Engine knock sensor. 4th gen SR5 V8

How hard of this is a repair to do? I've done a full brake job (calipers and fluid included), rebuilt solenoids in the transmission, and do other just general maintenance to the vehicle. It was born and raised in Virginia, so it's covered head to toe in rust. Every bolt is a fight to get off. I swear they spray the roads up there with "get recked" brand car part remover every day of the winter.

My other truck broke down (The one that I used to take garbage to the dump) and attracted some mice, I found evidence of them under the hood of the 4runner, I'm about 75% certain that they have something to do with those sensors.

The car isn't in "limp mode" per se, it's still drivable, although it is definitely hindered by some computer function (can be temporarily cleared by OBD2) but nowhere near the full "you're not going anywhere but home" mode like it did on my transmission solenoids. (Don't even get me started on "sealed" transmissions, and the half a dozen broken bolts trying to get the pan off).

Anyway, I've never pulled an intake manifold before, and was wondering how difficult it is a job to do. I went out and bought a 10x10 car tent to keep dust and leaves out because I don't have a garage, the dealer wants my first born child, AutoZone (or whoever) has the sensors for almost nothing. I know I'll need a gasket kit, but given that I've never actually started to take the engine apart, it makes me a little nervous. Does anyone have a parts list of things that I will need before I start disassembling the thing?

The car only has 130 something thousand miles on it, it's in pretty decent shape and runs well other than that sensor, and the rust that holds the frame together, which I suspect mouse have chewed through the wires.

Is this a repair that a normal "handyman" could do, or should I take it into the shop? They never take me out to dinner when I go to the shops before they give me the bill, so I'm more interested in doing it myself.

Any help or tutorials would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help guys.

 

Hello, I just finished replacing my starter (also under the intake) and these two videos really helped a lot! It's a two-part series. In case you can't access the links, go to youtube and search for a channel called Timmy the Toolman. I did this in my driveway with minimal tools. Take your time, be thorough and you'll get it done. You will probably need a helper.

https://youtu.be/dXpK5YG7-A8?si=pNLRQL_1fGic1Yu5

https://youtu.be/oD3TRFck2XQ?si=scva66wq8Ro3Y4xN