All,

I am looking for recommendation:tips, tools, procedures,etc.

Is this something to do yourself? or just take it to the dealer?

I am thinking on just doing it myself, do you have any recommendation?

Thank you

I change my oil at 5000 with no problem you have to remove a small skid plate first. The oil filter was a different issue. The 2010 has a canister type filter which I haven't seen before so I visit the dealership and they said to just replace at 10000 miles.

Thanks for your response, what kind of oil did you go with?

IMO I would change the filter ever time you change the oil which I'll do at least ever 6000 miles. It's a very inexpensive way to maintain you motor.

A question for those of you that have done an oil change on a 5th gen. How much clearance do you need to lower the skid plate? Does using good old fashioned ramps get the vehicle high enough to lower the skid plate and get an oil pan under the drain plug and filter?

I changed mine at 5K with mobil 1 0-20W oil and new filter. Filter is nothing bad to change, its simular to aircraft engines so to me it makes sense. Believe its 50mm spade you want with 14 sides on the spade wrench, I had several laying around and one worked.

the biggest PITA is the front skid plate, because some weeny decided to put a half S bend in the hook, unlike all the 4th gens and 3rds gens I have owned with just simple dagger pin hook. so, it took me a bit of effort and jacking the truck up to get the skid off. I highly recommend grabbing pliers and bending till they break on the s hooks, this way next time you undue 4 bolts and presto, you are changing oil with zero jacking up or bull. that my opinion though. if you dont mind fiddling with them, go for it.

otherwise its a piece of cake, drop filter cover, change that out, screw back on snug, dont over due it, and replace oil up top, 6.5 quarts thank you very little... and you are off and running. reset your trip gauge so your service light is off, and try again in 10K miles. yes, 10K. as thats the new Toyota approved mileage interval. so that money you spent on Mobil One doesnt feel too bad now that you only do it at 10K.

Mobil #1 0- 20W. It took 6 quarts without the filter. I think you should remove the starter oil from 3000 - 5000 metal shaving etc.

Is there no small cover over the oil drain plug in the skid plate on 5 Gens, as there is on 4 Gens?

Here is a pdf of the factory tech manual on the new 4Runner lubrication system.The oil and filter change start on page 8.

FYI....An SST is a Toyota special tool and can usually be substituted for tools at Pep Boys or Autozone or the like.Like the 14 flute oil filter wrench for the oil filter cap.

The file is in my google docs like the parts manual I put up before.Feel free to download it and keep it for yourself.
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=...ZjRmNDgz&hl=en

IMO..... It would be easier to remove the front bumper lower cover completely .Then remove the #1 under cover sub-assembly that is hinged to have more room to work. Only takes an extra 3 bolts and 15 seconds to remove it.
I'm changing mine next week as I'm coming up on 7000 miles and will post some pics and a DIY thread. 0w-20 Mobil 1 and a TRD oil filter for me!

Thanks Harper, just downloaded it. That will come in handy since it has torque specs and all that for the oil cap. From the pics, it shows that we have an oil Cooler as well, thats nice to know. I've been wondering if it had one or not, my Tacoma had it since is was a part of the towing package.

Do you have any other documents that might have info about the suspension and chassis and what not? Just so I have the torque specs for when I install my suspension in a couple months. I have the one for my Tacoma, which I figured I could use if I cannot find anything for the 4Runner.

Thanks again,
nathan

harper7, thanks for the link to that doc. This will be helpful when I go to change my oil.

Thanks a lot for posting that, Harper. Would love some pics of the oil filter replacement part of the job when you get under there. I can't tell from the tech manual what you're supposed to do with that "pipe" and "hose" in section 5.

Ryan,

nothing to do with pipe, just changing the oil does not interfere with that. Oil change is easy minus stupid s hooks on skid plate. after you rip them off, its easy as 1 2 3

Ok. So it's basically just the same as any other oil change 'cept you have to dink around with the skid plate and know you're working with a canister filter...simple enough - thanks! Most likely doing my break-in oil/filter change this weekend.

Yeah, totally easy. the skid is the worst piece of design I have seen on any toyota I ever owned. but, I guess even they make flaws. otherwise, filter out, filter in, add your 6.5 Quarts of Oil and you are good to go.