On Sat, 23 Sep 2017 18:32:40 +0000, Stormin' Norman wrote:

On Sat, 23 Sep 2017 17:59:25 +0000 (UTC), Chaya Eve
wrote:

On Sat, 23 Sep 2017 14:47:08 +0000, Stormin' Norman
wrote:

The splines on the clutch disc must line up with the splines on the
flywheel.

When the pressure plate is tightened in place, the clutch disc is held
very firmly in place. Without aligning the splines first, you will
likely have a very difficult time inserting the transmission shaft
through the clutch disc and into the flywheel.

Most DIYs seem to gloss over this step.

As an example, this DIY at time 331 seconds, simply shows the bright red
centering tool already in place!
https://youtu.be/S5xSOy03NAg?t=331

That same video, shows at time 352 seconds, a *different* centering tool.
https://youtu.be/S5xSOy03NAg?t=352

I did a search on "using clutch alignment tool" and came up with this
video:


I don't recall using anything but a broomstick and my eyeballs last time I did a clutch.
Of course that was a '66 F-100 3-speed. I bought a new flywheel - it was only 50 bucks.
Not saying that's the same as a 4Runner, and the OP should go with the flow.
I did ruin a pressure plate on my VW, and had to do the job twice.
Don't support your trans - engine in the case of the VW - in sand.