I need to replace starter motor in my 2000 Toyota Tundra 4.7 L V8. Do I need to remove the upper and lower plenum?

I had the same problem. Intermittent issues with cranking then fairly often now won't start. It's the starter! Good luck on replacing it. $750 from the dealership. Here is a link on how to do it yourself for 2001 tundra:
http://www.yotatech.com/f28/4-7-litre-tu... I had the same problem. Intermittent issues with cranking then fairly often now won't start. It's the starter! Good luck on replacing it. $750 from the dealership. Here is a link on how to do it yourself for 2001 tundra: http://www.yotatech.com/f28/4-7-litre-tundra-starter-131576/

On the 2000 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 you will need to remove the intake plenum to access the starter.
There are 2 types of starter for the 2000 Tundra: (1) Is a 1.4kw (most common) (2) Is a 2.0kw (cold weather)
The cold weather starter motor is a bit larger than the 1.4kw starter motor. Though both starters have a 9 tooth bendix gear the 2.okw starter bendix gear is narrower where it meets the flywheel. This will produce an unwanted zipping sound as the gear releases the flywheel when the engine starts.
Be sure to completely inspect the teeth on the flywheel for damage before installing new stater. On the 2000 Tundra with the 4.7L V8 you will need to remove the intake plenum to access the starter. There are 2 types of starter for the 2000 Tundra: (1) Is a 1.4kw (most common) (2) Is a 2.0kw (cold weather) The cold weather starter motor is a bit larger than the 1.4kw starter motor. Though both starters have a 9 tooth bendix gear the 2.okw starter bendix gear is narrower where it meets the flywheel. This will produce an unwanted zipping sound as the gear releases the flywheel when the engine starts. Be sure to completely inspect the teeth on the flywheel for damage before installing new stater.