! That old alt looked crusty!

 

Pretty sure all 4.0s are like that
Sure makes sense, doesnt it?

 

Thank you!
The oil filter was in that location when Purchased the Truck.. I always assumed its a "Stock Location" for the V6 engine...
Every time I work on this Truck my back suffers for it lol. The Alternator was still charging but the Bearing was making noise and when I checked if after removing it i could not get it to turn a full circle without it binding up half way around.

 

That is the stock location for the 2nd gen 4.0 oil filter. It makes it so easy to change the oil. I wish more cars had the oil filter up top.

 

That's such a stark contrast to the 2.7
Filter's over by the front passenger wheel well mounted the opposite way. Every time I get under the truck I swear it moved just a little farther away!
I hear you about the back pain too. Try my darndest to avoid bad back posture while wrenching, but in so doing the strain just transfers to the back of my knees and my shoulders/neck. Typically I manage better after a good night's sleep, but who's sleeping well when they've gotta mix a 'new to them' repair into their day?