Engine in or out?

Hello folks!

A little bit of context, I bought a 300k 2007 limited last year and I've redone most of the suspension (only the original UCA are left). Had the frame evaluated first by a nearby toyota pro and he said I got a real jewel (I'm in Quebec so most frames of that age are rusted as hell).

Went offroad and busted both cv axles, got it towed, replaced them, figured out the brakes and links were about to go so I'm about to replace everything.

Initially, when I bought the truck I knew I had to replace the manifolds since they were leaking a bit so I got Thorley shorts and was planning it as my next step but, then I figured that since I spent 80% of my time trying to removed rusty and busted bolts, I've been thinking about pulling the engine out to facilitate the inevitable bolt extraction procedure. (I don't have a lift so I do everything cramped crawling within a 16 inches clearance).

I know I want to replace the water pump, timing belt, head gasket, also I think my parking pin is busted.

Should I try everything in place or just remove the engine and do everything at once while it's out. I have NO idea how much work it is to remove a 2uz-fe, been looking around but never found a completed guide.

What do you think?

Thanks a bunch!

 

I think it would be more work to pull the engine to do what you are looking to do. I know the manifolds are a pain, but can be done with the engine in. Not sure on the dimensions of the aftermarket DT headers and how they compare to the OEM manifolds. Can you at least buy some ramps to lift the vehicle up slightly more?

How bad is the rust? Pulling an engine is a lot of work for 'what ifs' on a broken or stuck bolt. Id probably try to spray every bolt you are going to remove multiple times with penetrating oil and let it sit for a couple days, then spray more, then just be super careful unbolting things.

My vote it to start with the engine in, see how it goes, if you do get stuck, i suppose at that time you could pull the engine?