Greetings;

According to the factory service procedure you do, but I have found that on most Toyota 22R engine applications you can wiggle the front cover out and back into place if you loosen the oil pan bolts enough to drop the oil pan down about 1/4 inch in the front, and then tap the front cover with a mallot to break it loose for removal. I have used this method on toytoa pickups many times; I don't see why it would not work on a 4-runner, as long as there is sufficient room to get the cover out of the engine compartment. Don't forget to take the valve cover off and remove the 2 small bolts just in front of the upper timing gear that hold the head to the front cover...

When reassembling, use a small amount of RTV silicone gasket maker to seal the front corners of the oil pan/ front cover joint to prevent leakage.

I hope this is helpful; if so, an accept would be most appreciated! Thanks!