First self-done oil change in the 4runner...

Martinjmpr said:
:wtf:

Did you remove your inner fender liner?
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THE biggest tip for changing oil filters on the 3.4: Don't overtighten it! It's extremely easy to reach in over the frame from the wheel well and take the filter off if it is not installed super tight. Just move the rubber flap out of the way....sometimes there are plastic pins holding it in...other times those push pins have been long since lost, and the flap is totally loose.



All I use for an oil change: 3/8 drive ratchet, extension and 14mm socket. Not a single other tool. Except a funnel. :) The valve cover sits pretty low to just pour a 5qt jug in accurately.
 
I have done three oil changes on my adopted 4runner (it's actually my girlfriend's). I now have the sequence down to a science. The last time not one drop of oil hit anything. Here is the secrets.

No need to jack it or remove a tire or the skid plate. You remove three fasteners to open the fender flap (no need to remove it). I put a funnel with a two foot hose up to the bottom of the filter to catch the oil and make it drain into the basin. I zip tie the lower end of the hose to the skid plate. This keeps the funnel in position. Unscrew the filter slowly reaching through the flap. Let the oil drain through the funnel into the basin. When it's done draining reach in through the flap and remove it with your hand.

This is the filter wrench I use. It's good for getting into tight spaces.
images


Using this method it's almost as easy as my '07 Taco V-6.
 
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Last weekend was my first oil change. I was really not looking forward to it after reading about skid plate dropping/fender manipulation.

When I finally went outside and actually looked at it, I felt even worse about it. My other two cars (Odyssey and e30) were so much friendlier filter-wise. It was like Toyota hated me...

I opened the hood and was looking at the filter in a melancholy resignation. In this malaise, I reached down under the alternator for no particular reason, grabbed the filter and vented frustration in the form of a CCW twisting motion.

And twist that sucker did. I tightened it back up, ran and got a towel, stuck it under the filter and unscrewed it. I probably dripped some, but I did not care. I snugged the new filter up by hand; the torque spec is pretty low (~18 lb ft, I think).

I don't plan on having to get under/alongside the car to change the filter anymore. I'm just going to keep it to hand tight.
 
BTO said:
I put a funnel with a two foot hose up to the bottom of the filter to catch the oil and make it drain into the basin.
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Best advice yet! My wife's 06 Highlander has a built-in funnel under the filter - Best Idea Ever.
 
I take off the skids.
Use what's known as my hand to unscrew it.
Wipe up with a rag.

It's only supposed to be like a 3/4 turn after the seal contacts the block.
 
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Did my first oil change a month or so ago. I took off the skids and was able to turn the wheels out and get the filter through the wheel well. As for putting the skids back on that's not happening until I get 6 new bolts and drill out the 2 that sheared off...

Edit ** First post woot! Found a 97 4Runner 5 Speed with locker two months ago or so :D
 
bike said:
Did my first oil change a month or so ago. I took off the skids and was able to turn the wheels out and get the filter through the wheel well. As for putting the skids back on that's not happening until I get 6 new bolts and drill out the 2 that sheared off...

Edit ** First post woot! Found a 97 4Runner 5 Speed with locker two months ago or so :D
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The bolts for the skidplate are M8 x 1.25 and about 40 mm long, just in case anyone else is wondering.
 
Man, taking off the skid plate to remove the oil filter? Some of you guys like to over-complicate your life. :boxer:

I just go in through the inspection flap, too.

The grippy texture of the Pure1 filter makes it pretty easy to remove by hand once the seal is broken with a filter wrench.
 
I always take off the Skid to take a look at stuff underneath to make sure there are no leaks or other things going wrong down there.
 
Pure1 seems to be the choice here, and I've been using them myself on all my vehicles for a long time. I did buy a box of 10 Toyo filters at a pretty good price so will be using them on my two T4R's and the '06 Highlander for a while....
 
I just changed the oil on the 4runner for the first time since owning it last weekend. I did not remove the skid plates, just pulled the flap down in the driver's side fenderwell with my wheel cut all the way left, and the filter was on there tight as hell, probably tightened by a wrench the last time it was changed. I did not a have a filter wrench attachment at my disposal so I had to do it by hand which was a huge PITA :ybrick: ..but next time it won't be as difficult hopefully because it's only hand-tightened now.
 
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