I figure I might want to check there for my fuel smell, I found no leak or any pooled fuel on the one side that I can see.

 

your fuel filter should be on the frame rail somewhere tward the back or around the intake manifold area, if its there its kinda a pain in the *** to get at. You made need to go through the wheel well. I cant remember exactly the location but on any truck those are the two most likely spots

 

I recently changed mine. Same model/year 4Runner,
The fuel filter is below the back right passengers seat/door hooked to the bottom right frame in case you still havent found it.

 

thanks for the help,