Aftermarket skidplate/oil change question

[patkelly4370]

I currently have OEM setup. I'm about to do my first 4runner oil change.
I remove a cover plate to access the drain plug.
My question is:
Aftermarket skids have hole to drain the oil. Do you leave the OEM cover off with aftermarket skid?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Captsolo]

I have a 2005 SR5 with the same skid plates as yours.
The piece that allows you to drain the oil has been gone on mine for years. Apparently one of the mechanics that changed my oil over the years just left it off.

I'd leave it off. I think that piece is "plastic" but not sure as mine has been gone for years.

I do my own oil changes now. Fooling with that "plate" on every oil change is absurd.:target:

 

[spartacus]

I think most if not all have an access for the drain bolt some like rci have a panel with a allen bolt to cover the drain bolt.

 

[pDubs]

^The RCI skids have a hole drilled in for the drain plug. Then a window with allens for the oil filter.

I have full RCI skids. I have found it's not worth leaving the skids on to try and do an oil change. Twice now (don't really know why I tried a second time) the oil poured out through the hole in the skids fine at first, then began coming out slower and literally went all over the top side of the skid plate. Oil was then seeping out in between the front and transmission skid, out the sides, just everywhere.

Same goes with the window for the filter. I think the only way it would work well is with the fumoto drain valve with tubing coming down through the hole, and the motivx filter drain tool as well.

Toyota 4Runner Oil Filter Tool List for DIY Oil Change from Motivx Tools

 

[patkelly4370]

^The RCI skids have a hole drilled in for the drain plug. Then a window with allens for the oil filter.

I have full RCI skids. I have found it's not worth leaving the skids on to try and do an oil change. Twice now (don't really know why I tried a second time) the oil poured out through the hole in the skids fine at first, then began coming out slower and literally went all over the top side of the skid plate. Oil was then seeping out in between the front and transmission skid, out the sides, just everywhere.



Same goes with the window for the filter. I think the only way it would work well is with the fumoto drain valve with tubing coming down through the hole, and the motivx filter drain tool as well.



Toyota 4Runner Oil Filter Tool List for DIY Oil Change from Motivx Tools

That was my next question.
I just ordered the Fumoto valve. I was wondering about clearance to the skid plate.
Also, has anyone broken or worn out the plastic oil filter housing? Flip flopping on whether to buy the metal housing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[pDubs]

That was my next question.
I just ordered the Fumoto valve. I was wondering about clearance to the skid plate.
Also, has anyone broken or worn out the plastic oil filter housing? Flip flopping on whether to buy the metal housing.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

With the OEM skids I never had a problem draining the oil through the big window. It's the RCI skids that have a smaller hole and I had problems with.

I changed to a metal oil filter housing, and swapped the stalk on the inside of housing over after cracking my plastic one trying to remove it. I used this one: Amazon.com: Genuine Toyota 15620-31060 Oil Filter Cap Assembly: Automotive

 

[Twilghtzone]

Nope, the plate is steel. IMHO:Undoing 2 bolts is not a deal-breaker.
That said... an oil drain valve is a good investment (Like Fumoto).
Avoids taking the oil drain plug out of the aluminum pan.
Steel bolt/Aluminum threads... over (maybe lots'a) time the Aluminum will wear/strip out.

>"Also, has anyone broken or worn out the plastic oil filter housing? Flip flopping on whether to buy the metal housing."

I bought the metal housing. Works fine... just oil/grease/never-seize the threads as you put it in for the first time.

 

[shadow247]

Factory Skids on my 3rd Gen, and I just remove the plate every time. It's only once every 6 months anyway, and it gives me a good chance to look at everything that is hidden by the skids and give it a good inspection. I usually go ahead and power wash it when I've got it out and hit it with a fresh coat of rustoleum if there's any scratches on it.