2008 V8 Looking for a front skid plate

[CharlieV]

Looking for a front skid plate for my V8 4Runner. Seems that all the ones I have looked at have to be totally removed to get at the oil filter? I dont do my own oil changes and really dont want anyone removing the whole plate every time.

Does anyone know of a plate that has an access cover for the V8 Oil filter?

 

[Boort]

Looking for a front skid plate for my V8 4Runner. Seems that all the ones I have looked at have to be totally removed to get at the oil filter? I dont do my own oil changes and really dont want anyone removing the whole plate every time.

Does anyone know of a plate that has an access cover for the V8 Oil filter?

I've been eyeing the one from RCI (they are a Vendor here! and currently running a BF sale) Engine Skid Plate | 03-09 4Runner / GX 470 – RCI Offroad One of their highlights is "Service openings for easy service and oil changes without removal"
For an Extra $30-40 they offer a Fumoto valve upgrade to more easily drain the oil. Fumoto Valve – RCI Offroad

No affiliation other than a happy customer (Have their sliders on my '06)

Boort

 

[jcaino]

Have the RCI skids and the V8. I do not remove the skids for the filter and oil change. There's a hole to access the drain plug and drain oil - might go the fumoto route, but hasn't been an issue, only getting a drop or 2 on the topside of the skid. For the oil filter, i cut the side off a windshield washer fluid jug and use that beneath the filter to catch anything that drains out. Makes for a pretty easy change.

 

[AuSeeker]

Looking for a front skid plate for my V8 4Runner. Seems that all the ones I have looked at have to be totally removed to get at the oil filter? I dont do my own oil changes and really dont want anyone removing the whole plate every time.

Does anyone know of a plate that has an access cover for the V8 Oil filter?

Have the RCI skids and the V8. I do not remove the skids for the filter and oil change. There's a hole to access the drain plug and drain oil - might go the fumoto route, but hasn't been an issue, only getting a drop or 2 on the topside of the skid. For the oil filter, i cut the side off a windshield washer fluid jug and use that beneath the filter to catch anything that drains out. Makes for a pretty easy change.

If you don't change your own oil unfortunately there's no shop that's going to go to the trouble of making a "catch can" for the dripping oil when removing the filter, they're either going to remove the skid or just let the oil drip all over the top of the skid!!

Most of the guys they have doing oil changes are usually low paid employees and either don't have the brains, experience or just don't care to do it the easy way and if they remove the skid they are most likely going to strip or break skid plate bolts!!

 

[jcaino]

Actually think that depends a lot on the shop and anyone with an ounce of sense will go that route that saves them some time. If you're 'shop' is a jiffy lube or something, well, they definitely would be removing the factory skid to do your oil change anyway and you should probably find somewhere else to have it done.

 

[AuSeeker]

Actually think that depends a lot on the shop and anyone with an ounce of sense will go that route that saves them some time. If you're 'shop' is a jiffy lube or something, well, they definitely would be removing the factory skid to do your oil change anyway and you should probably find somewhere else to have it done.

I sorta agree with you, but I should have worded that a bit better and said...most shops....instead of...no shops...also I'm of the opinion that most shops are going to remove the skid plate because they're using impacts and that's faster than finding a jug and cutting it to suit the job and as we all know that going lead to broken, stripped, and crossed threaded bolts.

 

[Terminator03]

I sorta agree with you, but I should have worded that a bit better and said...most shops....instead of...no shops...also I'm of the opinion that most shops are going to remove the skid plate because they're using impacts and that's faster than finding a jug and cutting it to suit the job and as we all know that going lead to broken, stripped, and crossed threaded bolts.

I agree, especially since they’ll also use an impact to put them back on, which will strip them for sure. When I got my truck it was missing the skid, so I ordered a replacement from RCI with the filler panel. I opted for powder coated aluminum since it’s way lighter, but still way stronger than the factory sheet metal junk. I had to drill out and retap 3, out of 4 of the factory bolts which had their heads sheared off by a previous shop, or owner... I would never have my oil changed at a shop for that reason. There’s only 4 bolts, so it takes less than 2 minutes to drop the skid if you don’t want to deal with a mess, or make a diverter out of plastic for the filter, as someone suggested. I may try that next time, but removing the skid also allowed me to clean the inside while it was off, so the extra few minutes to remove it was worthwhile. I also coated the bolts with anti-seize so they will always come out easily when needed to. I thought about getting a Fumoto, but once the skid is off, I don’t see any real time savings there, for the risk of a potential leak at some point. If doing the change with the skid in place though, it would be a big help.